From a Migrant to a Youth Role Model in the Community

From a Migrant to a Youth Role Model in the Community

Ms. Thi Sreypov, 32, is a widow living in Prey Preal village, Khleang Meas commune, Bavel district, Battambang province. She lives with five family members and dropped out of school at Grade 7.

Before joining the project, Ms. Sreypov worked as a small trader and farmer. Her income was very low and could not support her family’s daily needs. Due to financial hardship and debt, she decided to migrate illegally to Thailand in 2016, leaving her children behind in her home village.In 2019, due to the restriction of the migration laws in Thailand, she was deported back to Cambodia. After returning, she worked on farms, raised chickens and cattle, and sold goods at home. However, her income remained insufficient. As a result, she migrated illegally again. After about four years, Ms. Sreypov returned to her village in 2023. She used her savings to expand her small home-based business and rebuild her life in the community.

In 2024, LHCO, in cooperation with local authorities, introduced a new project in Khleang Meas commune. Ms. Sreypov joined the project and received several training sessions on safe and unsafe migration, disaster risk management, climate change, waste management, and basic video production.

Through these trainings, her knowledge and confidence increased. She became an active focal person in the community. She shared her own migration experiences with villagers and explained the risks of illegal migration. She also shared the benefits of legal and safe migration. Many community members learned that relying solely on brokers is risky and dangerous. Using the knowledge gained from the project, Ms. Sreypov helped villagers make safer decisions. Ms. Sreypov also shared information during village meetings and public events. These activities helped people understand migration risks and safe migration options better. Before migrating, people now consult local authorities or trusted organizations.

As a result, illegal migration in the community has decreased, and information sharing has improved. Conflicts in the community have been reduced. Trust and cooperation have increased, and she has become a respected and trusted person in the village.Ms. Sreypov shared that the training, together with practical activities and follow-up support, helped her become a useful and confident community resource person.