Economic independence is an important step towards full recovery and reintegration.

Heng is becoming a gifted seamstress.  Everyday she produces carefully sewn bags along with her fellow employees at Hagar On Time (HO-T).

For Heng, HO-T is a second chance to lead a full and economically independent life with dignity.  Dignity is important to Heng after being the victim of rape in her home community.  She could no longer stay in the community, and a Cambodian human rights organization intervened on her behalf and brought her to Hagar.   

Traumatized and distressed, Heng arrived at Hagar.  At first she was very frightened because she did not know anyone.  But deep inside, Heng was excited too because she finally felt safe. 

Through the support, counseling, love and encouragement of Hagar staff, Heng began her journey to recovery and started to heal from the trauma of her past. 

Heng started to join in on the Center's different activities and began to study sewing.  She studied hard until graduation and developed loving friendships with many women. 

After Heng graduated she was selected to work at Hagar On-Time (HO-T).  She lives in a rented house near the HO-T factory in Phnom Penh and saves some of her salary every month so she afford to study tailoring and sends some to her family. 

One day, Heng dreams of opening her own tailoring business.  Heng is very happy because it is with restored dignity that she can use her skills and talents to make a steady income and support herself and her family.