The challenge

Excluded from the gains of Vietnam’s economic growth and development over the past two decades, countless families in poor rural regions of the Mekong Delta in Vietnam struggle daily to eke out a living through agriculture. Poverty and gender discrimination militate against girls’ education in these marginalized communities: although schooling is, in theory, free of charge, poor families are often unable to afford the associated costs (such as school uniforms, transport, and school supplies) of sending their daughters to school; moreover, parents frequently rely on their daughters to stay home and take care of domestic chores, care for siblings and/or help with farm work.

A lack of education not only severely limits the life prospects of girls and young women from poor communities, but also exposes them to poverty-related dangers. Lacking qualifications or skills, adolescent girls migrate to cities in search of work opportunities. Far from home, and often lacking life skills, knowledge of the laws and their rights, these girls and young women are vulnerable to prostitution, gender-based violence, and human trafficking—dangers that are prevalent in the Delta Mekong region.

The solutions we’re proposing

You can launch a virtuous spiral out of poverty and help to protect girls and young women in the Delta Mekong region by offering them the life-transforming opportunity of a college education or vocational training. W4’s field program runs an education scholarship program for underprivileged girls from poor communities in the Delta Mekong region, ensuring that capable young women can continue their education.

The impact of giving

By helping to fund college education or vocational training for a young woman, you give her the chance to acquire qualifications, skills and self-confidence, which enable her to create a positive, safe future for herself. Your gift of education will transform not only her life, but also the lives of others as she reinvests her skills and knowledge in the future of her community.