Meet Chantrea!

New to CIF, he serves in our Kinship Program, striving to strengthen family foundations and resources so children can remain with their biological families.

After seeing social issues and injustices while growing-up in Kampong Speu, he pursued social work in university. Chantrea wanted to give back by finding a way to improve Cambodia’s social structure and spent three years combating human trafficking and exploitation through Chab Dai.

He realized the work CIF does plays a key role in prevention by addressing neglect, abuse, and poverty, which amplify the risk of children being trafficked.

Chantrea gets to connect with our families all over Cambodia observing, assessing, building relationships, and teaching. In his brief-time at CIF, he recalled his favorite visit was accompanying our physical therapist to meet with a child and family in the A.B.L.E. program. He was loved the gentleness and care this family had for their disabled child. He said while they worked with the physical therapist, it was not just a duty or obligation but love that compelled them.

He was also inspired after meeting another family who made their children’s education a priority. In a nation where children are expected to take care of their families, many are encouraged to start working at a young age without as much value to a longer term education. Despite their socioeconomic standing, this family was striving to break that cultural mold.

We are excited to have Chantrea on our team. It is fantastic to work with people so dedicated to empowering this nation!