Chen Ry

Age 20

I was born at Bek Klok Village, Oudong District, Kampong Speu Province. Both my parents were disabled, so I went to live with my uncle. There were ten people in my family. I lived with my uncle for only the first three years of my life, then he brought me to Kien Kleang Orphanage where I have lived nearly all my life – he did this because he was too poor to look after me. Now I attend school, I have got friends and live in a nice place with enough food. Many people look down on me because my parents are disabled but I feel differently. Even though they are disabled, they are still the best parents I could ever have – after all they are the ones who gave me my life. I want to say how happy I am to live at the orphanage. During Khmer New Year, I was allowed to visit my uncle and my hometown. In the future, I want to have my own hairdressing shop as well as photographic lab. I am hopeful that my future will be bright.