Buntheon's Story
I am single, 30 years of age and I was born on the outskirts of Phnom Penh. My childhood was so difficult that I thought it was a nightmare. Although I was not involved in the civil war after the Pol Pot regime, life was very hard for me and my family. I had to walk 7 km to school every day and our family didn’t have enough to eat. Our living stand was very low. I always had to work hard to help my family and when I finished high school, although I really wanted to continue studying, I could not go to university because my family had no money to support me while I was at university.
It was necessary for me to have a job to help support my family, so I joined the army. My land mine accident did not happen as a result of my military duties, but it happened when I was fishing in a small lake near the army barracks. I lost my right leg in that land mine explosion, which happened in 2003.
Both my legs were seriously damaged, so that one had to be amputated in order for me to survive. That meant that I was in hospital for more than one year. When I recovered from the injuries, I was invited to speak in Japan about the land mine situation in Cambodia, so I spent a short time in Tokyo sharing about Cambodia’s problems.
When I returned to Cambodia, I was granted a 2 year scholarship by World Vision and I decided to do a degree in English Language studies. I have just completed one year of this 2 year course. My goal is to have an office job, so I will change my course and study administration and accounting in order to achieve this.
In December 2006 I was employed by RTC Cambodia in a marketing position and I am so thankful to get this job, so I can support my family and continue to study. Thank you so much for helping me.
Bunthoeun Cheng
P.S. Bunthoeun Cheng began to study accountancy when he started work with RTC Cambodia. When a position as accountant became available 2 years ago, Bunthoeun was given that job, which he does with excellence. Two months ago the position of Administrator became available and now Bunthoeun Cheng is Administrator, Accountant and Marketing Manager. Working in our company has given him the opportunity of a lifetime. He married in February 2009 and he has become a dedicated Christian.
