Meet Pham Thi Thanh Dong, a determined single mother and proud participant in the Empowering Foundations for Women and Their Children (EFWC) program. Today, she stands confidently behind the counter of her small coffee and grocery shop, welcoming customers with a warm smile. What was once a struggling business has transformed into a stable source of income—enabling her to care for her children and plan for a brighter future.
With shelves fully stocked and a growing sense of confidence in managing her finances, Dong reflects on just how far she’s come.
“I never imagined I could run a successful business on my own,” she says while carefully arranging goods on the shelves. “A year ago, I was exhausted, just trying to survive. Now, I have hope—and a plan.”
But her journey to this point has been anything but easy. Only a year ago, Dong was overwhelmed by financial stress. Her small trading business earned just enough for daily meals, leaving no room for savings or emergencies. Medical bills or school supplies were often enough to throw the entire household off balance.
Her past added even more weight. Dong lost her husband years ago, but long before his passing, his struggles with alcohol and gambling had left the family deep in debt. As the sole provider for their three children, Dong took on any job she could find just to keep food on the table.
“She was physically weak and always looked tired,” recalls Mr. Thuat, a COV officer who first met Dong during her initial evaluation. “She didn’t believe in herself or her ability to build a better future.”
Then, in February 2024, a turning point arrived. Dong joined the EFWC program through Children of Vietnam, gaining access to financial support and hands-on business training. She learned to manage her books, grow her business, and make smarter decisions that would increase her profits. Her youngest son received a scholarship for school supplies, and for the first time in years, Dong was able to access long-overdue medical care—including treatment for her worsening eyesight.
“I was nervous about handling money and making business decisions,” she admits. “But through the training and support from COV, I gained the knowledge and courage to grow.”
Over the past year, Dong’s income has stabilized. She’s reinvested in her shop, started saving, and no longer lives in fear of unexpected costs. Most importantly, she’s rediscovered something priceless: her confidence.
“Now, I believe in myself,” she says, beaming. “I can take care of my children, and I can stand on my own two feet.”
Dong’s story is one of quiet resilience, determination, and transformation. With support from Children of Vietnam, she has rewritten her future—from uncertainty and hardship to strength, stability, and self-belief.