From Debt to Hope: How Financial Literacy Transformed a Family’s Future

Limited financial knowledge and the absence of a clear family vision often place vulnerable families at great risk—especially during economic shocks and periods of unemployment. For many households in poor communities, this risk is not abstract; it affects every decision, every meal, and every hope for the future. This was the reality for Mrs. Srey Rath, a 31‑year‑old mother living in Prek Thom Village.

Mrs. Srey Rath lives with her husband and their eight‑year‑old son, who is currently in Grade 2. For more than nine years, the family lived without a house of their own, sharing a small zinc‑roofed home with her mother. Educational opportunities had been limited: Mrs. Srey Rath completed Grade 2, while her husband completed Grade 5. Without professional skills or stable employment, the couple depended on irregular daily labor just to survive.

Mrs. Srey Rath worked in a sewing shop, earning about USD 100 per month, while her husband earned approximately USD 70 per month as a construction laborer when work was available. Their combined income of USD 170 per month could not meet basic needs, particularly since their young son frequently fell ill.

Their fragile situation collapsed during one especially difficult period. Mrs. Srey Rath had to stop working to care for her sick child, and soon after, her husband lost his job when the construction project ended. With no income, rising medical expenses, and no savings, the family found themselves in a desperate situation.

When their son became critically ill and required urgent hospital care, they did not even have money for transportation. Out of desperation, Mrs. Srey Rath borrowed money from a local moneylender at a high interest rate of 20 percent.

“At that time, we had no support and no choices,” she recalled. “We borrowed money only to save our child, but without guidance, the debt slowly took away our peace and hope.”

The debt quickly spiraled. Within a short time, the family owed USD 2,000 and had to pay USD 400 per month in interest alone. The pressure of debt created constant stress, conflict at home, and a sense of hopelessness. The family had no financial plan, no savings, and no vision for the future.

Their path began to change when the village chief and community leaders selected Mrs. Srey Rath to participate in World Vision Cambodia activities. Through the program, she attended training on financial literacy, entrepreneurship, family vision planning, and basic bookkeeping—learning skills she had never had access to before.

“World Vision helped me understand money and planning for the future,” she shared. “They didn’t just teach us lessons—they showed us that change was possible.”

With encouragement and technical support from World Vision, Mrs. Srey Rath and her family developed a clear action plan to rebuild their livelihood. She started a small fried meatball business and received a food cart to support her work. World Vision staff and community partners regularly visited her, offering practical coaching on customer service, product quality, hygiene, and cashflow recording.

As the business grew, so did her confidence. With more customers, her monthly income increased steadily to around USD 400. Using the financial management skills gained through World Vision’s training, the family carefully divided their income between daily expenses, debt repayment, and savings through a community savings group.

“With World Vision’s guidance, I learned how to control my income instead of letting problems control me,” Mrs. Srey Rath said. “For the first time, I felt confident about our future.”

After three years of discipline, consistent effort, and continued support, the family fully repaid their debt. They also began saving regularly for emergencies—something they had never been able to do before.

“Because of World Vision, we now have savings,” she explained. “This means when something bad happens, we are no longer helpless.”

Through proper financial management and participation in savings groups supported by the program, Mrs. Srey Rath achieved one of her family’s biggest dreams: building a home of their own. Today, her family proudly lives under their own roof—a powerful symbol of stability, dignity, and hope for the future.

Mrs. Srey Rath expressed deep gratitude to World Vision International–Cambodia for standing with her family during their most difficult times. She believes the program not only improved her income but transformed her mindset and gave her family the skills to break free from poverty.

“World Vision stayed with us when our life was at its darkest,” she shared.
“Through their support, our family has started a new chapter. I am committed to our family vision plan, and my greatest wish is for my son to complete his education and graduate with at least a bachelor’s degree. Thanks to World Vision, I now believe this dream can come true.”