Children find hope, education, and friendship through Hagar Children Programs.Sreyang loved the rain.  As the skies opened and unleashed their torrents during Cambodia's rainy season, Sreyang was most happy to play with her friends.  In an evening however, that joy was all but lost.  Sreyang nearly lost her life. 

Sreyang's mother is a rice farmer and a fortune teller in Kampong Cham province where Sreyang grew up.  One night, her mother's occupation turned deadly.  After consulting with spirits on behalf of others, she was not herself.  Altered and not recognizing her own daughter, she hit Sreyang and tried to strangle her.  She dragged her outside and put burning incense in her mouth. 

"Who are you," she screamed.  "Where is my daughter."    

Dragging Sreyang back to the house, she threw her up into their stilt home.  Sreyang's father restrained his wife and took care of his daughter. 

But later that night, still altered, she broke free from her bonds.  Picking Sreyang up, she threw her so hard against the wall that she knocked Sreyang unconscious.  Then she dragged Sreyang back to the spirit house and tried to bite off her nose and toes. 

In the morning, Sreyang's grandmother and uncle discovered Sreyang covered in blood.  Shocked and horrified, they called the police and Licadho, a Cambodian human rights organization.  They took Sreyang to the hospital; her injuries were serious and she stayed for a month.  Hagar staff visited her there and invited her to live at the Foster Home. At first Sreyang was afraid, but the staff assured that she would be cared for and that she would see her family.

Now Sreyang studies at Hagar's Community Learning Center.  A bright student, Sreyang loves to study English and play with her new friends.

"When I stay here I have everything. The staff give me good friendship and my foster parents love and care for me. I am really happy."

Hagar's reintegration team continues to work with Sreyang's family.  She recently spent time with them over Khmer New Year. If it is safe for her to return home, she will be reintegrated back into her family.  Slowly but surely, Sreyang is healing from the scars of the past.  One day she will dance in the rain again.