Chhom's family is flourishing, thanks to agricultural workshops and hard work.
Five years ago, families in the community of Prasat Krohom Meanchey were struggling. Parents couldn’t find employment that paid enough to support their children. The land wouldn’t give enough to feed their children. In desperation, many fathers like Chhom migrated to neighbouring provinces or even crossed the border into Thailand looking for work in construction.
“That negatively impacted my children's education,” Chhom shares about those years he was forced to travel in search of work that would put food on the table. “Sometimes they did not want to go to school since I was away from home all the time.”
Chhom was constantly stressed about the impact of his absence on his son and daughter. “I wanted to do everything [for them], but I could not do anything. I did not go to school and that’s why I was really worried about my children, that they would experience the difficult life I had in the future.”
Chhom's new skills are making his garden flourish!
So, when Food for the Hungry partnered with his community in 2017, Chhom seized the new opportunities. He longed to build a future where he could be at home with his family and provide for all their needs. It turned out, the answer was right under his feet all along.
“I joined FH Cambodia as an agricultural volunteer with a passion for having the skills and knowledge to grow better as a family business.” FH staff showed Chhom and his neighbours how to grow crops without expensive and toxic pesticides; how to raise chickens, ducks, fish, and frogs; and how to start a small business.
As Chhom practiced new, regenerative agricultural techniques, he saw results! “I’ve grown more crops for my family’s daily consumption and that has made my family healthier and no longer get sick as before.” And he couldn’t keep the good news to himself. “I have shared the lessons of farming and animal husbandry to the neighbours and the community so that the community can prosper together,” Chhom says. “I am very happy that all my efforts and the community[‘s] have paid off.”
Raising chickens and ducks provides eggs, meat, and income for families like Chhom's.
Because generous Canadians gave to support these agricultural workshops in Cambodia, families in Chhom’s community are becoming whole. They’re eating fresh, healthy vegetables all year long. They’re raising and selling animals, generating sustainable incomes and growing the food security of their neighbours. And their relationships are growing, too.
“I have changed a lot in my daily life,” Chhom explains. “I have time for my family and practice farming techniques and distribute them as much as possible in my community.”
You can help more families like Chhom’s strengthen their today and grow bright hope for tomorrow.