When my son, Quan, was born 12 years ago, my heart was full of dreams for his future. But life had other plans. Complications during childbirth left my health permanently weakened, and since then, both Quân and I have faced frequent illnesses—especially during the colder months.
Shortly after his birth, I separated from my husband and suddenly found myself carrying the weight of both parenthood and caregiving alone. With my fragile health and the responsibility of looking after my 101-year-old mother and elderly sister, I can only manage to work four days a week. We live together in a small room behind my parents’ house. The walls are thin, the space is tight, but it’s the best we have. My mother is no longer able to care for herself, and my sister also depends on me completely. Some days, the pressure feels overwhelming.
Then, the Empowering Foundations for Women and Their Children program came into our lives—and it felt like a lifeline. Through the program, I received a microloan and used it to buy a sewing machine. That small machine became much more than a tool—it was the beginning of a new chapter. It allowed me to take on sewing work from home while still caring for my family. Later, I was able to purchase an overlocking machine, making my work more efficient and helping me earn a bit more. For the first time in years, it felt like a door had opened.
But the support didn’t stop there. I received training that helped me not just grow a business, but grow as a mother and caregiver. I learned how to support Quân through his teenage years, how to care for myself, and how to better nurture my family. With the program’s support, Quân received a scholarship, a bicycle, a wardrobe, and a study lamp—gifts that brought both joy and motivation into his life, while simultaneously empowering him with education and mobility independence.
Perhaps the most unexpected and powerful gift was the sense of community. The other women in the program became my circle of support. We share our stories, our struggles, and our small victories. In their company, I don’t feel so alone.
Life is still hard—but through the hardships, I’ve discovered a strength I didn’t know I had. One stitch at a time, one day at a time, I’m building a better future for my son and me.
–Phan Thi Lia Huong, EFWC beneficiary