Fong

In December 2024, CFI turns 15 years old! To celebrate the incredible achievements from the beginning until now, we wanted to check in with some of our CFI family. To start, we would like to introduce you to Fong!

Q1: Introduce yourself, please tell us a little bit about your background.

Fong: Hi, my name is Fong and I’m 31 years old. I graduated from Build Bright University in 2016 majoring in information technology and am currently working as a mobile app developer at a tech company in Phnom Penh.

Q2: Tell me a little bit about your experience with CFI.

Fong: My friends and I were students at CFI beginning in 2009 before CFI moved to Sous Ey, where we started our new school center. In the beginning, there were only about 10 to 15 of us students, and not long after I became a volunteer teacher. I helped by tutoring and taking care of younger kids who had just started coming to CFI at the time. Over my time at CFI, I had quite a few roles, starting from volunteer then becoming an intern and then a full-time computer teacher/media officer and then to network administrator.

Q3: What support did you get from CFI?

Fong: CFI supported me with my education from high school to university by providing a place to stay and a scholarship to study. Moreover, it provided me with a community and opportunities where I could work and learn to thrive together through lived experiences, which led me to become who I am today.

Q4: Could you tell us about a positive memory from when you were at CFI?

Fong: The most memorable time I had was when we would eat and play together with staff members and kids in the garden and soccer fields. I also loved fun season celebrations where we showcased our work to other students.

Q5: How did your experience at CFI influence where you are today?

Fong: Without CFI’s support, I could confidently say that I wouldn’t be where I am today. I wouldn’t have been able to reach my full potential in my education and my career path. I also wouldn’t have had the opportunity to meet students, friends, and colleagues with whom I had unforgettable experiences that taught me to become a better person through love, compassion, sharing, and caring for others. I’ve been living my life according to these morals which I learned through my experiences with the people from CFI. CFI was instrumental in shaping my life. Their support enabled me to access quality education, gain essential skills, and build a strong foundation for my future. Without them, I might not have had the same opportunities and the confidence to pursue my dreams or reach my full potential.