The Long Journey

Long comes from Dien Bien Province, around 500 km from Hanoi. His parents divorced several years ago and his father left the family. Long and his two siblings live with their mother, Chuc, who is a farmer. They own a small plot of farmland. The rice that she harvests is hardly enough for the whole family to eat. When she is free from farm work, she works at for a noodle restaurant at the local market. The restaurant opens in the morning and she earns $1.50 per day from that job. Sometimes, she is able to earn some extra money from selling vegetables that she grows in the garden. Despite her diligence, she is unable to earn enough for living and studying expenses of the three children. She has no choice but borrow money in order to keep her children in school.

Since the time Long entered the university in 2009, he had to borrow $250 per semester, totaling $1350 to date. Additionally, his mother has borrowed $1050 from the bank at relatives to pay for living and studying expenses of the two younger children – Viet and Hue. 

Long is studying two courses at the same time. He studies sociology at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities and English at the College of Foreign Languages. Very early in his studies he realized that English is a very important in today’s society, but like many, he also finds studying a language difficult. Despite all the difficulties being away from home, school fees, expensive living expenses, heavy curriculum, no time to relax, Long determines to study two courses.

Happily, a sponsor recently stepped up and this year the pressure on Long will be less. Thanks to a donation of $250; Long will continue his studies this year without accruing more debt. His mother will be able to focus on the needs of her younger children. Long is very grateful for his scholarship and would like to thank everyone for believing in him! 

Long is currently a fourth year student in the Sociology Department, University of Social Sciences and Humanities and a third year at College of Foreign Language, Hanoi.

Long is photographed above during a visit to the HSCV office. The photo below is of Long's family at their home.