PHNOM PENH: At just eleven years old, Ung Setharith has already won two art competitions. His most recent award was at a drawing competition to celebrate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. The event was supported by the Australian Government through the Australia-Cambodia Cooperation for Equitable Sustainable Services (ACCESS) Program.

This young artist has not allowed his communication disorder to get in the way of his passions and dreams. His past projects include wildlife playdough modeling and he aspires to use his talent to become an animator. He inspires people through his achievements and encourages them, especially children his age, to dream big and overcome challenges. Setharith’s family and community are proud of him.

In addition to progressing his talent in art, Setharith’s mother, Sovann Nearyrorth, has also noticed an improvement in her son’s speech. “I am delighted to see my son’s achievements. His delayed speech issue has continued to improve over the last few years,” said Nearyrorth.