At just 20 years old, Roth* runs his own motorcycle repair shop in Banteay Meanchey Province. Orphaned as a baby and raised by relatives struggling to survive, his future once seemed uncertain. Today, he is not only supporting himself but also helping provide for the family who raised him.
Roth lost both of his parents to illness when he was only one year old. He was raised by his aunt, a construction worker, whose modest income made it difficult to cover the family’s daily needs. Even with these challenges, Roth remained committed to his education and attended a local public school in Poi Pet.
As financial pressures grew, continuing school became increasingly difficult. In 2023, he made the difficult decision to drop out of school after completing Grade 8 so he could find work and help support himself and his family.
Everything changed in late 2024 when Damnok Toek’s Drop-In Centre (DIC) and Futures Office (FO) teamsmet Roth during community outreach. Through conversations with him, they recognised his strong interest in learning motorcycle repair skills and connected him with a local repair shop where he could begin practical, hands-on training. This opportunity marked a new chapter in his life.
Turning Skills into Opportunity
From the very beginning, Roth approached his training with dedication. Although naturally quiet and reserved, he proved to be patient, focused, and hardworking. Over the next eight months, he learned how to diagnose mechanical faults, repair motorcycles, and provide quality customer service. His confidence grew alongside his skills, and so did his dream of one day owning his own business.
In May 2025, that dream became a reality. Through the Futures Office’s Income-Generating Activity (IGA) initiative, which helps young people establish sustainable livelihoods through , Roth received the essential tools and equipment needed to open his own motorcycle repair shop.
Today, his business is growing steadily. He has two to three customers each day, providing him with a reliable income that allows him to support himself, contribute to household expenses, and help younger relatives continue their education.
For Roth, the business represents more than financial security.
It is proof that his hard work and determination have created opportunities that once felt out of reach.
Gratitude and Growth
The support Roth received extended beyond vocational training. Damnok Toek also provided clothing, hygiene supplies, and ongoing social work support through regular follow-up visits, helping Roth successfully establish his business and build confidence in his future.
Roth adds, “I am very thankful to the organisation for helping me learn skills and start my business. Now I can earn money every day and support my family.”
Roth now hopes to expand his workshop by stocking a wider range of motorcycle spare parts and introducing a motorcycle washing service. Together with his aunt, he is saving towards making that goal a reality and creating a more secure future for his family.
Roth’s journey demonstrates how vocational skills, mentoring, and the right support can help young people to overcome hardship and build independent futures. He is now earning a reliable income, supporting his family, and growing a business that once seemed impossible. Roth’s story is about more than learning a trade. It is about gaining the confidence, skills, and opportunity to build a life with dignity while creating a brighter future for himself and his family.
*The name has been changed to protect his identity.
