“Mum, I made a bag today!” Recently, during dinner, H. Ny excitedly shared the news with her mother. Seeing her daughter’s bright smile, Ms. Phuong thought back to the journey they had traveled together.
When H. Ny was 12 months old, she suffered a head injury after a severe impact, resulting in brain damage and reduced mobility on one side of her body. Since then, she has faced challenges with movement and communication.
Hoai Ny remains optimistic and continues to move forward despite the challenges she faces.
In 2018, H. Ny’s family began receiving support from Children of Vietnam through the Hope System of Care (HSC) program. Monthly assistance and a livelihood grant helped her father expand his motorbike repair work, allowing the family to improve their living conditions and provide better care for Ny. However, in 2020, her father passed away unexpectedly from a stroke.
After his passing, the responsibility of supporting the family fell entirely on Ms. Phuong. Earning about $220 per month as a factory worker while raising two children, she spent most of her time working to provide for the family. Ny’s older brother also started working to help support the household. As a result, H. Ny often spent much of her day at home alone.
“I used to leave for work early in the morning and return late in the afternoon, so Ny stayed at home by herself, eating and spending time on her own,” Ms. Phuong recalled.
At 18 years old, H. Ny had not had the opportunity to attend school, socialize, or participate in activities like many of her peers. Along with the challenges caused by her injury, the lack of regular support and interaction left her increasingly withdrawn. When she struggled to express herself, she often responded with frustration.
In 2023, during an HSC program assessment visit, Children of Vietnam staff and Mrs. Debbie (COV’s Former Board Chair) met with H. Ny and her family. Concerned about her situation, they recognized the need for additional support to help her access learning opportunities and specialized care. Following an assessment of the family’s needs and available resources, COV provided livelihood support for Ms. Phuong, assisted with home repairs, and helped identify appropriate educational and therapeutic services for H. Ny. In May 2025, she enrolled at Thanh Tam Special School, where she began her learning and rehabilitation journey.
Photos of Ny attending sewing classes at Thanh Tam.
Just six months after starting school, H. Ny had already made remarkable progress. She now looks forward to going to class each day, where she can spend time with teachers and friends. At school, she has learned to use scissors, carefully trim loose threads, and practice sewing straight lines on a sewing machine. These activities have helped her gradually improve her motor skills.
Today, H. Ny proudly shares her achievements with her mother.
Ny and her mother, Ms. Phuong, participating in the “Stories in Stitches: Empowering Single Mothers Through Quilting & Storytelling” workshop
“Thank you, COV,” Ms. Phuong said. “Since she started learning sewing and spending time with teachers and friends, Hoai Ny has become much happier and more confident. I can focus on my work with peace of mind, and I also have more time to learn how to support and care for her better every day.”
H. Ny’s journey began with the chance to learn in the right environment and receive support at the right time. Your gift today can carry that opportunity forward, helping another child with a disability overcome barriers to education and take part fully in community life.
