Rising Above

Kampong Pang village sits tucked away in a remote area in Stung Treng province, a quiet village where life revolves around the steady rhythms of rice farming and crop cultivation. But behind closed doors, hidden from the eyes of neighbors, 21-year-old An Pheary was fighting a silent, exhausting battle.

Before connecting with PNKS and Somleng Lang project, Pheary lived isolated within her own home, overwhelmed by mental health struggles and enduring daily domestic violence. Believing she lacked worth and fearing that others in her community would mock or be annoyed by her, she rarely ventured outside. Without warmth or encouragement in her family, she felt entirely hopeless about her future.

Everything began to shift in June 2021 when project staff from PNKS visited her village to mobilize local youth and vegetable farmers. Shortly after, a local savings group was formed; Pheary decided to take a cautious step forward by joining as a SKYE youth group member. 

At first, I did not really dare to express my opinions because I was afraid and nervous. However, when the teachers smiled and encouraged me, I stopped feeling as scared as before. When the group asked me questions, I use to worry that I would answer incorrectly and that people would mock me. But it was not at all like I thought...there was only support and encouragement for me

An Pheary, Skye Youth Group Members

Surrounded by a supportive network instead of judgement, Pheary's confidence soared. The defining turning point came when she was invited to attend a facilitation skills training course in Siem Reap. She realized her voice mattered, and she immediately put her new skills into action, both in her community and inside her own home.