“After much reflection, I’ve come to realize that the scariest thing is not extreme poverty. It should be a grand house which is empty inside. A poor person doesn’t live in constant worry because their circumstances are laid bare for all to see—the poverty certificate in their hands offers them some peace of mind. But for those who are neither rich nor poor, behind the words ‘living sufficiently’ often lies a kind of deprivation that only those living it can truly understand.” These were the heartfelt words Van Qui shared with Be Better in his motivation letter.
The struggles of a family aren’t always defined by official labels of poverty but rather by the endless cycle of worrying over basic needs like food and clothing. Van Qui is fortunate to have both parents, along with a younger sister, in his life. His family of six currently lives with his grandparents, who are now in their seventies and no longer capable of working. They contribute by helping with small household tasks. Qui’s father has spent years doing manual labor to provide for the family, but even with his hard work, it’s difficult to sustain six mouths. Over time, his father’s health has deteriorated, and his long-standing bone and joint issues now make his work even harder. Qui’s mother also takes on odd jobs, earning a modest and irregular income to support the family and ensure both children can go to school. His younger sister, now entering 10th grade, has her own educational aspirations. However, with Qui preparing to step into university, the burden of financing both children’s education is an impossible feat for the family. Yet, sacrificing either child’s future is something none of them can bear to consider.
A resilient and ambitious young man, Van Qui achieved a major milestone in 2024 by fulfilling a promise to himself and the Be Better Foundation: he became a freshman in the Automation and Control Engineering program at Can Tho University. This marks a turning point in Qui’s lif – a launchpad for a brighter future. And this milestone has been made possible through his own determination and the unwavering support of compassionate donors.