SIEM REAP – At just 11 years old, Veng Lisa uses her spare time from school to help her mother sell palm-leaf souvenirs. Now in grade 4, Lisa has taken on the responsibility of supporting her mother’s small business and earning money for her own studies.

For Lisa, living in Srah Srang village in Nokor Thom commune, school holidays have taken on a special meaning. These are not days for resting or playing with other children, but opportunities for her to earn a little money for her education without relying entirely on her parents.

On most days, she rides her bicycle from her home near Srah Srang to Preah Dak village, where she sells souvenirs to both local and foreign tourists. The items, all crafted from palm leaves, come in various shapes. Each one costs only 1,000 riel, or about 25 cents.

“Each item costs only 1,000 riel, please help buy one,” Lisa often calls out as she tries to attract customers and increase her sales.

On regular days, she sells only about five to ten items. During holiday seasons, the number rises to between twenty and twenty-five, helping her earn around 25,000 riel.

Lisa said she has been helping her mother with the souvenir business for more than two years.

“My mom is the maker of these souvenirs, and I am the seller. With this job, I can make some money to go to school,” she said.

Lisa hopes to continue helping her mother whenever she has free time. She is excited to do so, not only because it supports her education, but because it teaches her the value of hard work and living an independent life.