Today, I had the opportunity to join another day of family visits in Đức Linh. They give a real picture of daily life in rural areas and the difference that even small forms of support can make.
First family
The first family we met is going through very hard times. The woman is 63 years old and lives with her husband. Their four adult children have all left home, but five grandchildren now live with them (sent by their parents who moved away or got divorced).
The grandmother has been fighting cervical cancer for several years, while her husband suffers from kidney disease. Every month, they travel to Hồ Chí Minh City for medical treatment. Despite his health, the husband still works repairing motorbikes, which is the family’s only regular income. They also receive some money from their children to take car of the grand children sometimes.
They don’t own land but rent a small plot (about 200 m²) to grow rice. They also received a 5 million đồng loan from Thiện Chí to raise chickens and goats. The woman has been receiving health insurance support from the center for two years now. She says she is very thankful.
Second family
The second family used to live in Nha Trang but moved to Đức Linh because life was too expensive and they couldn’t afford to send their children to school. They now rent a small house and have no agricultural land.
The mother makes artificial flowers at home, selling each for around 35,000 đồng (about 1,10€). She started this two years ago while also caring for her four children (grades 4, 2, 1, and kindergarten). Her husband works repairing cars, but it’s not a stable job. A few years ago, he broke his arm and had to undergo surgery. Thiện Chí helped provide him with health insurance.
The family was first identified in 2022 during a school project where Thiện Chí provided eyeglasses to children and so happen, to their daughter. Since 2023, one of their daughters has received a monthly scholarship to support her education.
Third family
The last family we visited is made up of seven people, a couple and their five children. Their oldest daughter is currently studying economics at university in Hồ Chí Minh City, with the help of a student loan from Thiện Chí (15 million đồng per year).
The parents rent agricultural land to grow maize and cassava. They also received a cow from the government and a small loan from Thiện Chí to build a goat farm. Life is demanding: they work in the fields almost every day of the year, resting only one day during the Tết holiday.
Despite the difficult conditions and the recent loss of the grandfather, the children continue to attend school. However, with maize prices currently low, the family’s profit is almost nonexistent.
Leticia