Now aged 53, she is a single mother, traditional silk scarf (kroma) weaver. She lives in Takéo province, Cambodia.
As a poor divorced mother, Koeung relied heavily on the generosity of her relatives and neighbours. Not having a loom of her own, Koeung Seoub used to borrow time on her neighbors' looms to produce a couple of kroma a week.
When she joined the savings group initiated by World Renew and their partner Phal Dombaung Church (PDC) she had access to small loans that someone in her position would not normally be able to get from a bank. A $50 loan paid for her first loom. Another $50 was used to purchase her first piglet. Each investment means small improvements in Koeung Seoub's everyday life!
Koeung Seoub still faces many challenges in her life, but being a part of the savings group has given her new hope.
Last year she was elected leader of the savings group. The women all agree that Keoung Seoub is the most trustworthy person in the village. She doesn’t see herself as a leader, but she is willing to do anything that she can to help others. This woman who was so reliant on her neighbors is now finding a way to lift them up in return.
World Renew is working with local partners to implement sustainable community development in the poorest rural communities in Cambodia. This year marks the twentieth anniversary of this work.