26 Years Old
Village: Salachhesh
Commune: Rohal
District: Chnoul Meanchey
Province: Bantheay Meanchey
Training: Barber
Injury: Polio
Mr Loeuth currently lives with his grandmother, as his father lives in Thailand and his mother passed away many years ago. It was extremely important for Loeuth to find some sustainable way of earning an income. With his condition, and without his parents to care for him, his training with CWARS (now known as Lom Orng) was his chance to do so. Understandably, before his training, he was unable to earn any money. Lom Orng also negotiated for him to use the land he has built his shop on.
Loeuth no longer sits at home with nothing to do. Since his training, he is able to take care of himself, and live a normal, independent life. He no longer relies on his brother for money or support; he can now afford to support himself. He sees, on average, five or six customers per day at 2000 Riel per haircut.
Due to his condition, Loeuth found the training difficult initially. However, he never dwelled on the difficult parts, and chose instead to work harder at them. Even the staff at Lom Orng were hesitant to offer him a position as a barber, as his condition would make the work extremely difficult. However there seemed to be nothing that could stop Loeuth, and he convinced them he would be successful. Now he is so successful that he saves $US30 per month, which hopes to use when he gets married. Using his business training, Loeuth has set up a small loans business where he loans money to people in his community, charging 3% interest on each loan.
Loeuth has two brothers, both also suffering from polio, and both have also been trained by Lom Orng.
Loeuth is an example of someone who refuses to be held back by his disability. He is determined to live a normal life, and do anything he puts his mind to. His body is not 100%, but his mind clearly is! He made many friends at the training centre, and such was his popularity that they now visit him regularly to catch up - and to get their hair cut.