Hon Lei is a 58-year-old mother of four who lives in rural Cambodia with her husband, youngest son, daughter-in-law and two grandchildren.
Eleven years ago, she lost her sight, ending her ability to farm and forcing her to depend on others. “It happened so quickly,” she recalls. “The doctor said surgery could help, but it was too expensive for me. Later they told me it was too late.”
Once a farmer who grew watermelon and beans, Hon Lei had to give up fieldwork.
New possibilities
Village leaders referred Hon Lei to the Jubilee of Empowerment and Inclusion program, supported by Jesuit Mission.
At the centre, people with disabilities could share experiences and explore livelihood opportunities.
“I learnt about my rights and that there is still opportunity for me,” she says. “It made me want to try something again.”
With support from the program, Hon Lei chose to raise pigs, an activity she knew from before her vision loss. Staff helped her buy her first pig, and she has rediscovered her independence and the dignity of contributing to her family again.
“I learnt about my rights and that there is still opportunity for me. It made me want to try something again.”
Hon Lei
“The pig is now pregnant,” she says proudly. “I hope I can grow this into a small business to help my family.”
Hon Lei’s story reflects the program’s impact and a wider movement of hope. Over recent months, 215 people living with a disability have gained mobility with new and repaired wheelchairs, rebuilt homes, improved sanitation, and new livelihoods.
At the Metta Karuna Reflection Centre in Cambodia, the Jubilee of Empowerment and Inclusion program is transforming lives for people with disabilities and their families.
Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, this program continues to provide skills training, livelihood support and community inclusion, equipping people with disabilities, like Hon Lei, to build sustainable livelihoods.
This story comes from Reflections Summer 2026.
Contents include:
- A future takes flight in Thailand
- Honouring dignity in Cambodia
- Healing with heart in Timor-Leste
- Finding safety and hope in the midst of war, Ukraine
- Lighting the way through education in Myanmar
- Fr Bob’s Fifty Years in Hazaribag
