What is Sambo Ly doing to help Cambodian children?

Sambo Ly teaches Cambodian children language and dance classes to help them maintain their cultural identity.

How did the Khmer Rouge affect Sambo Ly?

The Khmer Rouge regime caused Sambo Ly to lose her family, friends, and cultural identity during the 1970s genocide in Cambodia.

What is Cambodian Community Development, Inc.?

Cambodian Community Development, Inc. is a nonprofit founded by Sambo Ly that provides services like language classes and housing assistance.

Home / Lifestyle / Khmer Rouge Survivor Rebuilds Cambodian Culture in CA

Khmer Rouge Survivor Rebuilds Cambodian Culture in CA

14 Dec, 2025

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Summary

Sambo Ly teaches Cambodian culture to children, preserving traditions.
She survived the Khmer Rouge genocide, losing family and identity.
Ly works as a translator documenting child abuse and sex trafficking.

Khmer Rouge Survivor Rebuilds Cambodian Culture in CA

Sambo Ly, who endured the horrors of the Khmer Rouge regime as a teenager, is now a beacon of hope for the Cambodian community in California. She dedicates her life to helping younger generations maintain their cultural identity through vibrant dance and language classes. Ly's efforts are a profound act of reclaiming what was lost during the genocide, where family, culture, and identity were systematically erased.

Beyond cultural preservation, Ly actively works as a translator, meticulously documenting cases of child abuse and sex trafficking within the Cambodian diaspora. Her ability to translate not just words but also the deep emotional pain of victims is crucial for seeking justice. This work stems directly from her own harrowing experiences of survival and loss.

Having immigrated to the United States in 1981, Ly vows to be a voice for the voiceless, transforming her personal trauma into a source of strength. Her mission provides healing for herself and empowers her community, ensuring that the resilience and rich heritage of Cambodia continue to thrive.