From shy teenager to youth group leader: The Story of San Sreyphay
Ms. San Sreyphay is a 19-year-old Indigenous girl from InnChey Village, a remote area in Kratie Province. As the fifth of seven siblings in a farming family, her opportunities were limited by financial constraints and the distance to the nearest high school. She completed 8th grade in 2020 but could not continue her education.
After leaving school, Sreyphay was shy and seldom participated in community activities, spending most of her time helping her family on the farm. Social and economic barriers made it difficult for her to feel confident or involved. This began to change in 2022 when she joined training sessions organized by FLO through projects supported by DGD, CORD, and FHi360.
The training introduced Sreyphay to skills like public speaking and community engagement. By 2023, she became fully involved in project activities and joined a youth group, where she gained the confidence to share her ideas. Recognizing her potential, FLO encouraged her to represent her community. She began participating in meetings, workshops, and consultations.
One of Sreyphay’s proudest moments came during Indigenous People’s Day. With guidance from village elders and her youth group, she prepared and delivered a speech in front of 300 people, including local authorities. Although nervous, she spoke confidently, earning recognition from community leaders and partner organizations.



Her growing courage did not go unnoticed. Sreyphay was invited to Phnom Penh to attend a three-day training program on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights for Indigenous Peoples in Cambodia, organized by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR Cambodia). It was her first time traveling alone to the city, and she initially felt overwhelmed. “I didn’t know anything, and I didn’t think anyone cared about Indigenous People. But I learned there are so many of us around the world, and we have rights!” she shared. The experience motivated her to continue learning and advocating for her community.
“I felt like, I didn’t know anything, and I didn’t think anyone cared about Indigenous People. But I learned there are so many of us around the world, and we have rights!”






Today, Sreyphay serves as a youth focal person selected by REDA. She works on community issues, including education, health, sanitation, and natural resources management. Reflecting on her journey, she says:
“Now, I feel confident to share my experiences and speak for my community. I hope to keep learning and helping Indigenous People be recognized and respected.”
Sreyphay’s transformation from a shy teenager to a confident community leader highlights the power of empowering young people, especially Indigenous youth, to advocate for their rights and shape a brighter future.