THEIR
STORIES
DISCOVER THEIR STORIES
Since 1996, Somaly Mam and AFESIP have supported over 7,000 girls and young women. Since its creation in 2013, the Solyna Foundation has been actively working alongside them and has already contributed to supporting over 600 of them by 2025. Together, we continue our work with the aim of helping even more children and offering them the prospect of a better future.
We are committed to providing comprehensive care for children who are victims of slavery, abuse, or violence. Our actions range from rescue to reintegration, including medical and psychological care, education, training, and shelter, and are carried out with great compassion. Find more information in "our actions" section.
LINGYA
Born in 1991 into a poor family of nine children, Lingya was sold by her family at the age of 11 and trafficked to Thailand. She was rescued by the Thai police and placed in the center's care in 2004. "From that moment on, I felt the warmth and happiness of a loving home, and I was happy that the center became my home. Everyone took good care of me, and I gained sisters, in addition to a new mother."
In 2017, Lingya earned her Bachelor's degree in Finance and Accounting and joined the center's team full-time as a scholarship coordinator. "I firmly believe that everyone should be able to dream, and that education remains the most powerful tool to achieve that dream. I am living proof that, regardless of one's background, access to education can change the course of a life."
CHENDA
Born in 1995 into a very poor family, Chanda was first abused by her uncle at the age of 12. Overwhelmed by feelings of powerlessness and fear, she decided to remain silent. Two years later, she was abused again by another uncle. "I couldn't believe all of this had happened to me, and I developed a very strong sense of mistrust and confusion towards adults in general."
Chenda was taken in by the center in 2010, and she was finally able to regain her faith in life and the goodness of human beings. She received a great deal of love from the entire team and her new sisters, which allowed her to rebuild her life. In 2024, she graduated with a Bachelor's degree in English Literature. "Today, I have the right to live without shame and with pride. I still consider the center my true family and I am an integral part of it. So, in addition to my work as a teacher in a private school, I give lessons on weekends to my little sisters."
BUN THAI
Born in 2003 into a large family with a very violent father, Bun Thai suffered repeated abuse until she became pregnant at the age of 17. During her delivery, the baby was stillborn due to a chromosomal abnormality. The hospital then contacted the center, and our team took her in. "I had no idea I was pregnant until I gave birth. This pregnancy became a source of fear, shame, worry, and constant stress. I have repeatedly asked the center's nurse to perform ultrasounds since then to check that there wasn't another baby in my womb."
In 2021, Bun Thai began culinary training at the KSK Culinary School in Phnom Penh, which she completed with flying colors. She is now part of the center's team as a caregiver. "I hope that my experience will be an example for my little sisters at the center: proof that each of us can rebuild ourselves."
SREYMOM
Born in 2004, this young girl was abused by a neighbor at the age of 12 while her parents were at work. She was taken in by the center in 2016, where she lived for several years. Having expressed a desire to return to her family, and with her mental health significantly improved, she was able to return home in 2020 thanks to our community rehabilitation program. We continued to monitor and support her psychologically and financially to ensure her well-being, education, and access to food. "I wanted to take care of my aging parents and give them the love I received from my new family at the center."
In 2025, Sreymom began studying business and finance at the University of Phnom Penh and returned to live at the center for the duration of her studies. She dreams of becoming a bank manager in the future. "I am truly grateful to receive the support I need to pursue the studies of my choice. The center saved my life and gave me a new dream."
KANHA
Born in 2011, Kanha lost her father at the age of three, and her mother left her with her grandmother. The grandmother, being old and ill, sold her granddaughter for money to pay for her medical treatment. The person who bought Kanha was intercepted by local authorities at the border, and the little girl was entrusted to our center.
Since 2014, this little girl has been growing up within our facility, and our team has become her family. She is surrounded by her sisters and is learning to trust again. "I feel like I'm in a warm family at the center. All the sisters at the center love me and take care of me. I can go to school, eat well, and have good supplies. I am truly happy."
Kanha had several mental health issues during her early years, but she is doing much better. She remains a quiet and shy girl, although she is now able to express herself clearly. She is diligent in her studies and enjoys studying with her friends. She dreams of becoming a doctor.
NITA
Born in 2020, little Nita and her sister were both abused by their violent father. They were taken in by the center in 2024.
Nita and her older sister are still very close and look out for each other. The little girl is happy at the center and feels safe. "I'm happy to have met lots of new sisters to play with."
Sweet and kind by nature, she is courageous and works hard at school. She answers questions in class and does her homework well. She also enjoys spending time in the psychology room where there are children's toys. Her mental health is good, and she dreams of becoming a teacher.