Sreyneang’s Story

Sreyneang, a young woman from the Prey Veng province in Cambodia, found herself trapped in a life of darkness and despair.

 In 2008, when she was just six years old, Sreyneang’s family made the difficult decision to migrate to Thailand as fruit collectors, seeking better job opportunities. By the time she turned 10, Sreyneang joined her parents in their work, hoping to contribute to the family’s income.

 Life for Sreyneang took a drastic turn when a man acquainted with her father, told him he could find Sreyneang lucrative job opportunities in China. The man promised that Sreyneang would have the freedom to contact her family and visit Cambodia once a year. With her parents’ consent, Sreyneang embarked on a journey to China with a broker, hoping to support her family.

 On arrival, Sreyneang’s dreams quickly became a nightmare. The brokers who facilitated her journey coerced her into marrying a Chinese man. Faced with the threat of having to repay the substantial sum her parents had invested in her travel, Sreyneang felt trapped and agreed to the marriage. The situation deteriorated further as she endured physical and emotional abuse, and was forced to work, forfeiting her pay to her husband. She was also blocked from having any contact with her family.

 After two years, Sreyneang found the courage to seek help from a Khmer broker, hoping to escape her situation. Unfortunately, she found herself sold to another Chinese man who continued the cycle of abuse and sexual exploitation.

 In June 2022 the police apprehended Sreyneang as an illegal immigrant and after five months she was repatriated to Cambodia where she was placed in the care of Hagar.

 At Hagar’s foster home, the “House of Love,” Sreyneang received comprehensive care. The kindness of the home’s foster mother helped Sreyneang begin her journey of healing and recovery. “I thought my life was over. I lost hope and freedom and no one cared about me. I lived in fear for over four years. I now feel safe and warmly cared for by the Home of Love Mother. She gave me what I really needed most in my life. I love her like my mother. 

Today, Sreyneang is employed as a service staff member in a restaurant in Phnom Penh. The steady income allows her to provide for her family while building a brighter future for herself. She dreams of owning her own business and creating a loving family of her own.

“No words can describe my feelings to Hagar and the mother of Home of Love who supported me and encouraged me to be strong and plan for my future, the future I hope [will be] better. I would like to express my gratitude to Hagar team and the organization for their continued support and for providing me with valuable advice and guidance that has helped me develop clear career goals and plans for a successful future. I will try my best to make my dream come true. Thank you very much.”