Soaline of Shinta Mani Foundation (left) with PHF Volunteer Chen Ming
Saoline Om exudes an air of confidence as he introduced himself to the team. With a stream of fluent English flowing from his ever-smiling demeanor, one is immediately drawn to this very likeable figure. Dressed in a simple white shirt and grey pants, and armed with a potent arsenal of English, one can be forgiven for assuming his relatively fortunate background. Yet, circumstances could not have been more different.
Growing up in a poverty-stricken family in the rural Wat Bor village, Saoline faced all kinds of challenges opposing his desire for an education. The family’s income went to daily necessities and farming supplies – there was simply no money for the children’s education. Saoline was therefore forced by circumstances to move to the city of Siem Reap at the tender age of 16 to find a living, giving up his burning desire for an education.
With minimal skills, Saoline’s opportunities were severely limited.
After few months of fruitless searching, Saoline’s circumstances took a turn for the better when he was linked up with Shinta Mani Foundation, and underwent a hospitality course under full sponsorship. This reunion with education reignited a burning determination within Saoline, and ultimately inspired him to attain first place in his class.
With this achievement, Saoline’s horizons expanded in the tourism-fueled Siem Reap. Yet, he determined to contribute back to his society.
After a productive stint as a “cook assistant”, Saoline underwent further training in Shinta Mani Development Institute, and undertook the position as a culinary teacher at the school – contributing to the learning of young adults who face the very same problems as he did.
When asked on one thing he would give back to society, Saoline replied unequivocally: “education”.
Saoline’s firm determination to contribute back to society serves as a strong inspiration to all volunteers, and to people from all walks of life. To quote Saoline: “be thankful for what you have, and to not forget those around you”.
Project Happy Feet donated culinary books collected from friends from Temasek Polytechnic.