Portrait of Leang
Long term volunteer with Shanty Town Spirit, Jessica shares her experience of Leang-bright young man who continues to strive to better his life despite trials and tribulations.
"Before I didn't go to school because I was busy collecting rubbish in order to make some small money. I finally started school at 13 years old with ups and downs but Shanty Town Spirit pushed and helped me to keep studying", said 20 year old Leang, long term member of the Boeung Trabek community and Shanty Town Spirit program.
"Before I didn't go to school because I was busy collecting rubbish in order to make some small money. I finally started school at 13 years old with ups and downs but Shanty Town Spirit pushed and helped me to keep studying", said 20 year old Leang, long term member of the Boeung Trabek community and Shanty Town Spirit program.
Leang lives with his single mother whom has also received support through the program to find employment in a manufacturing plant. It is essential that the parents also help themselves along with Shanty Town Spirit's assistance.
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| Shanty Town Spirit program member: Leang |
"I recall the day I met Leang," reflected Jessica Sander, a long standing volunteer with Shanty Town Spirit, "He had a vibrant personality but I could see he was troubled. As a teenager, he was struggling with the usual pressures of that age such as peers, study and family obligations but with one added factor: extreme poverty".
"He owned one pair of shoes; flip flops that were broken and kept falling off his feet but he still wore them because he had nothing else. It was then I decided to do something about it," said Jessica.
She took him shopping downtown to a local mens store with the latest Khmer fashions. She had funds to purchase a few items of clothing and new pair of shoes.
"He really wanted a pair of black skinny jeans", laughed Jessica, "so we bought him two!"
Leang didn't know his size so the sales assistant suggested he try them on. He began dropping his pants in the middle of the street. Jessica stopped him, "What are you doing?" she asked.
The sales assistant ushered him inside the shop, then she realised that Leang had never actually been shopping for clothes in his life. He didnt know what change rooms were or how to behave.
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| Leang trying out indoor climbing as part of Shanty Town Spirit's recreational program activities |
It dawned on Jessica that the little things we often take for granted are the things many less fortunate miss out on. Imagine a 15 year old boy having never been shopping for item of clothing for himself. It was a reality check.
Leang reveled in the moment, checking himself out in the store mirror laughing and posing. Along with the jeans they bought two shirts and a new pair of flip flops. He wanted to wear his new threads straight away and it touched Jessica's heart so much seeing him so happy. A simple happiness for a moment of being a teenager just like his peers.
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| Shanty Town Spirit Founder, Ermine Norodom with Leang |
Leang also wanted some independence so Shanty Town Spirit bought him a bicycle so he could get about town easier and ride to school.
Time went on and as the years passed Leang grew up but he struggled to keep up at school because he started his studies so late. He dropped out of school then began a year of intensive vocational training at a local NGO to become a chef. And with that came some poor choices.
"I began hanging around the wrong crowd, experimenting with drugs and got into trouble with the law", said Leang, "I ended up for in prison for a short time".
"Upon being released, Shanty Town Spirit was there for me. They didn't turn their back. They advocated on my behalf and help find me a job working as a chef's assistant at a five star hotel. I feel happy, supported and very hopeful for my future now".
With his first wages, he purchased groceries for his mother and felt proud to be contributing to the household. Leang hopes to improve the quality of life for him and his mother and perhaps one day move into a better living situation.
We are proud of Leang's continued efforts and feel hopeful for his future too!
One Spirit, One Heart, One Community.
You can help these kids
by sponsoring the Shanty Town Spirit program
Click on Make a difference
Or contact
Ermine Norodom: +855 (0) 17 49 27 19 (French and English)
Phirun Prak (Arun): +855 (0) 96 663 6666 (English and Khmer)
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