Resilience Amidst Hardship: Building a Bamboo Business from Scratch

Ms. Nu and her family of five live in a rural, impoverished area in Quan Son, Vietnam.

The family had faced various hardships as they could only rely on the couple’s minimal income from working as labourers and the occasional sale of pigs. The family’s financial challenges were further exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic.

It was a challenge for Ms Nu’s children to attend school regularly and it was difficult to provide adequate learning materials for their schooling.

In the midst of their struggles however, Ms. Nu remained resilient and recognised an opportunity for growth. She had a dream and a plan to start a bamboo business.

Ms. Nu applied for a 15 million VND loan (approx. SGD 732) from the microfinance unit. She used 10 million VND to purchase fertilisers and the remaining 5 million VND to hire labourers. This microloan was the exact stepping stone she needed to unlocking her family’s potential and improving their lives.

“The loan may not be large, but it has helped my family improve so much. With this extra income, I can afford my children’s education and keep them fully equipped for school,” shared Ms. Nu. “I am also grateful to the VisionFund staff, they are always very supportive.”

Her first harvest generated an income of 39 million VND (approx SGD 1,902). Recognising the benefits of her investment, Ms. Nu is now in her fourth loan cycle and is expanding her business.

The stable income has significantly improved her family’s financial status and allowed her children to attend school regularly, as well as have the school supplies they need. She was even able to make critical repairs to their house and improve the family’s home living environment.

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