I grew up in the famous Angkot Wat Temple city of Siem Reap. Due to my poor family background, I was sent to live with an international NGO that runs children’s home.
When I moved back to live with my mum, she always took good care of me and one way that I always felt this was through the things that she cooked. She cooked from her heart even though she didn’t have much money. I know she loves me and she does everything for me. I want to cook for her and my grandmother.
I didn’t like math in high school, but I knew I love cooking. I researched online and found the Academy of Culinary Arts Cambodia, which is the best culinary training I could receive in Cambodia.
However, when I learned about the fees, I didn’t think I would be able to study as my family could not afford it. I approached someone at the NGO where I had lived previously, and they happily agreed to support me with 50% of the fees for study, and also a contribution towards living expenses in Phnom Penh. The NT Fund has contributed the remaining 50%.
I am currently studying in semester 3 and had to skip the internship this year because of Covid-19. Purchasing is the hardest subject for me so far, but I really love practical cooking and I am applying myself very hard to learn as much as I can.
My favourite cuisines are Italian and Mexican, and spaghetti carbonara is my favourite dish. We haven’t cooked Khmer food yet, but I have enjoyed learning Thai and Chinese cooking. I am excited to do my internship in January 2022 – my goal is to be a great chef and hopefully work overseas.
About The Naomi Tami Memorial Scholarship Fund
The Naomi Tami Scholarship Memorial Fund was established by the Tami family to honour the memory of Naomi Laura Tami who passed away on May 7, 2013, at the early age of 23. In keeping with Naomi’s love of life and passion, the Naomi Tami Scholarship Memorial Fund provides the opportunity for students who are committed to excellence, love the culinary arts, and who would not otherwise have the opportunity due to financial constraints, to study tuition-paid at the Academy of Culinary Arts Cambodia.
How to give
Your financial gifts to the Naomi Tami Scholarship Memorial Fund enable Shift360 to expand scholarship opportunities for the Academy of Culinary Arts Cambodia and provide more students with financial constraints the chance for a brighter future.
JOIN US:
Naomi Tami Memorial Scholarship Fund: https://www.naomimemorialfund.com/
Shift 360 Foundation: https://shift360.ch/naomi-tami-scholarship/
Academy of Culinary Arts Cambodia (ACAC): https://acac.edu.kh/
