A former student at the Children of the Mekong center in Phnom Penh, Vanna Sok has now been responsible for accounting at the Soieries du Mekong production site in Banteay Chhmar for eleven years.

Meeting with a special young woman, both sweet and determined, making the link between the two Children of the Mekong programs.

Discovery of an intrepid young woman

Originally from a small village located between Battambang and Sisophon, Vanna lived the first part of her life with her parents and four sisters. This modest family is aware of the importance of studies, which is why Vanna went to study in Phnom Penh, more than 300 kilometers from home, at the age of 18.

From Children of the Mekong to Silks of the Mekong…

Vanna took English classes for two years at the Children of the Mekong center in Phnom Penh.

What marked him? The opportunity to fully develop your skills, in a privileged setting that meets your needs. But also... wild volleyball games with friends at the end of class!

At the end of her studies, it was one of her friends who told her about Soieries du Mekong and who introduced her to the weavers.

Then, Vanna read an advertisement for a job as an accountant within Soieries du Mékong, and this is how the adventure continued within the big family that is Enfants du Mékong.

The passion for studies

In addition to her classes at the Enfant du Mékong center, Vanna followed secretarial training at the Don Bosco school in Phnom Penh.

However, it is not always easy to live in a community, Vanna dreams of independence and autonomy, which is why she decides to continue her education and obtain a BAC +5...

After working in a cleaning products sales company and managing to save enough money, Vanna began studying accounting at the Vanda Accounting Institute based in Phnom Penh.

His dream ? Build and manage a school for children, so that the most disadvantaged have access to education. This school would also be a way of giving back what we have received, of offering everyone the opportunity to access knowledge and build a better future.

Here: Vanna, Samrach and Paul, responsible for managing the Banteay Chhmar production site

His position at Soieries du Mékong: on the road to independence

Today, Vanna works as an accountant at Soieries du Mékong. She is responsible for meeting the material needs of the weavers but also of the team preparing the looms. What she particularly appreciates is being the link between everyone, ensuring that everyone has the necessary resources to carry out their missions.

This job allowed Vanna to learn to live alone, to emancipate herself, and to forge links with the community of Banteay Chhmar: the inhabitants, the weavers and especially the children, whom she adores, and with whom she loves share weekend activities.

Today, Vanna fully blossoms in her work, and this is how the commitment of Soieries et d’Enfants du Mékong takes on its full meaning.

The final word?

“I would like to say thank you to Soieries du Mékong. This project allowed me to gain experience, to speak English and above all it provides work for the inhabitants of the village and in particular for women, which is very important and meaningful for me. » Vanna Sok