Mr. Sim Thuon faced a life-altering event: he lost both legs above the knees due to a landmine explosion.
Despite his physical challenges, he remained determined. Identified by provincial focal point under the Graduation-Base Social Protection (GBSP) program, he became part of the cash support group in Pursat province. Living with his wife, who has polio in her left leg, and their two children, Mr. Sim Thuon’s daily life was anything but easy. Yet, using small plastic chairs to support his movement, he worked tirelessly in sugar cane fields with his arms.
Through a GBSP grant of USD 258, Mr. Sim Thuon and his wife carefully run a business which transform their lives. They used the funds to repair their motorbike and trailer and to purchase necessary materials to start a mobile sugar cane juice business.
“My husband works hard, and every drop of sugar cane juice we sell carries our dream forward.”
As Mr. Sim Thuon harvested sugar cane, his wife processed and sold juice in the village. Together, they earned between USD 8 to 15 per day. With disciplined saving, they maintained their motorbike, reinvested in the business, and even expanded their ventures planting more sugar cane, growing vegetables, and raising fish.
Their determination did not go unnoticed. The family now enjoys a stable income, enabling them to afford nutritious food, health care, and consistent education for their children. “PAfID has given us a new chapter in life”.