Hy Vong, his name, means “Hope”. When Ms. Phuong, his mother, chose this name for her youngest son, it was her quiet prayer for his life: hope to keep living, hope that he would always have faith in the future, no matter how hard life might be.
Born in 2013 with an intellectual disability, Vong struggles to learn at the same pace as his classmates. Reading and writing can be difficult, and sometimes he feels left behind. But when he practices martial arts, he shines in a way words cannot describe. His reflexes are quick, his movements strong and graceful, and his focus unwavering. It is as if he were born for it.
“When he’s practicing martial arts,” his mother shares, “he learns faster and concentrates better than he does in class.”
Life has never been easy for Vong’s family. As a single mother, Ms. Phuong works tirelessly to care for Vong and his two older brothers. In 2023, Children of Vietnam (COV) began supporting Vong through the HSC program, covering his school fees and providing extra tutoring so he could keep up with his classmates. Seeing his love and talent for martial arts, the district supported his training, and in May, he attended special martial arts classes in Da Lat.
But the support did not stop there. In April 2024, after COV assessed their family situation, Ms. Phuong was invited to join the Empowering Foundations for Women and Their Children (EFWC) Program. Through EFWC, she received livelihood capital to strengthen her small business, school supplies and scholarships for Vong, and training sessions to plan and grow her livelihood sustainably.
This comprehensive support means that while Vong is encouraged to learn and follow his dreams, his mother is also empowered to build a stronger future for their family.
“Thanks to COV,” Ms. Phuong says softly, “Vong can keep studying and practicing martial arts, and I can earn better income to care for my children. It gives us hope every day.”
At home, Vong practices martial arts daily with determination. While he enjoys history, civics, and art, martial arts is where his heart truly lies. His dream is simple: to keep learning, keep training, and one day have a bicycle to ride to school more easily.
“My name is Hope,” he says with quiet strength. “I will never give up on my dreams. Martial arts and school will help me build a better future.”