Rachana’s big dream is to become a judge.
She says it just like that with a smile on her face and so much confidence and determination that you can’t help but believe her. It’s a bold dream for a young woman who grew up in a rice farming village. Her parents believed in her determination and sacrificed what they could to pay for her first year of college.
Rachana’s enthusiasm makes others want to cheer for her. Well, that’s exactly how we felt when we read her scholarship application. At the time, in 2022, she had completed one year of college and was afraid that her father could no longer support her studies. She wrote:
“I feel absolutely happy when I achieve any goal whether it is big or small. Of course, there are big goals that I dream about – such as my strong desire to become a judge. This will not be achieved easily without hard work and intelligence. I am working on trying to achieve this goal by setting a daily schedule for studying and reviewing my lessons. I am developing myself, my confidence and my speaking abilities. I hope to achieve this goal to make my family members happy and, I’d be able to help my father financially in some ways.” – Rachana, 2022
In the past, children in rural areas like Prey Touch Commune rarely finished school. Most left at a young age to work in the fields or help at home. But in recent years, as more job possibilities begin to open up to educated young people, parents are keeping their children in school longer. They often encourage them to graduate from high school and even pursue college.
Our Cambodian Village Fund has been a big part of that change. By building schools and offering scholarships, we have elevated the status of education in the community. Teachers and students take pride in their schools. The Prey Touch community has followed along. Seeing these investments in education, families began to believe that academic pursuits can indeed lead to a better future.
Rachana is one step closer to her big goal.
In 2025 she graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Law from the National University of Battambang. She is working at the University in the Higher Education Improvement Project 2 (HEIP2) as an administrative assistant. After graduating she left the CVF dormitory and moved back to the family’s house in the province, commuting 25km (15.5 mi) per day to work.
Thank You Cambodian Village Fund
“I would like to thank CVF and the donors for providing me with the opportunity to continue my studies. Completing my bachelor’s degree has helped me get better jobs and higher incomes. I have grown intellectually and professionally. I have a better understanding of society and a broader perspective. For my family, it is a source of pride and a change in our lives. Living in the dormitory was very good for me. I made new friends. Living with my girlfriends has made me feel warm and happy. Thank you so much.” – Rachana
You can help turn big, ambitious goals into reality for young people in Cambodia. Without supporters who believe in advancing education, we could not offer our life-changing programs. $1800 will pay for one year of college. This includes tuition, study materials and living expenses. Your donations help us sustain and scale our programs for maximum impact.