Sroeung Maya’s Story (Klahan9 TV Audience)
“After my father’s death, my dream was buried. I didn’t tell anyone about it; I didn’t think it was possible anymore” said a young girl who had dreamed of selling wholesale water mimosa plants to her community.
Maya lives in a single-parent family in the outskirts of Phnom Penh. Her family makes a living by selling water mimosa plants (Ka-chet) to her community, and that does not make much profit. Despite earning very little, she has a dream to expand her family business by selling water mimosa plants in larger quantities as a wholesaler.
But all she could think of doing is the same thing with her family business and looking for a job.
However, after watching Srey Rong’s episode on Dream Station who also faces challenges on her journey, Maya started to have hope in her dream again. She recalled a nostalgic moment when her father brought her to the water mimosa plants field to collect them for selling, and that makes her want to continue the business and make it even bigger this time. I got the courage to start it again because of Srey Rong’s bravery and I think I can be like her. “Dream station changed my life.”, Maya said.
Influenced by Dream Station, she has realized the importance of having a dream and turning it into reality. The show increased her confidence to ask her friends, family and neighbors for advice about her business plan. Willing to talk to people, she feels the support from surrounding people and stops thinking of giving up. “Dream Station taught me that experts or mentors can be your family, friends and neighbors”, she added.
Currently she is working as a part-time cleaner at One Casino in Phnom Penh to support her family in addition to the small income they earn daily from selling water mimosa plants. On top of that, she saves some money from the job to support her on the journey to expand her family business. “Even though I am not sure whether I can achieve my dream, I dare to dream now”, said Maya.
Story of Change produced by: BBC Media Action