Seng Eng

Seng Eng and her family joined the project in 2008. She currently cares for seven grandchildren—five between the ages of six and 15 and two that are older. Some of her children moved or passed away, so Seng Eng is responsible for all of the children. In the past, the children only attended school sporadically because they had to take care of their younger brothers and sisters and collect recyclable materials. Some even washed clothes to supplement the family income.

Now that Seng Eng participates in the program, all of the school-aged children have the opportunity to study full time at a local school. Seng Eng earns $77 per month and two of her grandchildren work as seamstresses, earning an additional $2.25 per day.

Currently, they spend more than they earn, so Seng Eng buys using credit and has an outstanding loan from a moneylender for the treatment of her two daughters when they were alive. She owes about $322.50. Seng Eng also has heart problems and previously had one heart attack. One of her grandchildren has a chronic throat infection. For treatment, she either buys medicine from the market store for $7 or seeks treatment with a private doctor when her family suffers from major illnesses. This service costs $47.

Since joining CfC, Seng Eng notes that she has more income to pay off her debt. She still worries about her poor health and lack of money. She is uncertain that her grandchildren will continue their studies, but she is determined to do all that she can to ensure that they reach university.