At just nine years old, Saomean from Cambodia has already overcome challenges that once seemed impossible.
Born with an intellectual disability and cerebral palsy, Saomean spent much of her early childhood unable to sit, walk, speak or communicate her basic needs. Her parents, struggling with poverty and unstable living conditions, worried deeply about her future.
When her parents separated, Saomean became increasingly withdrawn and depressed.
Everything began to change in 2019 when Saomean joined the Community Based Rehabilitation Program run by our Jesuit partner Karuna Battambang Organisation.
In 2025, thanks to our generous Jesuit Mission supporters, this project reached over 3,200 people across Battambang, Kampong Chhnang and Banteay Meanchey provinces.
Through special education classes, speech therapy, physical exercises and daily living activities, Saomean slowly developed confidence and independence. Her mother also received guidance on how to support her daughter’s development at home.
Today, Saomean can walk, run and ride a bicycle to school. She writes letters from A to Z, recognises money and independently manages daily activities such as toileting, cooking rice and washing clothes. Now a Grade 2 student at Chak Primary School, she actively participates in class and ranks 12th among 21 students.
Mr Anngara, Saomean’s teacher, said her progress has been remarkable. He recalled that in Grade 1 she struggled with “speech, walking, posture, and social interaction” and “was afraid to learn or play with classmates”. Today, he says, “she attends school regularly, participates actively in class, reads, writes, and spells better than some of her classmates”.
Saomean’s mother now hopes her daughter “will gain knowledge and become a teacher so she can support herself and contribute to society”.
She is deeply grateful for the support her family received, Saomean’s mother says, “Thanks to your generosity, my daughter’s life has changed.”
Find out more about this program
This story comes from Reflections Winter 2026.
Contents include:
- A legacy continued, India
- Dreaming beyond borders, Myanmar
- A future once thought impossible, Cambodia
- Where seeds of hope take root, Timor-Leste
- Helping children find their voice, Myanmar
- Plus more from our 75th anniversary celebrations, including stories from long-time supporter sand volunteers
