“Happiness is seeing my children going to school every day,” said Tran Thi Bich Thuong. She is a single mother living in Hoa Khuong ward, Hoa Vang district, Danang. Thuong’s journey as a single mother navigating the challenges of raising her three children is a testament to her unwavering dedication and indomitable spirit. Following the sudden passing of her husband from a heart attack in 2011, Thuong found herself carrying the immense responsibility of providing for her family.
As her children reached school age, Thuong faced the increasing burden of ensuring their education while grappling with a difficult financial situation. With her eldest son in 9th grade and her other sons in 7th and 2nd grade, the family’s income relied on a small rice field, a few chickens, and Thuong’s work as a hired laborer. The weight of these circumstances threatened to overshadow her dreams for her children’s futures.
In 2014, COV, ever vigilant in identifying cases in need of assistance, reached out to Thuong and her children. From 2014-2016, COV’s supported Thuong and her family with a loan for cow breeding, covering tuition fees, and facilitating essential house repairs. Over the next two years, COV continued to stand by Thuong’s side, offering ongoing additional support through skill training classes focused on entrepreneurship and financial management. These valuable classes equipped Thuong with the necessary knowledge and skills to navigate the realm of small business ownership effectively.
Armed with resilience and an unyielding work ethic, Thuong relentlessly strove to uplift her family from the grips of poverty and ensure her children’s access to education. Her unwavering dedication began to pay off. Presently, her eldest son has graduated and secured a stable job, allowing him to support their family financially and contribute to his younger siblings’ education.
Reflecting on the transformative impact of COV’s intervention, Thuong expresses profound gratitude, acknowledging that “If COV had not reached out to us, our children couldn’t continue their studies, and my family wouldn’t have a life like today.”
In her pursuit for a better life for her family, Thuong has become a role model, showcasing the strength and resilience that can be found within individuals facing adversity. Her story exemplifies the transformative power in community support, empowering individuals to rise above their circumstances, break the cycle of poverty, and forge a path toward a brighter future.
