In the rural Prek Thom village, in Cambodia, lives Khut Sophat, a 65-year-old widow whose courage and quiet determination are truly remarkable.
A year ago, Khut Sophat lost her husband, her partner in life and business. Together, they had run a fruit and vegetable stand near local factories, earning just enough to support their family. After his passing, she faced grief, medical costs, rising living expenses, and the difficult reality of running their household alone. Though her son and daughter did what they could, both were stretched thin with their own work and families to take care of.
But Khut Sophat refused to give up. A New Path: Humble Beginnings, Lasting Change
Khut borrowed $275 from relatives, and she launched a sugarcane-juice and soft-drink stand next to the small salon space her daughter rented. With the support of her mentor Sina, from Mentors International, she gained practical skills, not just for selling juice, but for managing inventory, tracking sales, and planning for the future.
Her journey turned into something beautiful:
- She repaid her loan in full.
- Monthly income doubled
- She began saving money for the first time.
As Khut reflects: “I would like to thank Mentors International, and especially my mentor, Sina. Without this support, I would have been lost… I wouldn’t have known which road to take, or how to stand back up when things got difficult. Today, I have a way forward.
Khut Sophat is more than a survivor; she is a fighter. Her story is a beautiful example that it’s never too late to rebuild. In the aftermath of sorrow, something strong and beautiful can rise.
