Siem Reap, KH – SSY family is reaping what they sowed during the visit of student volunteers from South Africa and UK – Mar 2025

In the summer of 2024, True Adventures and Better Lives arranged for visits of student volunteers from UK and South Africa. The visiting students assisted families to build Food Always In The Home (FAITH) organic vegetable gardens. The SSY family was one of the families.

The family’s garden continues to flourish, so SSY and other families are witnessing how a simple act of kindness by the student volunteers can impact the diet and lives of families. The SSY family sees the importance of continuing the cultivation of the vegetable garden and using the organic growing techniques that the FAITH garden is known for. For example, making natural compost and sprays instead of buying chemical fertilizer and sprays reduces costs while improving the family’s health.

The student volunteers assisted by working with families to build their gardens, sharing knowledge and experiences. The Peaksneng host team handed out reading materials and has been providing follow-on mentoring visits. Consequently, the garden continues to be a source of nourishing fresh vegetables for SSY and other families.

This project, in collaboration with Better Lives and Peaksneng shop aims to assist families, schools and children in disadvantaged rural communities to progress along their paths to sustainable living. For some families with special needs, the FAITH garden helps them to qualify to the next step on the path, which is a rent-to-own home. With his positive attitude and hard work, Mr. Sok is hoping to qualify for a rent to own home. He was married this year and plans to move out of his parent’s home. His big dream is to be able to have a house for his new family!