26 Years Old
Village: Oambel
Commune: Oambel
District: Sereysophon
Province: Bantheay Meanchey
Training: Motorbike Repair
Injury: Narith is the only graduate without a direct disability. However, both his parents were killed by landmines, thus he has been devastated by these devices nonetheless.
Narith is an orphan who lives on his own. He lives in his workshop, where he rents the land it is built on. The land costs him 35,000 Riel per month to rent, making it difficult to save any money. Before his training, Narith would make the long and extremely dangerous journey into the jungle to collect firewood in heavily mined areas to sell for money.
He is extremely proud of his training, and grateful for his opportunity to learn at the training centre, even though he is not an amputee or suffering from polio. The staff at Lom Orng immediately became aware of his hard work and determination, convincing them that he deserved the opportunity to be trained and improve his life.
Even though Narith only finished his training in October, he is already earning 20,000 Riel per day minimum. This helps him pay his rent, and leaves him with enough money to buy food and spare parts. He will also expand his shop as he saves his money, to be able to compete with other repairers, including the one next door!
Narith found the training quite difficult in the beginning, but on completion of his course he says his work is now second nature to him.
Narith is a happy, smiling young man who cannot stop expressing his gratitude for the opportunities given to him by Lom Orng. He even proudly displays his graduation certificate in the front of his work cabinet at the front of his shop for everyone to see. His shop is clean and meticulously organised, further illustrating his pride in his work. His determination willingness to work hard despite the tragedy in his life is a lesson for all of us.