Cook

Kimhai comes from a very poor rural family. She is the eldest child and has two younger brothers. The second brother was studying in Grade 10 but dropped out of school to work and help support the family, while the youngest brother continues his studies. Her father lost one leg due to a landmine explosion and works seasonally as a tractor driver during plowing season to earn daily wages. Her mother stays at home, caring for the children and raising animals to contribute to the family income. Kimhai has been supported by CEDO from Grade 7 through high school in Siem Reap. She successfully passed the national diploma examination. She dreams of becoming a chef, and she passed the entrance exam for a one-year cooking course at Paul Dubrule Tourism School, one of Cambodia’s well-known hospitality training schools. The program provides job placement support after graduation. Although her course began in January 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic — making learning challenging due to online classes — she persevered and successfully completed the program in early 2023. After graduation, Kimhai worked at a local restaurant for nearly two years. Currently, she has opened a small breakfast and snack shop in her community. She is very happy and proud to run her own small business. Kimhai hopes to secure a stable income, and support her younger brother to complete high school successfully.