A single mother in Bac Lieu Province is calling for financial help to support her two small children as she is struggles with illnesses.

 Ngoc's family

Tran My Ngoc and her children live in a dilapidated house in Chau Hung Town, Vinh Loi District. Ngoc said her husband left over a year ago, leaving her to bear the burden alone. Sometimes she has to ride her bicycle dozens of kilometres to work after midnight. That's when she is lucky, as some days she in unable to find work at all.

Over the years all her work has left her with a bad back. She also has rhinitis. "How can I find money for treatment when I'm struggling to even put food on the table? Sometimes, it feels like I would not be able to even stand up were it not for my children," she said.

Even when there is no food left, she does not dare to borrow money because she would not be able to pay it back. "One night we only had money for one pack of instant noodles. That night, the three of us ate and cried together."

 Ngoc's dilapidated house

Their house resembles a tent, with holes in the roof. The last time a storm hit, they ran out for fear the house would collapse. Ngoc said, "I just want to be healthy so I can work for my children."

Le Thanh Nop, a representative of Xeo Chich Village Party Cell, said, "The village is also dealing with economic issues so we are unable to help them much. We hope kind people will help the family overcome their challenges so the children can remain in school."