My name is Kimheang, and I was born in 1993 in Toul Village, Rongchrey Commune, Tmorkul District, Battambang Province. Currently, I reside in Tahen Parish. I have been a scholarship student in the welcoming centre since 2008. I became involved in environmental programs in 2015 when I participated in an ecological project while pursuing my bachelor’s degree. Since I was 11 years old, I have recognized the vital role of trees in my childhood, had a lot of fun, and I got many fruits to eat.
I remember my father was cutting down trees to earn income to support his family after the Khmer Rouge regime, but this was not a fortunate choice for him, he had to stay in the forest for more than one week. One day, he fell seriously ill with malaria, but after recovering, he stopped going back to the forest. In 2000, two big mango trees in front of my home were cut down, and I expressed my sadness to my father, saying, “I feel deeply sad because you cut those trees.” He was angry when he heard this voice. Many years passed, and after learning from the Tahen parish and joining environmental events with the JSC Ecology program, I was able to share my knowledge with my father, my nieces, and my nephews. When my father understood the benefits of trees, he changed his perspective. He now plants vulnerable tree species in the forest, such as Dalbergia cochinchinensis, Afzelia xylocarpa, and other kinds of rosewood at my home garden.
These small actions have had a significant impact on my experience with nature. I am passionate about the environmental sector, stemming from my experiences with the JSC ecology program, and the motivation I received from my parish. I decided to study Master of Sustainable Ecosystem Management at the National University of Battambang, from 2021 to 2023. This education has enabled me to share my understanding of ecology with other people, especially now I can share my experiences and knowledge with the young generation, the school and university also. I am grateful to the JSC for collaborating with the Battambang Prefecture and providing me with opportunities to lead youth, which has allowed me to learn and share even more.
Currently, I work at the Karuna Battambang organization and volunteer in Tahen Parish on an ecology program with youth engagement. These programs receive support and collaboration from the JSC. Working with youth is meaningful to me because I believe it’s crucial to spread ecological awareness. I would like to thank the ecology program for providing tree nurseries for youth in Tahen; even the children in the kindergarten can see, and the student center can learn and practice germinating the seed and giving care.
I hope to see environmental knowledge widely disseminated in the communities, encouraging more people to actively take responsibility for caring for the natural environment we inhabit and sustaining it for the next generation.