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When trust lights the way, dreams can bloom

date_range2026-07-20

Life circumstances can make things harder, but Vy’s journey proves that a less advantaged background doesn’t have to determine her future. Saigonchildren has supported Vy through scholarships over the years, but much of her educational journey has been shaped by her continued efforts.

Read Vy’s story in her own words, through the letter she recently sent to us below.


Dear Sir and Madam at saigonchildren, and young people who are striving forward every day,

My name is Phương Vy, a second-year student majoring in Biotechnology at Cần Thơ University. I am writing this letter not to talk about the struggles I have faced, but to candidly share how my own efforts and the kindness of saigonchildren have helped change a young girl’s life.

Let me tell you something that few people know. A few years ago, my education was nearly cut short due to severe financial hardship. It was before I had even finished secondary school, an important milestone in every student’s life in Vietnam. My dad works as a seasonal factory worker, and his unstable income helps cover all our family expenses, from my mum’s medical treatment to my sibling’s school fees.

At the most critical time, when I felt I might have to stop going to school altogether, I was connected with saigonchildren. The scholarship not only supported me financially, but also carried a message for me: “You deserve to keep going.”

In order not to disappoint those who placed their trust in me, I kept striving every single day. Maintaining excellent academic results for 12 consecutive years was the result of many days and nights of hard work, as well as the quiet support and dedication of the people at saigonchildren. I also spent time reading to broaden my knowledge and helped with household chores, trying to become a reliable source of emotional support for my parents.

When I received the news that I had been accepted to Cần Thơ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, I cried with happiness, but also felt anxious. The financial pressure made me reconsider my path. But this time, I was not alone, as I knew that you would always be there for me.

In the end, I made the pragmatic choice to study Biotechnology at Cần Thơ University. For me, this was not a compromise with fate, but a practical choice that would still allow me to pursue my dream of contributing to human healthcare, while easing the financial burden on my family.

Currently, I maintain a good academic record every semester. I do not study only for grades and scores, but also to prepare for a bigger plan: after graduation, I hope to pursue advanced training in IVF, then continue learning and developing my skills to become a professional reproductive health consultant, bringing hope to families longing for the joy of parenthood.

My journey of growing up has been witnessed and accompanied by saigonchildren. But in order to make that support even more fruitful, I understand that I must be the one to keep steering my own course and never stop trying.

I would also like to take this opportunity to share some words of encouragement with young people who are facing circumstances similar to mine: difficult circumstances may slow our progress, but they cannot stop a heart that is determined to move forward. Never give up on education, because it can be one of the most important pathways to changing your life and supporting your family. Keep moving forward with confidence, and our efforts will one day pay off.

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