$upport needed to break the poverty cycle for these 12 children

School project for 12 children in district 8, Sai Gon

Our friend Tran Thi Hoan started a small home schooling group for 12 children. For the last two years Hoan and her friend Lienh taught these children on a regular basis.

Last year we were invited to visit a small home schooling group in district 8 in Sai Gon. Hoan and her friend Lienh took us to one of the parent’s house, which is used as a classroom. The parents simply cannot afford to pay the school fees and other cost related. Instead of going to school some kids are already working!!!

Later we discussed the possibility to extend our educational support for these 12 children with Hoan. Initially everything looked fine, until Hoan took the time to talk to the parents in order for them to agree. Problem: The kids do not have birth certificates. No birth certificate - no school registration!!!

  Hoan made various appointments and talked to several school principals and the chairmen / leader of the district. The result remained unchanged. No birth certificate, no school registration. “Same, same, but different” as they say in Viet Nam. Catch 22 - no solution in sight.

We were talking about this project a lot, sending e-mails back and fourth, skyping ... discussing all sorts of scenarios / solutions.

Here is Hoan's e-mail received today:

Today I come to primary school after long time try to contact with leader of special class for children. He saw me, believe and understand what I want to do ( before he met me, he had some worry about what I want, he and me just talk on phone ). He talk that children don't need pay fee, but can we pay money to buy health insurance for children, buy clothes, books, if children finish primary, they can study in special class in secondary school like other children, on first day in September, I go back that school to subscribe for children. I'm so happy about it, I will meet children at the weekend.  

                                             Hoan and Lienh teaching ....

The children can start school on the 1^st of September. We would love to witness their first day at school. CVSG needs your support so we can pay for health insurance, books, uniforms, school bags, shoes and meals at school. It is a small price to pay!!!

Please consider. This is a once in a life time chance for these children to get educated, be able to study and have a proper job – in other words:

“It is their ticket out of poverty”.