From Banteay Meanchey to a Courtroom in Phnom Penh: Sothearith’s moving journey as a former sponsored child.
Sothearith, once a sponsored child with Children of the Mekong, grew up in Banteay Meanchey province and has since become a lawyer in Phnom Penh.
A CHALLENGING CHILDHOOD
“My name is Snguon Sothearith. I grew up in Thma Puok district, Banteay Meanchey province, and today I work as a lawyer at the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia.
I was once a sponsored child, supported by Children of the Mekong throughout my French law studies from 2004 to 2008, when I graduated. Today, it is a true honour and a deeply moving moment for me to speak in French and share my heartfelt thanks to Children of the Mekong, a charity that has changed not just my life, but the lives of many young people who, like me, once struggled to believe in their dreams.
Before I had the support of this charity, my future felt very uncertain. I come from a modest family, and we struggled with many financial difficulties. Continuing my studies after high school felt almost impossible, and I was not sure I would ever reach university.
I thought my only option was to sit the exams to become a teacher, at either primary or secondary level. I wanted to learn, to improve, and to serve my community, but I simply did not have the means to continue my studies. My parents wanted to support me, but daily life was already a struggle.”
A SPONSORSHIP THAT CHANGED MY PATH
It was not just financial support. It was a fresh start, a second chance, and a door opening onto hope.
The Dr Christophe Mérieux Centre in Phnom Penh provides a welcoming place for students like Sothearith.
“Living and studying with the support of Children of the Mekong in Phnom Penh completely changed my life. The charity gave me a safe and caring place to live, and a true community that guided me through both my academic and personal growth. I learned so much there, including languages like English and French, discipline, teamwork, what it means to live in a community, and a real sense of social responsibility.
After four years of hard work, I graduated from university. The knowledge, confidence, and experience I gained helped me to secure a good job, which now allows me to support my family, look after myself, and contribute to the development of my community.
I met Martin Maindiaux, the director of Children of the Mekong in Cambodia, after a friend told me about the charity. The day I was accepted into the sponsorship program was one of the happiest moments of my life. It was not just financial support. It was a fresh start, a second chance, and a door opening onto hope.”
FROM RURAL CAMBODIA TO A COURTROOM IN PHNOM PENH
“Since 2009, I have worked as a lawyer in the Office of the Lead Co-Lawyers for the Civil Parties at the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC/CETC). During this time, I have gained valuable experience, strong legal expertise, and a stable income that has allowed me to fund my wedding, complete a Master’s degree in law, support my family, pay for my children’s education, and buy a house in Phnom Penh as well as a piece of land.
In 2023, I had the honour of being appointed by His Majesty the King of Cambodia, by Royal Decree, as a member of the Legal Council at the Office of the Council of Ministers. In this role, I work closely with other legal professionals to review draft laws and regulations before they are approved by the Royal Government. Taking on these responsibilities has given me both invaluable experience and a solid professional reputation.
Everything I have achieved today started with the opportunities Children of the Mekong gave me years ago. I am deeply grateful to all the donors, staff, and mentors who supported me. Your kindness, patience, and belief in young people like me have made a lasting difference. You did not just provide financial support, you gave me dignity, hope, and the chance for a brighter future.”
Sothearith is now a lawyer in Phnom Penh.
Thanks to you, I have learned that education is not just about personal success, but also about giving back, helping the next generation, and contributing to a fair and peaceful society. Your support has turned my life from one of uncertainty into a life full of purpose and meaning. I will always carry your generosity in my heart, as a constant reminder to always do the same for others.
The aim of sponsorship is to help young people from extremely disadvantaged families to attend school, pursue regular education and continue their studies at higher education level, thanks to financial and holistic support. Children of the Mekong supports more than 24,000 children in Southeast Asia through sponsorship: in Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Myanmar, Vietnam, the Philippines and East Timor.
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