An orphaned girl in Nghe An needs help to continue her education.

Whenever the story of Luc Thi Phuong (born in 2009) is mentioned, the people of Hamlet 1, Duc Son Commune (Anh Son District) all express sympathy and concern because before she was even one year old, she had to endure the loss of her mother and was always hungry for milk. Her mother, Vo Thi Bac, unfortunately died of cancer, leaving behind her infant child.

Having lost both parents at a young age, Lu Thi Phuong relies on her elderly grandparents. Her grandfather recently suffered a severe stroke, making life even more difficult. (Photo: Tuong Anh)

Having lost her mother at a young age, Phuong lived with her father and paternal grandparents in difficult and impoverished circumstances. Neighbors still remember the sight of Phuong's father, Luc Ngoc Trieu, carrying his young child around begging for milk, a heartbreaking scene that moved everyone who saw it. To compensate for his daughter's hardships and deprivations, Mr. Trieu worked tirelessly, taking on various jobs to earn money, hoping for a better future for his daughter.

But then, misfortune struck the poor girl's life again. When Phuong was not yet 5 years old, her father died in an accident, leaving the burden of caring for her elderly grandparents. Having lost their daughter-in-law and then their son, Mr. and Mrs. Luc Ngoc Hoanh were completely devastated, their health declining, but out of love for their orphaned granddaughter, they had to pull themselves together.

Despite her difficult circumstances, Luc Thi Phuong diligently attends class and receives care and support from her teachers. Photo: Tuong Anh

Unable to work in the fields cultivating corn and rice, the grandparents could only grow vegetables and raise pigs and chickens to make ends meet. Their youngest son was working far away, leaving only the grandparents and their young granddaughter at home, living in constant hardship. When it was time for her to go to school, despite their difficult circumstances, the grandparents still made sure that little Luc Thi Phuong could attend classes with her peers.

In class, Phuong always received care, support, and understanding from her teachers, who shared her difficulties in both her studies and life. Whenever there were gifts from benefactors, the school's administration always prioritized giving a portion to this orphaned student.

Officials from the Women's Union of Duc Son commune (Anh Son district) present rice, instant noodles, and money to Luc Thi Phuong. Photo: Tuong Anh.

Not long ago, Mr. Luc Ngoc Hoanh suffered a stroke and required lengthy, expensive treatment. The family, already struggling financially, now faces even greater hardship. Mrs. Ngo Thi Loc (Phuong's grandmother) alone has to shoulder the burden of her husband's treatment and raising her granddaughter. In light of this situation, the Women's Union of Duc Son commune has offered to help Phuong by donating rice to ensure she has enough to eat for the entire year.

Women throughout the commune, primarily members of Branch 1, have wholeheartedly helped and shared the difficulties faced by Phượng. Branch 1 established a "Charity Rice Jar" where member families set aside a small portion of their food to help Lục Thị Phượng. Other branches provided assistance by donating money, instant noodles, books, and clothing.

The orphaned girl, Luc Thi Phuong, always receives support and assistance from the community. Photo: Tuong Anh

Over the first two quarters of the year, the Women's Union of Duc Son commune has given Phuong more than 60 kg of rice from the "Charity Rice Jar" (an average of 10 kg per month), not including money, instant noodles, and other necessities. Notably, recently, the Union and the school acted as a bridge to connect with the "Because You Deserve It" program, which donated over 53 million VND to Phuong.

This money will be used for the child's education in the coming time. Ms. Ngo Thi Loc shared: "My family is going through a difficult and unfortunate time, and I am not able to provide for Phuong, but fortunately, we have received much care and help from the community and society. I would like to express my gratitude for everyone's kindness!"

Ms. Phan Thi Tuyet, a member of the Standing Committee of the Women's Union of Duc Son commune, said: "Luc Thi Phuong's situation is truly pitiful. We are trying to help her have enough rice to eat. We plan to continue the 'Rice Jar of Compassion' program in the coming years, and we also hope that benefactors will provide further assistance so that she can continue her education."

Any assistance for little Luc Thi Phuong should be sent to the following address::

+ Mrs.Ngo Thi Loc, Hamlet 1, Duc Son Commune, Anh Son District, Nghe An Province.

Or contact:Department of Publishing, Advertising and Social ActivitiesNghe An Newspaper, No. 3, Le Nin Avenue, Vinh City, Nghe An Province; Telephone: 02383.686.585.