A difficult childhood away from school
"I left school when I was 12 because I had to work to help my family. I did several odd jobs: construction worker, security guard, factory worker... When I saw people with office jobs, I wanted to be like them, but I never imagined that it would happen to me", recalls Sochea.
The young man was orphaned when his mother died when he was just 18, his father having died when he was 4. It was at this time that he joined the PSE programmes.
"When I arrived at PSE, I felt alone because I had just lost my mother and I didn't know anyone here", he explains.
Sochea chose to join the vocational training course in mechanics, and was particularly interested in motorbike maintenance.
As well as practical and theoretical lessons, Sochea is given softskills (behavioural skills) courses. "I learnt a lot about leadership, how to work in a team and ethics. These are skills that I still use today, in my professional and personal life!"
Today, a fulfilling professional life
"I'm currently working as Operations Manager at Honda. I'm responsible for all shop operations. My daily tasks include managing deliveries and payments, supervising staff and ensuring that customers' needs are met," explains Sochea.
The young man never imagined he would have so much responsibility. "My current position allows me to earn more than I'd hoped, and I can learn a lot and apply it."
Sochea has chosen to surround himself with former PSE students. "For me, it's a way of supporting PSE and the younger generation," he explains.
A message of hope for PSE students
"Before I came to PSE, I didn't have any dreams and I couldn't imagine what my life would be like," says Sochea. "I didn't stay long, but I felt great! I'm grateful because PSE has given me much more than I could have hoped for. I've met a real family here."
"So this is what I want to say to the next generation: work hard at school, take every opportunity to learn and strive to improve your skills!" concludes the young man.
A success made possible thanks to sponsorship
Since the beginning of their actions in Cambodia, Christian and Marie-France des Pallières, the founders of PSE, have chosen to rely on sponsorship to ensure the sustainability of the association's programmes. The commitment we make to the children is strong: we lead them from misery to a profession!
The comprehensive care we offer the children is long-term. We commit ourselves to the end and do not leave any child by the side of the road.
