Hai's new house
The more than 80-square-metre house, with a metal roof, freshly painted walls and tiled floors, feels like a miracle for the widow who once cried through stormy nights, fearing the collapsing roof and crumbling walls.
“Many nights I wake up still thinking I'm dreaming. Without Dantri, without the support of readers, the local authorities and neighbours, I could never have had such a solid home,” Hai said.
Hai besides her mother-in-law and daughters at their new house
Her husband died in a work accident nearly 10 years ago. Since then, Hai has struggled alone to raise three small children and care for her ailing mother-in-law, while the family lived in a dilapidated house with peeling walls.
On stormy nights, she stayed awake to bail water and shield her mother-in-law from the wind. During a typhoon, she once fled with her children to a neighbour’s home, fearing the house would collapse.
The family's old house
After Dantri/Dtinews reported her story, thousands of readers at home and abroad donated to help. With nearly VND 120 million (approximately USD 4,700) in contributions from Dantri readers and additional support from Phu Ninh Commune authorities, Hai was able to build a sturdy new home.
“Since moving in, my children are happier and study better. My mother-in-law’s health has also improved,” Hai shared.
Hai's three children
Nguyen Thi Tuyet, chairwoman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front in Phu Ninh Commune, said Hai’s family had long been among the most disadvantaged households in the area.
“The new house marks the beginning of a more secure, peaceful and hopeful future for the family,” Tuyet said.
