Dear benefactors:

My family consists of six. I am the second oldest amongst 4 siblings: the oldest brother, Nguyen Hoang Thinh - age 17, myself - age 15, the younger sister, Nguyen Kim Thach - age 13, and the youngest brother, Nguyen Thanh Thang - age 11.

My family works mainly on the rice field to support ourselves. Although there are 6 members in the family, we have only 3 units (cong) of land to work on. Everyday life for us here is barely reached necessities and I am so uncertain of my school education. Because of the young age, we can only depend on our parents to provide for us. Besides working on the field to put food on the table, our parents also take some extra labor works to pay for our education.

Lately, flooding in this rural area also affects our planting. Extra harvest cannot be done. In addition, our parents' health is no longer in good conditions. Their arthritis (benh man tinh ve xuong khop) requires regular hospital treatments. The works our parents have committed is often interrupted because of their health.

The distance from my home to school stretches a 4-kilometer distance, going through several broken and unconnected dirt roads. There are no cross bridges. To travel from and to school we have to use boats. Sometimes, thinking of our poverty and circumstances, seeing the hardship my parents endure, I do not want to continue schooling any more.

But, after contemplating, I realize that I am still too young, not able to earn the monies, especially in this rural area, to help out my family. But mainly, because of our priest's understanding, through his help and encouragement, our siblings are still in school to hope for a brighter future.

Now, the news that your organization offers scholarships to needy students with passion to learn has excited me. I believe you can help me to pursue my education until the end. I am very grateful to you and promise to do my best so that your benevolence will not be disappointed. I sincerely ask you to accept my gratitude and hope you will help me.

Sincerely with gratitude,

Nguyen Kim Thinh
Age :15
Grade: 10th Completed