From six chickens to more than 200

We first met Len Kimlean two years ago. She lives with her husband, Saing Phally, and their two sons in a village in northern Cambodia. During that first meeting, we learned that Kimlean’s family was extremely poor. Sometimes, they didn’t have enough food to eat. They had two sons, who were 28 and 12 years old at the time. The 12-year-old couldn’t go to school because his family couldn’t afford to pay the fees or buy him a uniform. Things were tough, and only getting worse.

That’s why Kimlean joined a CWS program about raising chickens. She learned how to care for her flock so that they would survive and thrive. Plus, she received five hens and a rooster to get started. That’s about a $50 investment that CWS made in Kimlean and her family’s future.

And it was worth every penny.

Kimlean has been incredibly successful, expanding her flock to more than 200 chickens. In 2018, Kimlean earned nearly $700 (2.8 million Cambodian riel) selling chickens. She is working on securing a contract with a local merchant to sell about 40 pounds of chicken each week for $1.80/pound.

What a difference these two years have made! Gone are the days of not having enough to eat. Her younger son is back in school and is on track to complete high school. Kimlean paid back an old loan and is now investing some of her earnings back into her business. She also bought a few pigs, to add even more diversity to her family’s diet and income.

A small investment in a hardworking family has changed several lives forever. We are so proud to team up with our hardworking neighbors in Cambodia and around the world to make our vision a reality. Together, we can make sure that there is enough for all.