Staff Blog: My Real Heart, by Tol Long

When I was less than 10 years old, the sound of bullets scared my fellow villagers and me into moving to another area of Cambodia. Conflict between the Khmer Rouge and government troops had caused many children who grew up in the battlefield of Tramkak district, Takeo province, to skip out on school.

Fortunately, I was able to escape from child soldiers recruited by the Khmer Rouge. But I lost two of my best friends to land mines. These issues break my heart and have encouraged me to study hard so that I can help change my community and country.

I began working as a teacher at a primary school. I really love to teach children. Mercifully, I started working with children, youths, parents, community leaders and authorities as a transformational development facilitator with World Vision five years ago.

I really love my job and hope that it speeds up my dream to see people living in happiness and peace.

I want to see my community changed, where people are transformed and participating in development. I want to see children get a good education.

 Development starts with all kinds of people, so I must mobilise people in different ages in planning and using the local resources in their community. I want children to complete high school and use their knowledge and skills to develop their community. Then they can help educate others, such as their friends and parents, to become better and better.

I have been helping local authorities, village leaders, the community council and the district council to build capacity to reform structures, enhance leadership and network for development with a focus on child well-being.

When I hear, “Thank you so much, my husband doesn’t beat me anymore,” I feel inspired and encouraged to work harder.

I would like to thank WV Cambodia for equipping me with a lot of knowledge that I can use to develop my community. I pray that God would remain in all people and lead them for peace in communities, peace in countries and peace in the world.

By: Tol Long, Project Coordinator,                                                                                     with assistance from Ratana Lay, Communications Officer