The family of Ms. Phạm Thị Thu Hiền, residing in Hamlet 1, Đức Hạnh Commune, Đức Linh District, Bình Thuận Province, is one of the local impoverished households with four members. Previously, their life, though modest, was stable thanks to her husband Thoại’s job as a loader. However, a severe workplace accident left him with cervical spondylosis and a herniated disc, rendering him unable to work. Without health insurance, he could only seek free traditional herbal treatments at a temple. As a result, the financial burden fell entirely on Ms. Hiền’s shoulders while their two children were still in school, with costs rising steadily.
Every day, Ms. Hiền made a living by selling bananas and homemade traditional sweets like candied ginger and sticky cakes to local shops, but her income was unstable. The family’s situation grew increasingly difficult, seemingly on the brink of despair. Fortunately, in December 2021, the family joined the loan program provided by the Thiện Chí Center. Understanding the family’s circumstances, the center’s staff supported Mr. Thoại with a health insurance card. This allowed him to access medical care at a nearby hospital, and his health gradually improved. Although he could not perform heavy labor, he began contributing to light work, easing his wife’s burden to some extent.
Moreover, the loan from the program was effectively utilized to raise two cows (provided by the government), 50 chickens, and two wild pigs. From 2021 to November 2024, the family’s average monthly income increased from 677,000 VND to 1,200,000 VND. Their life became more stable, and Ms. Hiền’s children could continue their education.
Ms. Hiền’s family expresses their heartfelt gratitude to the Thiện Chí Center for its timely and practical support, which enabled them to overcome their most challenging period. Without this loan program, the family might have resorted to high-interest loans from other sources, further worsening their struggles.
The story of Ms. Hiền’s family is a vivid testament to the effectiveness of community support programs, which not only help people escape poverty but also give them the opportunity to transform their lives.
