Oeur Srey Naeth, the self-taught gardener at CSH

When she is not studying, Srey Naeth is either teaching her students to play rugby, gardening, helping the staff or playing pranks on her classmates. Meet this entertainer.

Can you introduce yourself?

My name is Srey Naeth OEUR, I am 21 years old. I am a second year student of Fisheries Science at the Royal University of Agriculture (RUA) in Phnom Penh. 

Why did you choose this major?

In high school, I had two choices: agriculture or aquaculture. During the vacations, my classmates and I go fishing on the banks of the Tonle Sap or the Mekong.  I love it! There were two subjects that are a bit difficult for me, namely microbiology and chemical biology.

Can you tell us more about your part-time work?

In parallel with my studies, I am a rugby educator with the NGO Kampuchea Balopp, which offers disadvantaged or handicapped Khmer children access to a sports and group activity every week. In addition to promoting their inclusion, this allows them to acquire sporting values. Our association works with several local NGOs or schools and we organize tournaments between them. The president of the NGO was my teacher at Happy Chandara and as sports came easy to me, he offered me to join his team. I also play volleyball, soccer, badminton, basketball... I am passionate about sports and I love my job!

At Chandara Students' Home Sen Sok, you care of the plants and you even planted your own.

I have learnt by myself how to garden. I've never done this before and I'm happy because it's growing well! I have planted morning glories, radishes, cabbage, pineapple, lemongrass, aloe vera, basil, chilli pepper, garlic leaves. There are also two longana trees. I recycled polystyrene boxes that businesses use to transport goods, used dishwashing liquid bottles and water bottle bottoms.

What would be your dream?

I would like to own my farm with my fruits and vegetables on one side, as well as a fish farm so that I can be self-sufficient and have my own business. And above all, to have a playground to keep doing sports!