SreyHeat*

AGE

14 yrs

GRADE

4

WELCOMED INTO HOME

in 2024

THINGS SHE LIKES TO DO

Volleyball

FAVORITE FOOD

Noodles and grapes

AMBITION

Police

ABOUT SREYHEAT*

SreyHeat* left school in grade 7, as she wanted to start working and help support her struggling family. Her mother arranged for her to start vocational training at a local salon, hoping she could learn a skill and start building a career. However, SreyHeat* began to isolated herself and quickly moved out of home and started living in a rented room with all group of people, looking for the independence and freedom that she felt was missing from her life.

SreyHeat* met a woman who lived nearby and seemed to offer friendship and support. Unfortunately, this woman was actually a trafficker, skilled at identifying young girls like SreyHeat* who were don’t have support and are in vulnerable situation. This woman quickly gained SreyHeat’s* trust, exploiting her need for connection and security. She convinced SreyHeat* that she could make quick money by spending time with men, often foreign visitors. Trapped in an unfamiliar world and promised financial rewards, SreyHeat* soon found herself trafficked and exploited. She endured considerable suffering, leaving her utterly trapped.

After a harrowing time in captivity, SreyHeat* was rescued by the anti-human trafficking police. Following her rescue, she was placed in short-term care, where she began the difficult process of emotional healing, received medical support, and started to work with a legal advocate to pursue justice. Although she made strides in her recovery, the temporary care facility could not provide the long-term support she needed. Her family, deeply concerned for her safety and future, requested that she be placed in the SHE Rescue Home in Phnom Penh—a place where she could rebuild her life safely, continue her education, and work toward a future free from exploitation.

SreyHeat* was welcomed into the SHE Rescue Home a delicious noodle and a game of volleyball.

SREYHEAT’s* FAMILY

SreyHeat* is the youngest of three having both an older sister and brother. Her father is a former government official who has retired and her mother has been the primary home keeper. Both her parents continue to run their small family rice fields in their retirement. Her parents have several physical ailments that have also slowed them down in their older age.

SREYHEAT’S* FUTURE

Now in the SHE Rescue Home, SreyHeat* is returning to school in grade 9 and is already envisioning a future career as a policewoman so she can protect others from the dangers she faced. With a love for volleyball and a passion for learning, she’s finding new ways to enjoy her childhood while working hard toward her goals.

Our social workers will continue to support and work with her family to make sure they are all well and building a community she can reintegrate too safely. Her counsellor will make sure she feels safe and learns key skills in coping and healing from her trauma.

Sponsor SreyHeat* today and help her realize her potential, away from the suffering of trafficking and into a future full of promise.

*names changed for privacy