Discover the testimony of Trang, a resident at the Yali boarding school in Vietnam.

My name is Trang, I am 11 years old, and I am in sixth grade at Yali School. I come from the village of Mong Yo, where I grew up with my parents and my two brothers and sisters. Our house is not very far from the school, but the journey to get there is long and difficult. My parents are farmers, and life is sometimes hard. They work in the fields all year so that we can have enough to eat, but it is not always enough. When the harvests are poor, my parents take on small additional jobs to earn some money: they help on construction sites or take day jobs, such as driving motorcycle taxis. This helps us get through the most difficult periods.

During the rainy season, it is very cold in the Central Highlands. I do not have many suitable clothes and my sandals are worn out, but I have always made the effort to make the journey so that I could continue going to school.

My parents care deeply about us going to school, even when it is difficult. Until last year, I lived with them every day, but since the start of this school year, I have joined the Yali boarding school. Here, I can study in better conditions and I no longer have to make the difficult journey every day. I do my very best to work hard at school because I love learning. Every time I do a math exercise or write a lesson, I do it carefully, trying to present my work neatly. I know that education is important. It is what can help me, later on, to support my family.

That is why I try to keep smiling and share good moments with my classmates at the boarding school. I also never forget my family, and when we receive sweets, I always keep them to give to my brother and sister when I go back home.

This year, I was very proud to receive the title of best student of the semester. I was even chosen to take part in the competition for top students. My dream is to become a teacher. When I draw, I often depict a teacher, a classroom, and my school, because that is what I would like to do in the future. Even though life is still difficult today, I am determined to move forward and work hard to achieve my dreams. I know that with effort and perseverance, I will succeed.