This morning, we visited three families.
The first family lives with six members; a grandmother, her son, daughter, and three grandchildren in grades 6, 4, and kindergarten. The grandmother has been in poor health since a motorbike accident two years ago, leaving a visible scar across her face. The siblings both work as daily laborers in rubber plantations. They have been supported by Thien Chi for six years, and their income has improved over time. With this support, they were able to repair and expand their home. One of the granddaughters also receives an annual scholarship, and the family currently has a loan of 4 million dongs for raising chickens and recycling plastic and glass. They also participate in the ecological bedding agricultural model.
See following link for info about this model: https://thienchicenter.org/article/more-sustainable-agricultural-models-supported-by-thien-chi-21182.html
The second family used to consist of three people, but now only a mother and her 18-year-old son remain, as the grandmother has returned to her commune due to old age. The mother suffers from leg pain and other health issues, she often goes to the hospital and says her whole body hurts, keeping her awake at night. Her son stopped school to take care of her and earn money. He works in a small motorbike repair shop and helps collect recyclable waste. With Thien Chi’s 4-million-dong loan, they raise chickens and continue recycling work. Their income has increased slightly, from 600,000 to 800,000 dongs per month per person. The government supports them with health insurance.
On the way, we met a family that used to be supported by Thien Chi but is now self-sufficient, a hopeful reminder that progress is possible.
The third family includes a couple and their two children. They have been with Thien Chi for 10 years, receiving a 4-million-dong loan for chicken farming and wheat. The wife works alone on a rubber plantation of 500 trees, leaving for work at midnight to finish before the heat rises. Her husband has been ill for two years and can no longer use his hands properly. He seeks acupuncture treatments at the church, but they bring little relief. Thien Chi helped him with 1,500,000 dongs for medical care. Their daughter stopped school to work in a nail salon, and their son is in grade 9. The family’s income has grown significantly, from 377,000 to 977,000 dongs per person per month.
See Following link for info about rubber tree: https://thienchicenter.org/article/more-about-rubber-trees-21189.html
Leticia