Chicks Learning to Fly

by Mindy Wong


If I were brought up in a poor family in Siem Reap, I would cross my fingers and hope to be chosen for the Sewing Training Centre, one of the five programs offered by The Life and Hope Association.

Located within the parameters of the Wat Damnak, the training centre can accommodate up to 30 females between the ages 14 to 35. The candidates are chosen by the staff at The Life and Hope Association and priority is given to those who come from poorer families. The aim is to train females as skilled tailors, as well as provide food and shelter during their stay. Currently, the 20 students live together at the site and they are the third batch since the program has started.

I removed my shoes and tiptoed in my socks as I entered the class. Holding a coloured felt tip pen in one hand and a ruler in another, the students sat comfortably in a circle with newspapers spread out in front of them. The lesson started since 7 am and they were required to draw the diagram of a shirt with accurate measurements, as shown on the white board. The girls meticulously carried out their task in a relaxed and casual environment.

The training provides a great opportunity to develop their sewing skills in hopes of a brighter future, with great support and encouragement from their parents. Even so, some of the students who have just begun the six months training program have to be comforted from missing home and be persuaded to stay. As such, the sewing trainer, Van Leuk, aged 47, explained that working as a trainer requires more than just teaching the students how to design and sew shirts.

Prior to working at the Sewing Training Centre, Van worked from home as a tailor for several years with a good income from local patrons. However, due to her invaluable experiences as a trainer, she was requested to work at the centre two years ago. Van decided to join The Life and Hope Association despite a fixed and a relatively low income in comparison to her previous occupation.

The shortage of experienced trainers in Siem Reap meant that without her assistance, the program would not have been able to continue. Her decision was also based on her sympathy for the girls from rural areas. Benevolence radiated through her eyes as I sat next to her with my translator, Bunneth Siak, even though I did not understand a single word she spoke.




One of the students, Srey Pech, aged 19, first encountered the organization when the program was promoted in her home town, Pok district of Siem Reap. She enjoys the learning environment at the Sewing Training Centre where she has gained acquaintances with friendly and helpful people. She added that she has not stumbled upon any obstacles as their trainer love them as her own children. They are required to attend classes from Monday to Friday, 7-11 am and 1-5 pm. On Saturdays and Sundays, they are allowed to return to their homes. Nevertheless, Srey misses her home during the weekdays.

The course consists of teaching students more than ten different designs of modern day collared shirts, suitable for young and old women. During early stages of learning, it may take five to seven days to make one shirt. Once the students have graduated, they will be able to complete the same task within half a day.

With only one fortnight away from the final exam, Srey anticipates the day when she can return to her home town with her graduation gift from the Sewing Training Centre. The path to the beginning of a better future with her own shop: a sewing machine.

For those who have the passion and skills to educate and train the less fortunate, please do not hesitate to contact The Life and Hope Association. Van intends to retire as soon as the association has found a replacement trainer, as she is now able to depend on her own children. However, fluency in the Khmer language may be an obstacle for most English speakers.

As with any apprentice, like a chick learning to fly, practice is the key to success. For the less privileged Cambodian women, the pursuit to economic independence and much more, relies on their determination and commitment just to stand on their own two feet. With the aid of the Sewing Training Centre perhaps they will soar the skies.