Chantha grew up in an impoverished Cambodian village under extremely difficult circumstances. During the civil war, his father disappeared, and his mother, unable to care for him, sent him to live with extended family. There, he was unwelcome and forced into child slavery, enduring hard labor and severe mistreatment from the age of four to thirteen.

One day, while tending the family’s cows, one wandered off. As punishment, Chantha was beaten with a bamboo pole and tied to a mango tree for two days, where red ants began to eat him alive. He prayed for death, but his journey was far from over.

Despite the abuse, Chantha was determined to get an education. At thirteen, he asked to attend secondary school, but his guardians refused, unwilling to lose their source of labor. That night, with only ten cents in his pocket and no clear destination, he walked toward the nearest town. By morning, he arrived and eventually found refuge at a Buddhist monastery. The monks gave him safety, food, and access to education.

Over the next six years, Chantha excelled in his studies and became the monastery’s English teacher. He later earned a university degree and began working as a tour guide. But he never forgot his childhood or others facing similar hardships.

Motivated by empathy and experience, Chantha founded

Vision Cambodia

, a grassroots organization that brings clean water, education, and essential supplies to rural communities. His mission is to offer hope and opportunity to children growing up in the same desperate conditions he once endured.

Chantha’s story is one of resilience, compassion, and a deep commitment to changing lives—starting with his own and now extending to thousands more.