Sreyna’s Story from Refugee to Hagar Country Director
“I was born during a time of war in a refugee camp. As the eldest of five children, my early life was marked by hardship, loss, and responsibility. After my father left the family, my mother and I carried the burden of survival alone.
In 1992, my family returned to Cambodia, where we faced deep poverty and discrimination. At just 13 years old, I worked as a construction laborer alongside my mother while trying to continue my education. With only a small daily income, my family often survived on a single bowl of porridge per meal.
When I was unable to afford a small school fee, I feared my dream of education would end. In my darkest moments, I would pray through the night, holding onto hope.
One unexpected act of kindness changed my life – a young man from my neighborhood gave me money he had earned through hard labor so I could return to school. For me, this was a turning point and a reminder that God had not forgotten me.
I later moved to Phnom Penh to study at a Bible school at the age of 17, stepping into a new chapter filled with both challenges and hope. Through faith and perseverance, I continued my journey.
Today, I am a mother of three, and a leader with over 20 years of experience working in education sector and international organizations in Cambodia. I have spent nearly two decades with Hagar International, walking alongside women and children who have experienced trafficking, abuse, and exploitation.
Starting as a counsellor, I have grown into senior leadership roles, supporting survivor recovery programs and strengthening partnerships with government and community stakeholders. My work focuses on restoring dignity, rebuilding hope, and empowering survivors to live independently within their chosen communities.
My personal experiences of trauma, poverty, and resilience deeply shaped my approach. I believe every person has value, regardless of their past or circumstances. My greatest joy is seeing broken lives restored—watching survivors rediscover hope, dream again, and step into their future with dignity.
God hears the cry of the brokenhearted. I am living proof that hope, when met with love, can restore a life.
A message I’ve learned from my life is, do not judge a person by what you see or hear in a moment. So much of their story is unseen. Our role is not to judge, but to respect, walk alongside, and empower dignity, one life at a time. I was born in a refugee camp, raised in poverty, and nearly lost my chance to study. But I was met where I was and hope changed my life. Today, I walk alongside others as they rediscover dignity, strength, and dreams for their future. We may not be able to help everyone, but we can help one life at a time. And that one life matters.”
~Sreyna
