24 Years Old
Village: Prey Mon
Commune: Rohal
District: Preash Neth Preash
Province: Bantheay Meanchey
Training: Barber
Injury: Polio
Prior to his training, Lylen was confined to his family home, with a difficult life ahead. He would help his family by working their rice fields, but his condition made this extremely arduous and very tedious. His new training and his new job make him extremely proud, and give him a much brighter future. He is extremely grateful for his new independence and self esteem which he enjoys thanks to his time with Lom Orng (then known as CWARS - the Cambodian War Amputees Rehabilitation Society).
Like most students, Lylen found the training challenging. He was particularly nervous about shaving his customers during his training, and feared he might cut them accidentally. With much practice and some helpful guidance from his mentors at the centre, Lylen overcame his apprehensions and graduated with confidence in his skills.
This time of year is quiet at Lylen's shop, as it is rice harvesting time and most of the people in his community are in their fields. On average, though, he is able to earn 6,000 to 8,000 Riel per day, charging only 1,500 Riel per service. Once the harvest is over, Lylen will be busy once again.
Just looking at Lylen, it is hard too imagine a nervous, apprehensive young man that the district manager tells me once stood in front of him. All I see is a confident, handsome young man who enjoys his work, and all other aspects of his life. It is astonishing to think that such huge changes are possible in people who experience such hardship, with some basic training and counselling.