Raising the voice of child with communication with disability by using AAC

“Today, I felt incredibly happy to communicate with a child with Cerebral Palsy  level 5 using the picture-based reporting tools from OIC Cambodia. It was amazing to see him express his emotions through eye pointing and interact with his brother using the OIC communication board”, said Sreythea, a young mother of two from Phnom Penh, now living in Siem Reap province. Prior to the OIC training on picture-based reporting tools, “I primarily communicate with parents or caregivers rather than directly with the children”, she emphasized.

Reflecting on her childhood dreams, Sreythea shared, “I had always dreamed of becoming a medical doctor because I believed it would allow me to help improve people’s lives.” Her journey into social work began over a decade ago across various organizations, focusing on supporting vulnerable children and families. Currently, she works as a social worker with Safe Haven organization. “I truly enjoy working with children and their families, providing the support and services they need. This job aligns perfectly with my childhood dream of assisting, protecting and uplifting vulnerable children and their families within our community,” she expressed.

With the opportunity to be intensively trained on the picture-based tools by OIC Cambodia under the funded project of Childhood, it significantly enhances my knowledge, skill and strategies in my social work to empower children not only to voice their concerns but also contributes to their protection and well-being, Sreythea concluded.