Mai's story

I am in College now, a third-year student. I never imagined that I could continue my schooling to a higher level. However, everything changed and I had a chance to think of the future since I was offered a scholarship from Saigon Children's Charity.

"I have never met my father once in my life. I live with my mother, my grandmother and my older brother. My mother has one disabled leg. She works for hire when labour is needed to support the whole family. My brother collects snails for a living and goes to school in the evening classes set up for the poor. I go to school in the morning and I spend the noon time helping my grandmother cut vegetables, divide them into separate bunches and then sell them. Sometimes, I go catching snails and crabs also for sale. Evening is the time for lesson review and preparation. I have good school report every year"

Because of our difficulties I received a scholarship for three years. This really helped lighten the burden over my mother's shoulder. It also helped cover some of our living expenses. My family and I myself always feel grateful to this support.

Now I am in the College of Teachers ' Training, Department of Kindergarten Teacher. I have a scholarship at this school thanks to my annual good academic result. I normally give part of the scholarship to my mom for some small repair in my house. When graduating, I will go back to work in my hometown. For any student, Ho Chi Minh City is a "promised land" for living and working. More chances in a big city! However, thinking of my mother and grandmother living alone at home, I think I should return to be near them and also to contribute my small part in educating the children at the very beginning stage.

In front of Hoa Mi Kindergarten		Kids playing game, Hoa Mi Kindergarten
playing with the kids, Hoa Mi Kindergarten		playisng with the kids, Hoa Mi Kindergarten
playing with the kids, Hoa Mi Kindergarten		talking to the children

Story of Nguyen Thi Xuan Mai, a scholarship child in Can Gio District,
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam . March 2005