PLF GRADUATES
HALL OF FAME!
SOKHANN – Medicine
Sokhann is from the rural areas around Bakong District, some 40km from Siem Reap, where she lived until moving to the city during her high school years, after meeting philanthropist and frequent visitor to Cambodia, Tina Etherington. Tina immediately recognized Sokhann’s academic potential and determination to succeed; as did we, quickly granting her a scholarship after Tina’s introduction. Sokhann graduated with her bachelor in Medicine in 2025 – the first female PLF student to do so!
“I was born in a rural area, 40 kilometres from the city and I am the youngest child in my family. My family is poor, my parents had to raise 9 children, so none of my older siblings had a chance to stay in school beyond primary. Even then, I realized that I was the luckiest one who was able to continue studying and reach for secondary school.
So I am the only one in my family who could even begin to dream of university, but because of my family condition, I never thought it would be possible. I had to try really hard to reach my goal and, to be honest, I faced a lot of struggles in secondary school.
There was a local NGO offering small scholarships for outstanding students and every month I got 1st in class in both Khmer and English, but I still never got the scholarship. I was really disappointed and upset, however, this gave me more energy to try to study harder because I believed that one day I will meet someone who will see my potential.
Well, that became a reality when I met a foreigner who helped me change to Angkor High School in Siem Reap in Grade 10, and she also connected me with PLF at that time.
Sokhann at high school
Sokhann and Tina, the first day they met
That was when I started to dream of becoming a doctor. Now I was living in Siem Reap with my 5th sister and everyday on the way to school I rode my bicycle past a big house which ran a clinic. There were always lots of patients going to check-up and I immediately imagined that if one day I had a chance to study medicine I could help people in the same way with my own clinic.
I think at that time, all the motivation that pushed me to continue studying at university was my family, because my parents were getting old, so only I can help and take care of them in their old age. I realised that I had to continue studying to help my family, because only education can handle everything. And when I am well-educated, I will be able to help others in my community too.
So after I graduated high school, and with a PLF scholarship, I won my place at the University of Health And Science in Phnom Penh, one of the best Medical Universities in Cambodia. I graduated in 2025 and now I am currently working as a Doctor at the Neonatal Department at Jayvaraman VII hospital in Siem Reap.
I love this job that allows me to help Khmer families and babies and to use all the knowledge I gained at university. I can help my family by providing some money to my parents and buying medication for them and bringing them for check-ups when they need.
I also take part in PLF’s mentorship program, I think that it is very important because it provides a chance to high school students to get more detail about their dream majors, and also make a stronger friendship and good communication with other new uni students and be well-prepared before they go to university.
To me, education means LIFE. Without education people will suffer because they are unemployed and have no skills. Without education, the country has no development so how can people make a living.
So lastly, I would like to send a message to the next generation that: If you really want to change your life, EDUCATION is the only thing that can help you, and your family, for a better future.”
There are many more students just like Sokhann with great academic promise for higher education, but lacking the financial ability to get there.
Donating to our scholarship fund ensures they can access college, and go on to employment opportunities that change the trajectory of not only their lives, but their families’ and communities’ too.
Make their dreams come true – and contribute to a brighter and more equitable Cambodia!