“Never give up” – Sreynut’s story

Nhoch Sreynut, a 20-year-old civil construction student, was born as the second daughter of a family in Banteay Meanchay province on the border with Thailand. At the beginning of the millennium, the family decided to move about 75 kilometers away to the city of Siem Reap for seeking of better job opportunities.

Even though the family had moved to the city, Sreynut and her older sister went to elementary school and high school in their home village. They lived with their grandmother because their parents didn’t have time to take care of their daughters due to work. Sreynut’s mother sells vegetables at the market and his father drives a taxi.

Now the older sister has married and moved out of the house, but in addition to Sreynut, her 9- and 10-year-old little sisters live at home in the city of Siem Reap, whom she helps with homework in the evenings. In addition, Sreynut cleans, does laundry and cooks. Sometimes she also helps her mother in selling vegetables.

Sreynut could continue her studies with the support of Women’s Bank.

Self-development brings happiness

After high school, Sreynut got information about vocational study opportunities. The civil construction industry seemed like the industry of the future, because more houses will always be built.

– I read about the training on Facebook, and I also passed by a vocational school, when I noticed a banner advertising trainings and the opportunity to apply for a scholarship, says Sreynut.

Receiving the scholarship changed Sreynut’s life, because without it she would not have had the opportunity to study.

–When COVID-19 started, I wanted to stop my studies, because my parents didn’t have a job, and no money to support my education. However, I got a scholarship, Sreynut rejoices.

According to Sreynut, studying has been pleasant. Even though studying in the civil construction industry is not always easy, it still feels more relaxed than the jobs waiting at home.

– It’s nice to come to school and talk with both friends and teachers, Sreynut added.

Sreynut (left) finds civil construction industry really interesting and is looking forward to continuing her studies.

Women can do it too

Sreynut has completed a two-year education and is currently waiting for her graduation certificate. Her plans are to continue her studies in the civil construction industry with a bachelor’s degree and look for jobs in the field. Her challenge now is a lack of work experience.

–I haven’t been able to find a job because I want to help my family with housework, which takes up my free time, says Sreynut.

Sreynut sees herself as a civil construction professional in the future.

– I want to show that women can also work in the civil construction industry, says Sreynut enthusiastically.

Text: Paula Saastamoinen

Pictures: Roun Ry