While I was browsing the Night Market, Chamroeun invited me to explore her collection of clothes. I was struck by her impeccable command of English, learning that she was not only an enterprising seller, but a Literature teacher. She balances her time by hawking good from 6:00pm to 11:00pm every night, and rises early in the morning to teach Khmer Literature to children at a rural village. She has rented a small room in the city with her husband, and zips between the city and countryside on her motorbike.
Chamroeun assumes the entrepreneurial role in the family by selling clothes, because she feels more confident about her English, while her husband teaches Mathematics at a high school and is pursuing his Masters in Public Administration. To add to their busy commitments, Chamroeun and her husband selflessly volunteer at a Buddhist school where parents send their children to train as monks. The temple provides an education in Sanskrit and Buddhist scriptures, along with free shelter and food, serving as a sanctuary for families who cannot afford the costs.
By channeling their efforts into this philanthropic initiative, Chamroeun and her husband uplift the lives of those who cannot afford a proper upbringing. Together, they exemplify dedication, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to both personal and societal progress.
Shopkeeper Stories is a photo-documentary of small business owners and their trades around the world, sharing their insights, stories and views. You can see all the posts on Instagram and Facebook @ShopkeeperStories
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