Story board of community youth leadership ambassadors

My name is Chhean Liza, and I am currently a third-year student majoring in International Relations.I chose this major because it offers a broad scope, allowing me to learn about significant global issues such as diplomacy, international affairs, and community development.I also aspire to become part of efforts promoting sustainable development, human rights, and positive social change. I enjoy engaging in community work and spending my free time learning new things. In October 2024, I attended a workshop on Foreign Direct Investmentand the living conditions of urban poor communities which was hosted by Sahmakum Teang Tnaut (STT). 
I registered for the workshop because I had never heard of the concept of foreign direct investment and wanted to learn more about it and how it affects the urban poor. One thing that stood out to me during the workshop was the introduction of STT, an organization I had never heard of before.At that time, I only had a general understanding that it worked with and supported communities. I also had only a vague idea of what “urban poor communities” were, without understanding their actual struggles.

After attending the workshop, I developed a growing interest in learning more about these communities. Eventually, I was selected as a volunteer for the Community Youth Leadership Program (CYLP), which is one of STT’s thematic focused programs. Through this program, I learned more about the work of STT, which primarily supports vulnerable and impoverished communities. The program gave me the opportunity to work in a team and directly shared in one of Phnom Penh’s urban communities. A good case in point is that our team conducted an educational campaign in one of the urban poor communities located along the riverside, Satrey Klahan Community. We raised awareness about plastic waste and held a clean-up activity together at that community. During this campaign, a community representative shared with us in detail about the challenges that community members have faced.

I observed and learned a lot from this representative. Although she didn’t possess an advanced education, she was deeply committed to solving issues alongside her community’s fellows. This group’s experience and being part of this CYLP taught me much more about community realities and the importance of teamwork, leadership, and boldness. It helped me think more critically and take initiative to lead campaigns and empower other youth. I also had the chance to meet new people and gain meaningful experience through direct interaction with the community and fellow young volunteers. I often share what I’ve learned with my friends. Many of them are surprised to hear that urban poor communities exist in Phnom Penh, as they had never known about them before.

After completing the community youth leadership program, I began an internship at STT. This gave me the chance to further understand the organization’s mission and deepen my learning about working with vulnerable communities. I gained clearer insight into how STT works to support communities to access adequate housing through community mapping, research, training on housing rights, and the use of digital tools. Through my internship, I was able to listen directly to many community representatives, whose experiences further fueled my interest in following and understanding social issues.

Before the internship, I lacked confidence in public speaking and communicating with new people. However, by observing how community representatives bravely voiced their concerns despite not having much formal education. I was inspired to become more outspoken and engaged. I also learned how to organize training sessions and events, manage time effectively, and improve my report writing skills. What I truly appreciated about the internship with STT was being surrounded by like-minded individuals who are passionate about creating positive changes. They were kind, encouraging, and always motivated me to keep learning. After five months of interning at STT, I feel that I have grown a lot in knowledge about land and housing rights, in communication skills, leadership, and in having a clearer sense of what I want to pursue.

Moreover, I have the courage to share the community’s issues with those around me, so they may understand that despite development, there are still areas lacking justice, the right to live with dignity and without threats, access to quality public services, and genuine attention from the government. One quote from a community representative deeply resonated with me: "We want development, but not the kind that brings pain. We want development without forced eviction, fair compensation, decent housing, and dignity." This statement stuck with me. It encapsulates what I’ve learned throughout my time with STT: the ongoing struggles, resilience, and advocacy of communities for justice. As a youth, I truly want to contribute to building a just and equal society. While I may not be able to do much now beyond volunteering and raising awareness, I am committed to continuously developing my knowledge and skills. I don’t know exactly who I will become in the future, but I am certain that I want to be part of meaningful social change that promotes equality and justice.

Lastly, I want to sincerely thank STT for their dedicated work with vulnerable communities and for giving me multiple opportunities to learn and grow. I am especially grateful for the chance to explore what I am passionate about and to be part of efforts driving positive change in society.