Born blind, To Van Sy, 41, has spent his life overcoming disability while trying to provide for his family in Thu Lam Commune on the outskirts of Hanoi.
After training as a massage therapist, Sy hoped to earn a stable living. But working from his home in a small alley has left him with few customers.
"Sometimes I go five or seven days without seeing a client," he said.
To Van Sy was born blind (Photo: Gia Khoa).
With little income from massage therapy, the family relies largely on a small rice field that produces just enough grain to meet their basic food needs.
His wife, Nguyen Thi Tha, takes on casual jobs whenever work is available, but her earnings are irregular and often insufficient to cover household expenses.
The couple are raising three children, born in 2010, 2012 and 2017. Sy said the family has depended on relatives' support to keep the children in school.
"Our income is unstable and life is very difficult," he said. "We cannot afford to buy new textbooks, so we rely on used ones. In previous years, we even struggled to pay for our children's health insurance."
To Van Sy with his three children, two of whom have poor eyesight (Photo: Gia Khoa).
Tran Duc Nam, head of the Blind People's Association branch covering the area, described Sy as one of its most disadvantaged members, adding that the organisation regularly seeks donations from businesses and benefactors to support families in need.
Local authorities said Sy, who is classified as having a severe disability, receives a monthly social allowance of more than VND 1.3 million (approximately USD 50), while his wife receives VND 650,000 (approximately USD 25) a month as his primary caregiver.
Despite the assistance, the family continues to face financial hardship. Sy said his greatest wish is simply to keep his children in school with enough books and health insurance, easing what he described as his constant worry about their future.
Although it is the summer holiday, Sy's children still study diligently and revise their lessons (Photo: Gia Khoa).
The Hanoi Blind People's Association said it hopes to continue working with Dantri/Dtinews readers and donors to provide health insurance and educational support for children from visually impaired families, ensuring that no child is left behind.
If you can help, send through:
Code 260302
Dantri/Dtinews Newspaper
No. 2/48 Giang Vo Str., Giang Vo Ward, Hanoi
Tel: 024-3736-6491/Fax: 024. 3. 7366.490.
Email: nhanai@dantri.com.vn
