meet molika- a cheeful 24 years old

Mr. Mao Molika, a visually impaired 24 year old, is a junior student at Pannasastra University of Cambodia and also a volunteer for CDMD. “Without CDMD’s support, I wouldn’t have been able to study,” he says.

Has anyone of you experienced of being called a “blind idiot”? Hopefully not. But Molika has, unfortunately.

Being visually impaired since childhood, Molika was often bullied as a young boy. At the age of three he got measles and this affected his vision.

Born and raised by a family of ten, Molika did not get enough care and nutrition, as the parents had a difficult time raising all the kids. He was not the only one impaired, but his other four brothers were as well, adding more burden on the family.

Things changed when, in 1993, Molika was found by CDMD staff who sent him to the hospital to take care of his eyes.

While the operation was not successful, he was still able to attend school and studied at Krousar Thmey for 12 years before entering college. He is now a junior student at a private college majoring in International Relations. “CDMD ensures that people with disabilities also receive basic rights, the same as everyone,” said Molika. 

“Getting Molika in school is one of the basic principles of our work,” explains Mrs. Chan Dara, CBR coordinator. “When in 1993 I met Molika, he was sitting outside his house. When we found him, we asked him what he needed. Later, we took care of him by providing health care checks.”

Volunteer with CDMD

As part of its work, CDMD always follows up with its clients. Today Nhil Thim, community supervisor, is involved with Molika’s case. “Molika is a hard-working person, and that is the reason why we have recruited him as one of the volunteers,” Thim said, adding that even though Molika is a Pwd, he could be a good sample for others to follow.  

For Molika, this chance was great, because he could help his community.

Molika’s intention is to convince people that persons with disabilities can do anything, much more than begging or playing traditional music (on the streets).

Molika is now a cheerful person and everyone loves to work with him. He likes to say he has “broken the silence!”

(Would you like to do volunteer work for CDMD? Then please click here to find out more)