Racheal* - A Story of Old and New Values: Creating a Life of Her Own.

This year (2024), Racheal* has made incredible strides on her journey to healing and independence. Through counselling, she’s grown stronger emotionally and is learning to process her past with resilience. Her English lessons with her tutor have boosted her confidence, and she’s thriving in vocational training, gaining skills in bakery and hospitality that she’s excited to use in the future. Sundays are her favourite—filled with laughter, friendship, and church with the other girls in the program. A recent family visit brought smiles all around, especially with the SHE team providing her family a 50kg bag of rice and medical support for her grandmother.

However, Racheal* continues to navigate the weight of family expectations. In Cambodia, it is common for girls to marry young—often between the ages of 16 and 18—because it offers a form of social protection and brings an additional adult to financially support the family. Racheal’s* grandmother often pressures her to marry (going as far as to arrange betrothals) so a husband can help provide for both of them, adding stress to their already complicated relationship. Racheal* feels caught between honouring her family and following her dreams, and that’s a heavy burden for anyone, let alone someone so young. With safety concerns in her grandmother’s community, she’s unable to visit overnight, which further complicates their connection. 

Looking ahead, Racheal* is focusing on building her future, with continued counselling, life skills development, and support from the SHE team. We’re also working to create safer ways for her to reconnect with her family in a healthy, positive way. Thanks to your generous support, Racheal* is learning that it’s okay to dream big and create a life that’s truly her own. Donate to help Racheal* and girls like her today!