Starting Point
Sarom Sek's life story is one deeply intertwined with the pursuit of peace and the empowerment of communities in Cambodia. Her journey began in Battambang, where she developed a profound understanding of the challenges faced by her people, fueling a lifelong commitment to creating positive change.
Sek's early work with Dhammayietra, from 1999 to 2012, was pivotal in shaping her path. As the Peace Reading Coordinator and Prison Program Coordinator, she went beyond traditional aid work. She became a teacher, mentor, and facilitator, running courses that explored the lives and philosophies of global peacemakers. Figures like Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr., and Nelson Mandela weren't just historical figures; they were sources of inspiration and practical lessons for leadership training. Sek organised study tours, taking students and monks to Thailand and Laos, broadening their horizons and equipping them with new perspectives on peace and conflict resolution.
Peace Journey
Her work within Battambang Prison was particularly transformative. Sek established a library, turning a place of confinement into a space for learning and reflection. She also organised events and provided crucial education through math and literacy programs in English and Thai for both inmates and prison staff.
From 2008 to 2010, Sek shared her knowledge of Buddhist concepts and terminology as a teacher at Sihanouk Raja Buddhist University in Battambang, further solidifying her role as an educator and a bridge between tradition and contemporary understanding. Her experiences are not limited to Cambodia. A stint as a storeperson for DHL in Christchurch, New Zealand (2018-2019), gave her a different perspective.
In 2022, Sek's work continued with the Cambodia Peace Gallery as Outreach and Education Manager, and as a consultant with the Advocacy and Policy Institute on Access to Information for indigenous women. In 2023, she served as Field and Education Coordinator with Aide et Action.
Success Stories
Sek's role as a freelancer, which began in 2003 and continues to this day, has allowed her to extend her impact across various critical areas. Her certification as a legal and medical interpreter became a bridge, connecting communities with vital information and support. She facilitated communication in conferences and workshops focused on human trafficking, labour rights, nonviolent activism, conflict resolution, access to information, and Buddhist approaches to conflict.
Sek's dedication extended to organising peace events, interfaith workshops, and study tours, including those for students from George Mason University, fostering a deeper understanding of Cambodia's complex journey towards peace. She also played a key role in the annual peace walks organised by Dhammayietra, both in Cambodia and Thailand, demonstrating her commitment to regional peacebuilding. Her contributions to curriculum development, such as her work on interfaith training and the establishment of a youth interfaith working group for World Vision, highlight her commitment to fostering understanding and collaboration across religious and cultural divides.
Sek's pursuit of knowledge is as crucial as her activism. She is currently working towards a Master's degree in Psychology at the Royal University of Phnom Penh (2025-2027), building on her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the National University of Battambang (2020-2024). Her formal education, combined with her extensive field experience, makes her a unique and powerful force for change in Cambodia.