At Flame we believe that it is not just what we are doing but who does it that is important. Many of our staff have already traveled the same journey that our clients are on. Who better to lead the way?
INTRODUCING: Rat Ranny
WHAT IS YOUR JOB WITH FLAME?
My name is Ranny and I work as an After-School Program teacher at Boeung Tompon center.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED FOR FLAME?
I’ve worked for Flame for three years, since 2017.
WHAT’S THE BEST THING ABOUT YOUR JOB?
I love teaching English and sharing my experiences with the children. The children also teach me, I learn a lot from them.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO IN YOUR SPARE TIME?
Often I in my spare time I research how I can improve my teaching and I also like reading. Sometimes I volunteer outside of work to help the children. At home, I enjoy spending time with my family and teaching younger sisters English.
WHAT IS YOUR BACKGROUND/HOW DID YOU END UP WORKING FOR FLAME?
I’m from a poor family in the province near the Thai border. My sister only went to Grade 5 and then was sent to work in Thailand. I have two sisters the other did only 7 years of school and then had to go to work too. My parents wanted me to stop my studies and to go to work too but my brother, who is a Christian, encouraged me to keep going. He tried to explain to my parents that it would be better for me to stay at school. When I got to grade 9 my mum wanted me to stop but my brother found me a place to stay where my study and food was paid for by a sponsor. This made the difference and I was able to study until Grade 12.
After I finished grade 12 I didn’t know what to do next but God answered my prayers. I was offered a place in a new dormitory in Phnom Penh with some friends to study a degree of a BA in Management for 4 years. While I studied I volunteered to work as a teacher with children in slums. I applied for the job with Flame as I wanted to work for a Christian NGO and I love to teach the children.
WHAT MESSAGE OR ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE?
When things get hard for me I pray. I also find encouragement in reading the bible. So that’s what I would advise others to do.