By Raksmey VA | Country Representative - Cambodia
In Cambodia, poverty remains a major barrier to girls’ education. Many underprivileged girls are forced to leave school early, and those who remain often struggle with lack of safe, reliable transportation. Lotus Pedals addresses this challenge by providing bicycles to girls in need by opening doors not only to formal education, but also to skills-based training that is equally transformative for rural female students.
On the day of distribution of new bicycles at Bayon Pastry School, excitement filled the air. Among the students overjoyed by this life-changing gift were SORPHEANN and SINA, whose bright smiles reflected their gratitude and hope for the future.
SORPHEANN, 20, is from Komprom Village, Siem Reap Province. She is the third of five siblings, with two still in school. Her father, a farmer, is the family's breadwinner, as her mother is often bedridden due to illness. Despite these challenges, Sorphann remains determined to chase her dreams and build a better future. She traveled 15 km daily to attend high school, graduated in 2024, and went on to Bayon Pastry School where she is learning the profession. For girls like Sorpheann, skills-based training after high school offers practical opportunities to achieve economic independence, contribute to their communities, and pursue entrepreneurial dreams. Receiving a bicycle has transformed her daily life:
“I am very excited to receive a bicycle! Without it, getting to school on time would be difficult, and I wouldn’t be able to attend workshops, my internship, or attend school at Bayon Pastry School. This bicycle also helps me go to the market and explore beautiful places in Siem Reap. I promise to take good care of it.”
Her biggest dream is to own a large and well-known bakery, a dream she has had since childhood. She believes that studying at Bayon Pastry School will help her turn this dream into reality, and is deeply grateful to GlobalGiving donors for their generous support.
SINA, 18, from Tangboeng, Kampong Cham Province, faced similar challenges. After her father passed away, her mother struggled to support their small family. Before receiving a bicycle, Sina often missed school because transportation was unreliable. The bicycle now gives her independence to focus fully on her skills training. She dreams of opening a bakery and coffee shop where she can train others, creating opportunities for women in her community.
“The moment I received the bicycle, I was really excited. Now, I can travel to school without relying on others. I can go to the market, explore Siem Reap, and most importantly, focus on my studies without worrying about transportation. This simple gift has given me so much independence, and I am truly grateful. In the future, I have big dreams. I want to open my own shop where I will sell pastries, serve coffee, and teach others who are passionate about these skills. I want to help people gain valuable experience and job opportunities so they can support themselves, their families, and their communities.”
Both SORPHEANN and SINA are thriving, gaining practical skills, confidence, and mobility to chase their dreams. For rural girls, access to skills training can be just as impactful as higher education, and a bicycle ensures they can fully participate in these life-changing programs.
Conclusion
The Lotus Pedals provides bicycles and is creating opportunities, independence, and hope for underprivileged girls in Cambodia. Thanks to our generous donors, students like SORPHEANN and SINA can continue their education, gain marketable skills, and build brighter, empowered futures. Your support makes a tangible difference, helping girls ride toward independence, opportunity, and long-term success.
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By Raksmey VA | Country Representative - Cambodia
By Raksmey VA | Country Representative - Cambodia
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