From Street Seller to University Graduate
Sreymai is working towards her dream of becoming one of Cambodia’s first female tech entrepreneurs.
At the age of eight, Sreymai was wandering the streets of Phnom Penh selling cakes to help support her struggling family. At night, she would turn up to get a free bowl of soup at the Evening Food Program run by Cambodian Children’s Fund (CCF) in Steung Meanchey, one of the poorest parts of Cambodia. It was often Sreymai’s only proper meal of the day. Sometimes, she would wander to one of the community schools run by CCF and look through the window, wishing she could join the classroom. Today, Sreymai is a former CCF student and proud graduate of the American University of Phnom Penh — one of Cambodia’s most prestigious universities - with a Bachelor of Science in Information and Communications Technology. Kieran, who splits his time between Scotland and England, decided in November 2024 to sponsor a child through CCF. It was a decision made from the heart, after hearing about the work being done on the ground and the impact it was having on children’s lives.
Her ambition is to become one of the first female tech entrepreneurs in Cambodia. She’s on the way to achieving that dream. Despite a busy life and a love for travel, which this year includes stops in India, Vietnam, and Romania, Kieran made time earlier this year to visit Cambodia and meet Leap face-to-face, just two months after signing up to sponsor.
Sreymai is now utilising her skill set to give back in her own way. She’s recently been working with CCF’s fundraising team, gaining experience in the exciting world of AI and automation. She’s currently helping to develop an external messaging app for donor communications, utilising the same tools used in countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, and Australia. “Sreymai is a shining example of how raw dedication, an open mind, and a willingness to learn mean she is on par, if not ahead, of her peers in much wealthier countries,” says Shane Bakewell, CCF’s Program Manager, Strategic Projects.
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