A Dad Rides Over 350 Kilometers to Bring Daughter to Angkor Dictation Contest
Oem Saroeun took his daughter on a motorbike ride from Svay Rieng to Siem Reap to participate in the Angkor writing competition. Photo: ThmeyThmey
- By Heng Sreylin
- and Sem Brakdav
- January 23, 2024 2:10 PM
SIEM REAP – Oem Saroeun took his daughter on a motorbike ride from Svay Rieng to Siem Reap to participate in the Angkor writing competition. A 350-kilometer journey to show his love and encouragement for his daughter.
Saroeun’s daughter, Pol Sovanda, was one of the 700 participants who joined the first Angkor dictation contest, held on Jan. 21 on the ancient stone causeway leading the Angkor Wat temple.
“I am excited that my children try hard to learn Khmer and love Khmer literature. I help to encourage her,” said Saroeun, who used to be a soldier, once deployed in Siem Reap.
Savoeun said that he left Svay Rieng at 3 a.m. and arrived in Siem Reap at 1 p.m. a day before the competition.
Sovanda thanked her father for taking her to Siem Reap, especially because she didn’t feel like driving there on her own.
“I have nothing but encouragement. I love my daughter and encourage her to learn. I am happy to see my children study hard,” Saroeun said.
Savoeun said that he left Svay Rieng at 3 a.m. and arrived in Siem Reap at 1 p.m. a day before the competition. Photo: ThmeyThmey
He added that he is always willing to support his daughter in her projects, even if it implies driving over long distances, as long as they are related to learning.
He calls on all parents to encourage and support their children in their studies.
Once the dictation finished, it became clear the trip to Siem Reap was well worth it. Although she didn't finish in first place as she had hoped, the 19-year-old student did not lose out and finished in the top 20.
Sovanda said she was confident in her abilities as she’s been in love with Khmer literature for a long time. Her father’s encouragement was the little push she needed to dare compete in the public dictation.
“From 10th grade onwards, there is no longer any dictation at school, so I had to remember the techniques from grade 9. But still, I wanted to join the competition,” she said.
She is currently studying two majors at Svay Rieng University: Khmer literature and English literature.
700 participants joined the first Angkor dictation contest, held on Jan. 21. Photo: ThmeyThmey
With over 700 candidates aged from 10 to 60, Sovanda stood out from the crowd. The student received a book on King Sisowath's visit to France in 1906, one of 20 consolation prizes.
She said that the Angkor writing competition helped her reduce misspellings. She hopes public dictations will be held in other provinces, closer to home, in the future.
Cheng Ratana, who made only two spelling mistakes in the test, took first place in the Angkor writing competition. With three misspelled words, Van Rida took second place and Youb Sokheak third.
Originally written in Khmer for ThmeyThmey, this article was translated by Nhor Sokhoeurn for Cambodianess.
