Srey Neang, 13, lives and works in a brick factory in Cambodia with her family. Spending more hours working than in school, she endures harsh conditions, loading heavy bricks and living on the factory compound.
Her daily routine is demanding: she prepares meals, tidies the house, attends school, and helps load bricks for delivery. Srey's job involves physically strenuous activities not suitable for a child her age.
Srey's time split between labor and schooling diminishes her educational opportunities. Often, after a long day, she prepares dinner and completes homework, sacrificing rest for her studies.
Srey's family faces significant financial struggles, residing in cramped quarters while earning merely $2 daily at the factory. Her mother's worry about tuition underscores their desperation for income.
Despite her circumstances, Srey aspires to become a teacher, believing in the power of education. This ambition illustrates her resilience and desire for a better future, reflecting a common dream among children in similar situations. Without support, Srey and her siblings face a bleak future, likely continuing in the brick factory.Â