Staff Highlight - Soy Socheat

In a typical day at Aziza’s Place, Soy Socheat seems to be in seven places at once. You’ll see him: teaching a class, reviewing the budget and paying bills, playing basketball with the kids, checking the schedules and ringing the bells, or reading the newspaper and joking with staff. Somehow he manages it all seamlessly.

Socheat, formerly the house manager, has taken on the increased role and responsibilities of Assistant Director. Much of the character and stability of Aziza’s Place is a result of the tireless work and dedication of Socheat.

He first came to Aziza’s Place in June of 2007 after answering an ad in the newspaper for an English teacher.

“I thought it was a nice place and I was eager to work here, but assumed it would only last a year or so,” he says. He taught English for 2 or 3 hours a day, but before long he was translating for Nader, the director. “He came to me and said you can be the manager. I was surprised, because I never intended to have that level of responsibility in this place. But by August of 2007 Nader and I were working so well together and I felt like this was the right place for me.”

Socheat graduated high school in Prey Veng Province and came to Phnom Penh to study computers and IT. Phnom Penh is the only city with universities and a job market, he explains. So even though he loved being near his parents, he had to come to the capital to attend school and look for work. He entered school, but found the classes, which were taught in English too difficult with his limited language skills. He took two years off to go on a mission around Cambodia spending three weeks in the Philippines. His English improved drastically and when he returned he was ready to look for work.

After a short time at Aziza’s Place, it became clear that Socheat and Nader made a good team. “Nader was full of ideas and Socheat was able to implement them,” says Missy Washington, the Communication Director, “Socheat’s judgment is spot on; you can just trust things will get done when they are in his hands.”

Socheat eventually took on the day to day operations of Aziza’s Place, including making sure classes were kept on schedule, handling extra-curricular activities, and handling the finances.

He currently attends school for business and finance in the evenings and focusing on Accounting to fully understand and take the lead in the system implemented at Aziza’s Place. I am also trying to get better at writing and speaking English. I want to speak like a native. He says with a grin. Volunteers that come to Aziza’s Place are immediately at home with Socheat. “He was very welcoming and cant do enough to help you,” says Davina Clay a volunteer English teacher from London. “He is so professional, yet so approachable and good with the children.”

“I like him when he gives me advice. He tells me something good,” says Sengkri, 12. “He’s a good teacher. He is very kind. He works hard like Nader.”

“He has learned a lot of responsibilities through working here past two years and is filling a vital role in keeping the place together,” says Dan Haney the new Director from Virginia. “Good majority of his thoughts and life revolve around the kids here at AP. He’s a positive role model for them and certainly a parental figure.”

Socheat and Nader often talked to the children about important subjects. “We always encouraged them and told them that they can be whatever they want. I will continue to say that as well. It is all possible. They have to have the desire and make the right decisions,” he says. “I know the kids will graduate and be trained as good men and women. I expect they will be the ones to help our country develop. I am sure they will help their communities, not just Stung Meanchey, but wherever they go.