Living in poverty in Cambodia, Bopha and Sokun’s family could no longer afford to pay for their education. But thanks to their Holt sponsors, they’ve found a way forward — and the future looks bright.
At just 7 years old, twins Bopha and Sokun were on the verge of dropping out of school. Even though their father worked in construction and their mother worked as a cleaner, it wasn’t enough. Their family could barely afford food and medical care.
They lived in a makeshift shed, its thin walls barely standing, a plastic tarp stretched across the roof — the only thing separating the family from the monsoon rains. Without proper walls, hordes of mosquitoes swarmed through the night, relentlessly biting and keeping Bopha and Sokun awake as they tried to sleep.
At school the next day — in their warm, dry classroom — they fought to stay awake. But it was hard to focus without proper rest.
Their parents worked as many hours as they could to keep food on the table and keep Bopha and Sokun in school. But their mother, Channary, had a painful heart condition. And it was getting worse.
When doctors told her that she had to stop working to address her heart condition, Channary knew that meant that they’d have to pull Bopha and Sokun from school.
She didn’t see a way forward. This was not the life she had envisioned for her children.
Holt Sponsors Change Lives
Thanks to Holt sponsors, the story didn’t end there. In fact, it was just the beginning.
In their moment of greatest need, the village chief referred Bopha and Sokun’s family to a local organization — Holt Cambodia.
A Holt social worker met with the whole family and identified their most urgent needs. The twins weren’t getting enough to eat. Their home wasn’t safe. And the family wasn’t earning enough income to pay for other basic necessities. With Channary’s heart condition, she could no longer work on her feet, leaving her without a job.
But that’s when Holt sponsors stepped in to support Bopha and Sokun!
Their sponsors immediately provided monthly education support, along with the school lunches, backpacks, supplies, uniforms and shoes they needed to succeed in school. Bopha and Sokun also began receiving counseling, along with regular check-ins with their social worker to track family needs.
With education support, Bopha and Sokun could continue learning their way out of poverty. And through the generosity of Holt donors and sponsors, support didn’t end there.
One urgent need was to address Bopha and Sokun’s unsafe living situation. They were living under an open-air, leaky tarp — no place for a child to grow up.
Their social worker made a note that Bopha and Sokun urgently needed home renovations. With a safe, warm home, they could focus better in school and stay healthy.
Holt sponsors and donors answered the call to meet an urgent need — and suddenly Bopha and Sokun’s home was completely transformed.
Though small, the renovated house gave the twins a secure space to sleep and study — something their family had long dreamed of.
A Gift of Hope for Channary
Due to Channary’s heart condition, she can’t be on her feet as much as she used to.
What she really needed was the ability to earn income on her own schedule, so she could rest as needed while contributing to the family income.
And because she was already connected with Holt Cambodia, a generous Holt donor made that a reality. Through a Gift of Hope, Channary was able to start her own business.
Using a motorbike, she now sells vegetables, meat and other items around her village. She can sit and rest any time during the day, and in the morning, the whole family assists with preparing the goods to sell.
Channary is now earning income to help with family needs. And with access to fresh vegetables and meats, the whole family is eating healthier, nutritious meals at home.
For many families living in poverty, the smallest of crises can cause the whole family to spiral. But through the steady support of their Holt sponsors and the stability of their mother’s new business, Bopha and Sokun have a bright future. Now, seven years after Holt sponsors stepped in to support Bopha and Sokun, everything really has changed.
A Day in the Life of Sokun
Each morning, 14-year-old Sokun wakes early to help prepare goods for his mother’s small business, loading items onto the motorbike before getting ready for school. He looks forward to breakfast there each day.
At school, Sokun enjoys reading Khmer books, writing and practicing mathematics. He believes that studying hard will help him succeed, and lately he’s been raising his hand more in class — growing more confident in sharing his ideas.
Sokun finds great encouragement in the cards he receives from his sponsors. He says they are meaningful and always make him feel happy.
Outside of class, he enjoys catching fish with his father and playing soccer with friends. His favorite days are when he does well at school and still has time to play.
In the evening, after his mother finishes selling goods, she prepares dinner for the family. Sokun is especially grateful for these meals. After eating together, he and Bopha sit down to complete their schoolwork before going to bed.
A Day in the Life of Bopha
Every morning, 14-year-old Bopha helps her mother by washing dishes and preparing items to sell before heading to school.
She loves learning, especially Khmer and science, and enjoys discovering more about her culture and the world around her. At school, she helps water the flowers and spends time studying with friends. Her favorite days are when there are celebrations — moments when everyone can gather, share food and enjoy time together.
Bopha is thoughtful and compassionate. Even with very little, she contributes to her classroom’s fundraising box to help refugees, saying she wants to share kindness with others.
She also treasures the sponsor cards she receives from the U.S., reading them often and appreciating the messages of encouragement.
After school, Bopha spends time with her father, riding around the village or helping clean fish when he’s able to catch some for food. In the evening, she helps cook rice for the family meal.
At the end of the day, Bopha loves watching the sunset from her home. Though her family cannot afford to go on vacation, she says these quiet moments bring her peace and joy each day.
A Way Forward, Thanks to You
Because of their sponsors, Bopha and Sokun have a bright path ahead of them.
For children growing up in poverty, the future can feel too uncertain to dream. Many things — lack of education, medical care, nutrition, financial support — can stand in the way of building a life outside those circumstances.
But sponsorship changes that. Every step of the way, children have the encouragement and support to dream bigger. And now, Bopha and Sokun can.
Bopha dreams of becoming a Khmer teacher so she can help children learn and make a positive impact on her community.
Sokun hopes to become a policeman so he can protect people, help his community and contribute to maintaining peace and safety in society.
Both twins want to make a difference in their community — to protect, teach and impact others. Like their sponsors have made a difference in their lives, Bopha and Sokun want to pass that kindness on.
“Holt Cambodia and the sponsors don’t just support our children — they have supported our whole family,” Channary says. “They have given us the strength to carry on through our hardest times. With their help, we have found our way forward.”
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