A Highland Woman’s Journey to Sustainable Poverty Alleviation with TYM

In remote mountainous areas, especially ethnic minority communities where economic conditions remain difficult and development opportunities for women are limited, TYM has been a vital bridge connecting women with knowledge, capital, and the confidence to transform their lives. The story of Ms. Lang Thi Nhan, an ethnic Thanh (Thai) woman living in Cam Hoa hamlet, Cam Son commune, Anh Son district, is a shining example of this journey.

Before knowing about TYM, Ms. Nhan’s family was among the most disadvantaged. Her husband, a Level 1 war invalid, had lost his working capacity entirely, so for many years, the family’s livelihood depended solely on her. Her daughter, a single mother of two young children, also lives with them. All household expenses were reliant on the income generated from just one hectare of tea, corn, rice, and some livestock. Despite her diligence, Ms. Nhan constantly struggled due to a lack of capital for investment.

A turning point came in 2020 when she gained access to a loan from TYM. The small loan of 20 million VND was flexibly designed to match her real-life conditions—something she had wished for years. With this capital, she improved the land, expanded her tea plantation, and invested in seedlings and fertilizers, gradually restoring production. By effectively using her first loan, her production model stabilized, and income steadily improved. TYM continued to support her with subsequent loan cycles. Each loan was a step forward, empowering her to expand both farming and livestock raising.

In her second loan cycle, she borrowed 30 million VND. She invested in small machinery for harvesting and upgraded her tea care systems, leading to increased productivity and improved product quality.

By 2024, building on this success, she boldly applied for the highest loan level she had ever received—50 million VND. The profits from tea cultivation boosted her confidence to expand the plantation to 4 hectares, combined with raising buffaloes, pigs, chickens, and planting acacia trees. She developed a stable farming model that followed safe production practices and aimed to access better markets. This transformation not only helped her family become self-sufficient but also allowed her to better care for her grandchildren.

Beyond borrowing, Ms. Nhan also regularly contributes to TYM’s savings program. For her, this is a way to build personal financial management habits and prepare for emergencies—a particularly valuable practice for ethnic minority women like her who had never been familiar with saving or formal financial services. Though modest, her consistent savings have laid a solid financial foundation, empowering other Thanh women to do the same.

Ms. Lang Thi Nhan is not only committed to developing her household economy but is also an active participant in TYM’s community activities. She frequently contributes to social welfare programs and is a leading figure in cultural and sports events organized by TYM.

She once competed in a tug-of-war tournament and led her team to win first prize in a sports event celebrating Vietnamese Women’s Day on October 20, co-hosted by TYM and the Cam Son Women’s Union, bringing joy to the entire community. A music enthusiast, she is considered the “cultural spark” of her hamlet, spreading positive energy and fostering unity among local women.

In this mountainous district of Anh Son, TYM is more than just a credit provider—it opens doors to knowledge, confidence, and connection. Every loan disbursed is tailored with empathy and designed to fit the borrower’s circumstances, helping them unlock their potential.

TYM teaches women to save, plan, share, and most importantly, to believe they can take control of their lives. Ms. Lang Thi Nhan’s story is not unique, but a representative example of thousands of highland women who are changing day by day, season by season, and gradually building a brighter future thanks to TYM.

Ms. Nhan shared: “TYM not only gave me a chance to change my life through capital, but also helped me feel useful, joyful, and part of a community where I can share and learn. I feel healthier and that my life has more meaning.”