A brighter future for the most underpriviledged

“I may be small, but my dreams are big.”

Born in Dien Bien province, Giang Thi Dung, a young woman from the Hmong ethnic minority, grew up facing challenges that few could truly understand. With congenital dwarfism, Dung had to leave school early. Her small stature often made life harder, but it never diminished the size of her dreams. Deep inside, she always believed that one day she would be able to stand on her own and build a better future for herself and her family.

Life was not easy. Physical limitations, social barriers, and a lack of opportunities often stood in her way. Yet Dung never gave up. She believed that if she were given a chance, she would do her very best to seize it.

That chance came when Dung joined REACH. At REACH, she enrolled in the 2D Graphic Design program, stepping into a completely new world. Despite her disability, Dung proved to be highly motivated and a fast learner. She has a strong eye for images and visual details, which quickly became one of her strengths. During her probation period, her colleagues patiently supported and guided her, helping her adapt smoothly without feeling overwhelmed or left behind.

Today, Dung is proud to have a stable job at True Color, doing the work she truly loves. For the first time in her life, she can support her family with her own income. More than that, she has found confidence, independence, and a sense of belonging.

Dung shares that she feels happiest when she goes to work every day, surrounded by friendly colleagues. Talking and laughing with them brings her joy and motivation. Her company’s Founder – Director, who is also a REACH alumnus, deeply understands her situation and has wholeheartedly supported her, helping her adjust quickly to the new working environment.

With a gentle smile, Dung says:

“I may be small, but my dreams are big. Thanks to REACH, I am now doing the job I love at True Color.”

Dung’s journey is a powerful reminder that disability does not define one’s potential. With determination, support, and the right opportunity, even the smallest steps can lead to the biggest dreams.

Grateful is how we at REACH are feeling to reconnect with you after GlobalGiving’s review of projects in Vietnam!

Thanks to your amazing support, REACH is back in action on GlobalGiving - stronger, more energized, and more committed than ever to uplifting disadvantaged lives in Vietnam with decent employment opportunities. You are a big part of the magic we’re creating together!

This is the story of Nhi, a young woman who grew up carrying more burdens than any child should.

A Childhood of Struggles

Nhi was raised on the outskirts of Hue in a family fractured by divorce, poverty, and illness. Her grandparents were too old to work, her father absent, and her mother struggled with a herniated disc. Violence and harsh words filled her childhood, leaving her with deep scars and one fierce wish to earn enough to take care of her mom and younger brothers.

At school, she excelled at languages, dreaming of one day becoming a translator. But that dream was cut short by financial struggles, family burdens, and later, a brain tumor that weakened her health.

A Turning Point with REACH

Before REACH, Nhi worked as a tour guide for foreign visitors. She loved speaking English and meeting people, but the income was unstable, and the outdoor work became impossible with her declining health.

Scrolling through Facebook one day, she discovered REACH and enrolled in the bartending program. That decision changed everything. At REACH, she not only learned the art of mixing drinks, but also soft skills, English, and teamwork. She found encouragement in her classmates - like the time she made mistakes frothing milk and, instead of being laughed at, everyone pitched in to help her get it right.

A Future Reimagined

Today, Nhi is a bartender at a Bar and Restaurant in Hue. She has a stable income, a long-term contract, and a safe, professional environment. She’s praised by customers for her skill and warm service, and she’s already setting her sights on becoming a supervisor or manager.

From a childhood marked by hardship and hurt, Nhi has found a path where she can work, grow, and truly live with dignity and independence.

The Power of Your Support

Stories like Nhi’s remind us why your support matters so much. With your generosity, REACH can continue equipping disadvantaged youth with skills, confidence, and opportunities for brighter futures.

Your continued support ensures we can keep making this transformation possible!

Let's continue this transformative journey together!

Cheers,

REACH Vietnam