My name is Dyna Chhem. I am 17 years old and I am from the Liger Leadership Academy, a place that believes that “one empowered individual is capable of changing the world around them.”
At Liger Leadership Academy Foundation , I have ample opportunities to use my critical thinking, observation skills, and compassion to change the world. In the future, I want to empower Cambodians to foster entrepreneurial thinking and environmental stewardship.
My observation skills allowed me from a young age to understand the negative impacts of pollution, especially along the Mekong River bank in my province, Kampong Cham, where garbage was dumped by people unconsciously.
I aspire to become a creative environmentalist, with a sharp sense of business knowledge. In 2019, I became a member of the Outdoor Leadership program, a workshop created by Liger students to be imparted in local Cambodian schools. The goal of the workshop is to promote awareness about environmental issues while providing outdoor living skills.
I developed modules about risk management and emergency response for the technical outdoor competency test. I had a lot of fun engaging with youth in this project and teaching them about our natural resources.
My Geography Book Project
When I was 13 years old (in 2019), I was one of the researchers and designers for the book “The Geography of Cambodia.” The process of publishing this book involved 4,200 hours of research, 3,150 hours of design, 1,848 hours of editing, 5,560 hours of additional work, and visits to all 25 provinces of Cambodia.
I also went to the Ministry of Culture and Fine Art with two other students to pitch the Geography of Cambodia book, and the Minister of Culture and Fine Art agreed to write an endorsement letter for our book. An initial run of 1,100 books were printed and can be bought at bookstores in Cambodia as well. I hope this book will provide in-depth information and become a useful educational resource for many public school students.
The First Aid Campaign
Currently, I’m working on launching a first aid campaign with the aim of equipping Cambodians with first aid knowledge that can be life-saving and free of charge. Furthermore, I also want to motivate Cambodians across sectors to undertake standardized first aid training. In the workshop and materials, a strong focus on emergency response etiquette will be provided.
Facebook Page : Liger Leadership Academy Foundation
If you are interested in buying The Geography of Cambodia, please contact: hannah.t@ligercambodia.org
