25 years ago, Nguyen Van Hau married Le Thi Nguyet. They lived in a small, tin-roofed house in Trieu Binh commune, Trieu Phong district, along with his elderly mother. They started a family and welcomed 6 children.

"My wife couldn't use birth control, so our family planning failed. But once she was pregnant, we couldn't bear to terminate," Mr. Hau explained how they ended up with such a large family. The oldest is now 24, and the youngest is 7.

To support his children's education and care for his mother, Mr. Hau farms, works as a construction worker, a painter, and takes on any other odd jobs available. Ms. Nguyet trades fish and also works various jobs. Residents of Trieu Binh, whether rising the earliest or returning home the latest, can often spot Mr. Hau and his wife working.

Mr. Hau's family visits a temple at the beginning of 2025. Photo provided by the family

Mr. Hau's family visits a temple at the beginning of 2025. Photo provided by the family

Growing up in poverty, Mr. Hau passed the high school entrance exam but couldn't afford to attend. He always regretted missing out on his youth, unable to experience the classroom like his peers. "I don't want my children to suffer like I did, and I don't want them to be disadvantaged because we have a large family," he said.

After the harvest season, Mr. Hau leaves his home in Quang Tri province to find work in Ho Chi Minh City. Sometimes he's gone for a few days, other times for a month. Each time he returns, exhausted and weary, the sight of his children huddled together studying makes it all worthwhile.

"Our parents work so hard, we just try our best to study so that we can change our fate and support our family in the future," shared Nguyen Van Son, 22, the second son and a final-year automotive technology student in Hue.

Son's four years of university have been challenging. But whenever he considered giving up, he remembered his father's thin frame, his hair roughened by the sun and wind, and his hands wrinkled from paint chemicals, which motivated him to persevere. "One day, my dad came home from work, his hair covered in white paint, his skin peeling. I will never forget that image, it's a symbol of his sacrifice," he recounted.

Not only Son, but his older brother has also graduated from Hue University of Agriculture and Forestry, and his younger sister is currently a student at Da Nang University of Medical Technology and Pharmacy.

Each time a child gained university admission, joy was mixed with the worry of tuition fees. Mr. Hau and his wife sold all their rice and borrowed money from relatives to cover the costs. For years, they worked tirelessly, taking on any available labor to repay their debts.

Mr. Hau's children take on part-time jobs during their breaks, tutoring or working in restaurants to cover their tuition, rent, and support their parents. During summer, they return home to help with the harvest. "Now, we have children in every level of education, from primary school to university. We've achieved 50% of our university goal, 50% to go," he chuckled.

He believes that with hard work and determination, all 6 of his children will receive a proper education. But earlier this year, an unexpected tragedy struck.

Their youngest daughter, Tuong Vi, suddenly developed a persistent high fever, leg pain, and loss of appetite. After being examined at Quang Tri Provincial Hospital and then transferred to Hue Central Hospital, she was diagnosed with lymphoblastic leukemia.

"I was devastated but kept it to myself, not daring to tell my wife and children. I was afraid they would worry and be distracted from their studies," Mr. Hau confessed.

A week later, when Son learned the news, he noticed his father looked haggard, thinner, with dark circles under his eyes. "Probably from lack of sleep and crying," Son thought. He decided to defer his studies and find a job to help his parents.

Tuong Vi undergoing treatment at Hue Central Hospital, early 2025. Photo provided by the family

Tuong Vi undergoing treatment at Hue Central Hospital, early 2025. Photo provided by the family

According to the treatment plan, Tuong Vi needs at least three years of therapy, with hospital costs excluding medication and living expenses. Meanwhile, Mr. Hau had to stop working to stay with his daughter at the hospital. The financial burden fell on Ms. Nguyet and their eldest son, who had just graduated.

Despite this, Mr. Hau never considered letting his children abandon their education. "You're about to graduate, don't give up. Your mother and I will find a way," he encouraged his son at the hospital.

With support from neighbors, relatives, and loans, Mr. Hau's family managed to gather enough money for Tuong Vi's hospitalization. During her treatment, she also received support from the Thien Tam Fund through the Mat troi Hy vong (Sun of Hope) - Quy Hy vong (Hope Fund) program.

Two months after Tuong Vi's admission, Son returned to school. "The worry is still there, but I'm even more determined," he stated.

Beyond their youngest daughter's illness, Mr. Hau and his wife are also concerned about the education of their other children. During Tuong Vi's three-year treatment, Mr. Hau fears financial difficulties might once again hinder his children's path to university.

"Now, I just hope my daughter has enough money for treatment and stays healthy enough to continue her studies, and that her siblings can hold onto their university dreams, which our family has worked so hard to nurture," he said.

With the aim of inspiring hope for children with difficult circumstances, the Hope Fund in collaboration with Ong Mat Troi (Mr. Sun) has launched the Mat troi Hy vong program. Every contribution from the community is a ray of hope for the future generation of the country. Readers can support the program here:

Program name: Ten cua ban - Mat troi Hy vong

Program ID: 195961

Nhat Minh