Panha

Panha was born into a typical farming family in the south of Cambodia and he enjoyed his childhood. He is the youngest child in his family and has a good relationship with his parents and siblings.

Like other children in his community, Panha liked to go to the temple with his friends after school. Unfortunately, there was a man who lived near the temple that began to talk to Panha and his friends and was very kind. Panha trusted the man but as time went on the man started to sexually abuse Panha.

Panha was referred to Hagar for help overcoming the trauma of this abuse two years ago. He was experiencing nightmares and would wake up screaming. He felt shame about what had happened and isolated himself from other children in his community. At the beginning, Panha did not want to see Hagar staff or a counsellor and tried to avoid them when they visited his family. But Hagar’s counsellor was persistent and continued to work with him and his family on a regular basis.

Slowly a trusting relationship was formed and Panha started to talk to his counsellor and share his stories. The counsellor taught Panha relaxation techniques as well as skills in managing his emotions. Panha’s counsellor also supported him intensely through the court process, which successfully led to the conviction of Panha’s abuser. He is now in prison and unable to harm any more children!

When asked to reflect on how his counsellor helps him, Panha says:

“I feel happy to meet my counsellor in counselling session. My counsellor helps me to learn how to manage my fear and anxiousness. I feel more confident. He helps me with skills so that I can improved my study and relationship with my friends. I can solve my own problems by myself.”

Counselling with Hagar has therefore helped Panha in so many ways. He is now a confident student in his school and is one of the top 10 students in his class. No longer socially isolated, Panha is a courageous teenager in his community and helps solve conflicts amongst his friends. He is a good example to others and has renewed hope and a clear goal for the future. His future is bright and we know that he will make a difference.

Panha is truly an example of what the long-term love and support of Hagar donors and staff can achieve in a person’s life. Together, we have seen transformation!