"Here I have education and I have a lot of friends."

~Makara

Makara is 15 years old and lives at Hagar's House of Smiles, Hagar's residential care centre for children with disabilities. He's been living there for nearly three years after growing up in a province near Phnom Penh.

"It was difficult for my mom to take care of me," he said.

He grew up in a family the oldest, with two sisters and one brother. He only went to school for a little while and only finished grade one.

After only a couple of years at House of Smiles and attending school at Hagar's Community Learning Centre, Makara has already finished grade five. 

What makes Makara happiest is studying.  His favourite classes are Khmer Literature and computers.  He dreams of becoming a computer teacher one day.

"I like to live here," he said.  "I'm happy.  I like learning. The teachers are friendly. Here I have education and I have a lot of friends."