BANTEAY MEANCHEY: A 57-year-old woman in Banteay Meanchey is attracting a lot of attention and providing inspiration as she attempts the High School Diploma Exam for the second time.

Hem Sinath said that after not passing the exam last year, she is determined to fulfil her dream. She said that if she does not manage to pass this year, she will continue to try as long as the Ministry of Education allows her to.

The steadfast woman lives in a small village near the Thai border. She is a widow with a monthly salary of 500,000 Riels (around $125 USD). She says she wants to continue to study and set an example for the next generation; to show them the value of studying and to show that learning is a lifelong venture.

This year, over 130,000 students are attempting the difficult exam. Last year, the fail rate was around 28%.