Project RENEW has given hope to many families affected by bombs and Agent Orange, including those of Mr. Trần Sòi and Mr. Lê Văn Tám in Cam Lộ district. With financial support from the project, these two families have been able to overcome difficulties, improve their lives, and feel more confident about the future.

Moreover, thanks to RENEW, 53 households in Quảng Trị have received livelihood support, helping them escape poverty and have the opportunity to develop. This is clear evidence that, with the joint efforts of the community, we can create positive changes and bring a better life to the less fortunate.

Mr. Trần Sòi, residing in Cam Phú 3 Village of Cam Thành Commune, is a veteran. His family has six children, of whom two were affected by Agent Orange, suffering from mental disabilities and mobility impairments. Both are unable to read, write or understand like ordinary people.

Mr. Sòi’s family faces many difficulties as both he and his wife are elderly, while having to care for two severely disabled children. The family’s main income comes from small-scale agriculture. Ms. Lình has to stay at home to take care of her children and has no income. Although their two children receive disability allowances, the amount is not enough to cover daily living expenses.

With financial support from Project RENEW, Mr. Sòi’s family decided to buy an additional cow, supplementing their family’s livestock. In addition, Mr. Sòi and his family also planted more fruit trees such as dragon fruit, pepper, banana, and vegetables in the garden. These products not only serve the family’s daily meals but are also sold to increase income.

In Trung Chính Village, Cam Chính Commune, Mr. Lê Văn Tám, a severely disabled person due to the consequences of Agent Orange (his mother was a local guerrilla during the war and was exposed to Agent Orange). His family is living in difficult economic conditions. Mr. Tám’s family relies mainly on disability allowances and limited income earned by his wife, Nguyễn Thị Lạc, the only breadwinner. Difficulties in mobility, poor health, and a lack of capital have limited the family’s ability to develop economically. Their house was built many years ago and is in serious disrepair. The kitchen floor is peeling, making it difficult for Mrs. Lạc to cook. Moreover, the walkway to the house is not concreted, making it slippery in the rainy season and affecting the mobility of family members.

Recognizing the difficulties of Mr. Tám’s family, Project RENEW, through the Cam Lộ District Association for the Blind, supported the family with a capital of 8,500,000 VND to develop pig farming. With her experience in farming and the family’s conditions as well as her own health, Mrs. Lạc boldly invested in 5 breeding pigs and took advantage of the available feed in the garden.

After 3 months of implementing the project, Mrs. Lạc’’s pig herd has developed well. The family is expected to earn about 15 million VND from selling the first batch of pigs in November. This initial success has brought confidence and motivation to the family, opening up a new direction to improve their lives.

“Families with disabilities affected by Agent Orange are often trapped in poverty, and they cannot find a way out on their own,” said Mr. Hồ Viết Thuộc, Chairman of the Cam Lộ District Association for the Blind, who has 27 years of experience in social assistance. “RENEW’s intervention with financial support for livelihoods is the most appropriate approach to help these families escape poverty and improve their lives.”

The stories of Mr. Trần Sòi and Mr. Lê Văn Tám are just two of many touching stories about change thanks to Project RENEW with funding provided by the Government of Ireland through Irish Embassy in Vietnam. The project has not only brought a better life to families but has also contributed to the sustainable development of the community. However, there are still many challenges ahead. We need to continue working together to support the less fortunate, creating a more equitable and humane society.