Name: Hoai

Gender: Female

Location: Vietnam

Success Story:

Hoai and her family live in Dong Ha, Quang Tri Province. This area is extremely poor. It was the heart of the Vietnam War.. they live near the area called the ‘DMZ’. The bridge in the DMZ which spans the river which was the border, still stands, guard tower and stop signs intact. We were told that every day of this horrendous conflict, soldiers from the North and those from the South, marched to the centre of the bridge, saluted, turned, and marched back to continue shooting at each other. The incredible history underscored a lifestyle that captivated Hoai’s family and millions of others. Their three-room house has tiles in the entry room, dirt floors, and surrounds elsewhere. One table.. benches to sit on, some hard plank beds, and an outdoor amenity of sorts.. basin and a tap. This is ‘home’. With assistance, her brother was helped through school and university. He is now married. Hoai, much younger, and an excellent student, is now also in English Language University, having done so well in every level of schooling. Happily, her sponsor is keen to see her develop, and the support will enable her to complete her degree. Most are not so fortunate. Hoai is a delight. Happy, pretty, polite, and totally unselfish. Like all these kids, she will give away a few thousand ‘dong’ to a street beggar because they are ‘poorer than me’. (16,000 VND + $1)

Hoai has a disabled brother also, and two parents with injuries and physical situations which prevent normal work. Life is a challenge. Because people care, Hoai now has the opportunity to have a quality of life and a future probably for her family also. She says so many times ‘Thank You!!’