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Journey from Tây Ninh to a pastry career in central Ho Chi Minh City

date_range2024-12-26

Just turning 18, Uyên Nhi, a young girl from Tây Ninh, has begun a new chapter of her life with pride. With a strong will to learn and determination beyond her circumstances, she is building a future with her own hands and dreams.

Uyên Nhi was born and raised in a family facing severe hardship in Tân Biên District, Tây Ninh Province. Her family’s main income comes from her parents: her father works unstable labouring jobs, while her mother works as a housekeeper for a neighbour. While they are out working, Nhi and her two younger siblings are cared for by their grandmother, who lives with the family.

After graduating from high school in 2025, Nhi understood that her family’s financial situation would not allow her to pursue university or college. Accepting the reality but not giving up on her goals, she proactively decided to pursue vocational training so she could start working early, support her family, and help them lead a more stable life.

Fortunately, a relative who was once a beneficiary of Thăng Long School introduced her to saigonchildren’s Getting Ready for Work programme. In July 2024, she was accepted and fully funded to enrol in a Western baking course at Saigontourist Hospitality College.

Driven by a strong passion for baking, Nhi studied diligently and applied for an apprenticeship at a bakery during her course to gain hands-on experience. Thanks to her dedication, she graduated with good results in November 2024.

Just a month later, she landed her very first job at a bakery on Hồ Thị Kỷ Street, District 10. But Nhi didn’t stop there. She continued to seek new challenges and then moved on to work as a pastry chef’s assistant at a well-known restaurant on Nguyễn Huệ Street (District 1), earning a monthly salary of 8 million VND.

Now at just 18 years old, Nhi has completed her vocational training, secured a stable job, and is steadily advancing in her chosen career. At the end of 2024, she was one of three vocational training beneficiaries honoured at the programme’s year-end ceremony for their outstanding achievements during and after their training.

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