At Flame we believe that it is not just what we are doing but who does it that is important. Many of our staff have already traveled the same journey that our clients are on. Who better to lead the way?

INTRODUCING Brang Keziya

WHAT IS YOUR JOB WITH FLAME?

I’m Keziya and I teach part-time at the after-school program in Steung Meanchey (SMC) and help with the social work team.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED FOR FLAME?

For two years.

WHAT’S THE BEST THING ABOUT YOUR JOB?

I enjoy solving the children’s problems and like encouraging them.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO IN YOUR SPARE TIME?

I love to read, and play football once a week on a social team with men.

WHAT IS YOUR BACKGROUND/HOW DID YOU END UP WORKING FOR FLAME?

I was born in Siem Reap Province without knowing who my father was. I lived with my mother and three brothers until I was 11 years old and my mother tragically passed away. After this, I was taken to an orphanage called CFC with one of my brothers. Although my circumstances for coming there was bad, it became a blessing for my life. Previously I hated to study, but when I lived in CFC I began improving myself more and more by studying hard. I was receiving things there that my mother never would have been able to provide me, like the ability to attend a private school, but even still I missed her greatly and was often very afraid of dying.

In grade 11 the orphanage closed. I was 18. Desperately I prayed to God to provide for me someone who would love me and take care of me. Then I decided I must go back to my home province and find a job or finish my education. I meet some foreigners named Jill and Johnny in an office. They told me they wanted my brother and I to go and live with them, even if it was only for a few weeks. My brother and I decided we would, and we still live with them today.

It is through Jill and Johnny that I heard about Flame. They had gone away on holiday for a month and a half, so I stayed in the Flame Student Centre. I got to go out with some of the Flame staff to the different Centres and meet the children. Something in my heart felt I wanted to be involved. I could relate to how many of the children felt in their lives, as for my childhood I often felt lonely and like no one cared about me. I knew if I could be involved with these children, I would be able to show them love and care for them. While I was here, I told Houn Thy that I would really like to come and work for Flame. I began in the Sensok centre.

I worked in Sensok for one year until I changed to SMC. This fitted in better with my commute to university as I had begun my second year of English Communication already. I continued to work with Flame, having breaks now and again for when I needed to study hard for exams.

I continue to study English. When I was not studying for this I was working in SMC. Staff are very friendly and kind which makes me feel very happy to be there. At first it was not easy, the children did not always listen, and they were from very rough backgrounds, but over time they have grown and become better. I know they are always in my heart now, so I am very thankful to be with them.

The children who are in the SMC centre have very different lives largely due to the area they live in. Usually, families here struggle and mothers or fathers do not have a job. Often their fathers are drunk, and their families will be involved in drugs. I try not to ask the children about their families, as I don’t like to see them cry. Their situations can be very complicated, which is why it is so important for me to be able to show these children love and kindness.

When I was young, people would encourage me and take care of me. I wanted to learn and was extremely blessed to be helped when I had nothing. When I look at these children, I feel strongly that I want to give them the same kindness, care and opportunities that were given to me. My heart is for these children, I want to see them have a good life.

WHAT MESSAGE OR ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE?

I give this advice to myself: When you see the mountain you can’t see the way to climb it unless you go closer. Which means when you are faced with a problem don’t run away, go towards the problem.

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