44 Years Old
Village: Sranoul
Commune: Sambou
District: Mongkol Bourey
Province: Banteay Meanchey
Training: Motorbike Repair
Injury: Polio
Chien sought training with the CWARS (now known as Lom Orng) program in order to find work that would better support his family. He had an interest in motorbike repairs prior to the course, so he enjoyed the training immensely. He was very appreciative for the chance he was given by Lom Orng to learn a trade despite his debilitating condition.
As a result of his new work skills, the income he receives has given him the time to grow rice and raise chickens and pigs, both as food for his family and for sale at market to further increase him income.
Before his training, Chien's only means of earning money was through farming. Due to his condition, the work was very difficult and very time consuming for him. Working this way made it very difficult for him to even earn enough money to feed his family. Now his family eat every day in plentiful supply, and an extra bonus is that now he can send his daughter to school.
On average, Chien repairs 2-3 motorbikes per day, earning up to 100,000 Riel per repair if he reconditions an engine. The fact that Chien is the only motorbike repairer in his community of over 200 families means that his business is extremely successful, and will be sustainable in the future. From his farming, he will harvest 20 bags of rice, each weighing 100 kg. Each bag will earn him 60,000 Riel, and he will harvest 2 crops per year.
Chien was another quiet man, who looked quite comfortable with his new job and lifestyle. He was relaxed the entire time we spoke, and at no stage looked disheartened or disappointed in how things have turned out. It was also clear he was well-liked, as he had at least four or five friends sharing his company that day.