“I truly can’t thank you enough. Thank you all for your generosity and belief in my potential. I’m forever grateful for your support and the opportunities you provided me with. Your kindness has changed me. Without your generosity I would not have been able to come this far.”- Chentana, August 2025
Chentana’s journey with the Cambodian Village Fund began in 2016 when she was thirteen. She lived with her parents and younger brother in a small, one room wooden house in the Prey Touch Commune. Her father worked the rice fields, earning just enough to feed the family. Her mother tended a small garden and cared for the children. At thirteen, Chentana was one of the fortunate girls still in school. Many of her friends had already dropped out to work in the fields or to help care for younger siblings. Chentana’s parents believed that education would be her best chance for a different future. One with more choices than farming rice or growing vegetables.
The trajectory of Chentana’s life changed one day when she was selected to join the CVF Scholarship program. She had just completed primary school, where she achieved high marks, and was headed to Prey Touch Secondary School for 7th grade. Her scholarship included a brand-new bicycle which would make it easier for her to get to school. But the bike was more than just transportation to school. It brought hope and awakened new goals.
Encouraged by her scholarship, Chentana’s parents urged her more than ever to study hard and be a good student. When she was 16, Chentana saw her chance of pursuing higher education This meant leaving her village and moving to Battambang City, an hour away from home, to attend a better high school. She often felt homesick. She shared a small apartment with other CVF students and stayed focused on her studies, preparing herself for university.
Chentana was able to attend college with the support of the CVF scholarship program. She also received dental and health care along the way. In 2021, when the new CVF dormitory opened, she moved in with 23 other students. Living together gave them a sense of family and support, which made the challenges of college life easier.
“Going to university has had a profound impact on me and my family. It’s not just about earning a degree; it’s about gaining the knowledge, skills, and confidence to build a better future.” – she wrote in a recent letter.
“Living in the dorm was a fantastic part of my university experience. It was more than just a place to sleep; it was a community. It allowed me to connect with many sisters – some of them I had never met before. But we became close and had fun together. I also learned valuable life skills like living with a roommate, managing my own space, and being a good neighbor.” – she says of her experience.
Chentana graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Business in August of 2025. Her goal is to open her own cosmetic and beauty shop.
“In the future, I plan to open my own business. I’m not sure that I can do it, but I will try. I know it will take a long time but I love it, so I will do it with all my heart. Even if I fail sometimes I will try it again and again until I succeed.” – Chentana says.
Chentana’s education would not have been possible without supporters who believe young women in Cambodia deserve the chance to improve their lives. Each opportunity creates ripples of progress — for one woman, her family, and her community. $1800 will pay for one year of college. This includes tuition, study materials and living expenses.
Chentana knows that she is one of the lucky girls. She was very fortunate to receive help from Bill and Nancy and the generous donors of the CVF. Over 10 years ago her parents had decided that education is the path to a better future. They did their best to keep Chentana in grade school. Their hopes and dreams for their daughter have been made possible thanks to the Cambodian Village Fund and its wonderful supporters.
“For me, university provided access to specialized education and resources that were otherwise out of reach. For my family, this opportunity means a significant shift in our financial prospects. My education opens up doors to more stable, higher-paying jobs, which will allow me to support them in the long run. I can become a positive role model for my younger siblings and cousins, showing them that with hard work and support, anything is possible.” – Chentana
I truly can’t thank you enough.
“I’m writing to express my deepest gratitude for your incredible support. Your donations have made a significant impact on my life and have allowed me to pursue my dreams of a university education.”
“Love you all so much, Chentana💗”
Your donations help us sustain and scale our programs – like the college scholarship program – for maximum impact. For a full list of Cambodian Village Fund programs please explore our website.