Ya is a single mother with two children—a daughter and a son—from two different husbands. Her daughter is currently in Grade 11. Her first husband cheated on her, and her second was a drug addict whom she could not live with. Throughout her life, she has endured broken relationships. Having only completed Grade 2, she was unable to read or write. After more than 20 years as a garment worker with no education, she felt hopeless about her future and often faced judgment from her co-workers.
When a friend told her about the Khmer literacy class at Women of Hope, Ya hesitated. As an older woman, she felt shy about asking for details. However, she decided to push past her insecurities and joined the class. Starting from scratch with the Khmer alphabet, she showed unwavering commitment, attending classes regularly and working hard to learn.
After three years of perseverance and overcoming her shyness in studying, Ya’s determination has paid off—she is now able to read and write, even reading the Bible. She proudly shared, “Now I can use this little knowledge I have to teach my children and even my nieces and nephews.” Her literacy skills have not only empowered her at home but also opened new opportunities at work. She was offered a higher position at her factory and has gained the confidence to speak in public and she has become more assertive in her decisions.
Ya’s journey highlights the power of perseverance and the life-changing impact of education. This is why Women of Hope exists—to support hopeless and disadvantaged women like Ya.