While a ceasefire brings hope at Cambodia’s border, a quiet and soft strength flourishes by the river—rooted in care, calm, and community. Among the mangroves of Trapeang Sangkae in Kampot, Man Samly, 33, a Cham woman, is transforming lives through acts of care and kindness.
“I plant mangroves, grow seedlings, clean the environment, cook, and guide tourists,” she says softly. Standing near new facilities, she adds with a smile, “I work now to keep the toilets clean.”
Samly’s words are modest, yet filled with purpose.
“I was born in this community,” she explains. “My parents, my family and friends—we all live here.” In a world devastated by conflict and war, her work at Trapeang Sangkae community eco-resort is an invitation to slow down. To clean. To care. To protect.
A Feminine Force: Clean Mind, Loving Heart
Samly’s days are shaped by care—tending toilets with dignity, welcoming visitors, and planting mangroves to shield future fishers from storms. Each task, though simple, contributes to a thriving community.
“Since Action Education / Aide et Action (AEA) built a new meeting room here, more tourists come,” she shares. Her community receives support through the CO-SAVED project, co-funded by the European Union.
“I also received cooking training. I learnt to cook, maintain hygiene, and clean… It’s good for our health—and for tourism. When it’s clean, visitors come again and again.”
Her voice is soft and joyful. Her actions, meaningful. This is empowerment in its most graceful form: a woman rising not with noise, but with care and dignity.
As a mother of two, Samly believes in the power of education. “My daughter is in Grade 4, my son in Grade 1,” she says. “Education is important so they can find good jobs in the future.” To her, education is heritage, shared values, and hope.
She also regularly visits local schools to invite children to join clean-up activities.
“Twice a month, children help us clean the environment. It’s me—I go to the schools nearby,” she says proudly. “When I invite them, they’re happy to learn and take part!”
Cleanliness and care are central to her mission. In Samly’s hands, education becomes something beautiful—woven into daily life and shared with joy.
Intertwined Cultures, a Shared Humanity
Samly is part of Cambodia’s Cham Muslim minority, coexisting peacefully with Khmer neighbours and welcoming international tourists. Her story is one of shared humanity.
Her husband, a tuk-tuk driver, helps bring visitors to their community. “He speaks a little English,” she says, laughing. “When they come, tourists love kayaking and boat trips!” She loves sharing happiness with the world. “I’m very happy!” she beams. “Tourists are happy too!”
For every two rooms cleaned, Samly earns 15,000 riels (approximately 3.75 USD), a modest income that supports her family and strengthens her community. “It’s good to plant mangroves to protect the fisheries from storms,” she adds.
Her words, like the trees she nurtures, are rooted in wisdom and hope. In uncertain times, women like Samly quietly shape a more peaceful world. Through each act of care and each lesson shared, she shows us how to live in harmony—with nature, with others, and with ourselves.
