Luong Van Huong, born in 1988, and his wife Lo Thi Vui, born in 1990, from Pa Lan Village, Muong Lan Commune, Dien Bien Province, expressed their gratitude after receiving a newly built house funded by readers of Dantri/Dtinews.
For years, the family's life was overshadowed by poverty and illness. Vui suffers from severe schizophrenia, while the couple's two young children grew up amid difficult living conditions. Their old stilt house on a mountainside eventually collapsed following heavy rain and landslides.
Lo Thi Vui in the family's former temporary shelter (Photo: Tung Duong).
After losing their home, the family was forced to stay in a makeshift corrugated-metal shelter provided by relatives, with the burden of supporting the household falling entirely on Huong.
Following the birth of their children, Vui developed mental illness and frequently experienced episodes during which she wandered away from home, laughed or spoke involuntarily, and damaged household belongings.
During severe episodes, she sometimes gathered clothing and set it on fire, frightening the couple's children, who often sought refuge at their grandfather's house.
"Once, while I was cooking, my wife suddenly threw pots and pans aside, smashed dishes and dragged household items outside to burn them. When I tried to stop her, she screamed and pushed me away," Huong previously recalled.
The family's financial situation was equally difficult. Their temporary shelter measured less than 27 square metres and lacked windows and a toilet. During hot weather, the ageing metal roof turned the structure into an unbearable living space.
Inside, the family's most valuable possessions consisted of an old bed, a worn dining table and a few basic household items. The children grew up amid constant uncertainty caused by their mother's condition.
"The money I earned from casual labour, carrying sand and construction work was only enough to buy food. Most of the cost of my wife's treatment came from borrowed money. I could not take jobs far from home because I worried about what might happen if she became ill while I was away," Huong said.
Inside the corrugated iron shelter where Vui's family once stayed (Photo: Tung Duong).
After Dantri published an article about the family's circumstances, readers across Vietnam donated VND 91.75 million (approximately USD 3,530). Together with direct contributions from benefactors, the family received more than VND 110 million (approximately USD 4,230).
With the support, along with assistance from relatives, local authorities and villagers, the family was able to build a permanent new home.
The sturdy compassionate house was built with support from Dantri readers, helping Huong and Vui stabilise their lives (Photo: Tung Duong).
Sitting inside the completed house, Huong said the donations had enabled him not only to build a stable home but also to continue medical treatment for his wife.
"Thanks to Dantri and kind-hearted donors who contributed more than VND 110 million, I have been able to take my wife for treatment, buy her medication regularly and build a solid house where my children can study without worry. Our family now has a stable place to live and develop our livelihood. I am deeply grateful to everyone who helped us," he said.
The family's greatest source of happiness now is Vui's improving health.
"Since moving into the new house, my wife has become happier and calmer. She sings more often and experiences fewer episodes than before. She is able to help care for the family, which allows me to work with greater peace of mind," Huong said.
Lo Thi Vui has gradually recovered after treatment, regular medication and life in the new house (Photo: Tung Duong).
He currently works as a construction labourer in a neighbouring commune, earning around VND 12 million (approximately USD 460) per month, enough to support his children's education and gradually improve the family's living conditions.
Local representatives lead the Dantri delegation to visit Huong's family (Photo: Tung Duong).
Vuong Dinh Hoang, chairman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Muong Lan Commune, said local authorities were pleased to see the family's situation improving.
"Today, Huong's family has stable housing, Vui is receiving regular treatment and her health is improving. The children also have better conditions for their education. This is something the local authorities are very happy to see," Hoang said.