A Bloom in Everyday Life

In the journey of life, every meeting seems destined. One such encounter for me was with Ms. Pham Thi Huong, a resilient and inspiring figure—Chair of the Women’s Union and Head of Center 69 in Dong Tao Nam Hamlet, Hung Yen Province. She is a shining example of a woman who has utilized TYM loans to excel economically and rise out of poverty.

It has been 14 years since TYM began operations in Dong Tao Commune. In 2010, I was tasked with organizing a meeting in Dong Tao Nam to assess local women’s demand for loans. As a novice staff member, I was nervous, unsure of how the event would unfold. However, my worries dissipated the moment I arrived at the hamlet’s cultural center. I was warmly greeted by a radiant smile and a firm handshake from Ms. Huong. Introducing herself as the local Women’s Union leader, she exuded warmth and sincerity.

“I’m so happy to see you,” she said. “When I heard TYM staff were visiting, I knew this would be a great opportunity for women here to access loans to improve their lives. I also need a loan to expand my livestock farming.” Her genuine enthusiasm melted away my apprehensions, and with her support, the meeting was a success, with many women stepping forward to register for loans.

Ms. Huong’s unwavering belief in TYM’s mission and her efforts to connect women in need with our services were crucial to that day’s accomplishments. She guided me through the hamlet, introducing me to potential borrowers, sharing their stories, and helping to assess their needs for suitable loan amounts.

As night fell, we arrived at Ms. Huong’s modest home to review her loan application. The small, bare-bones house reflected her family’s struggles. She spoke candidly about their hardships—her husband’s low-wage job as a security guard, her small-scale livestock farming, and her freelance work to make ends meet. She showed me around her simple garden and livestock pen, explaining her goal of purchasing breeding pigs with the 7 million VND loan she applied for.
Over the years, Ms. Huong has accessed successive loans, with the amount growing to 75 million VND, enabling her to expand her farming and improve her facilities. The modest house I first visited has been replaced with a spacious two-story home. Her garden is lush, her livestock pens modernized, and her household is thriving. Witnessing her transformation fills me with joy and pride. Ms. Huong stands out among the many women I have supported as one of the most successful borrowers.

Beyond her entrepreneurial achievements, Ms. Huong is a dedicated leader. As a TYM center head, she has tirelessly mobilized new clients, implemented center activities, and organized meaningful events for women. Her approach balances discipline with compassion, fostering a sense of responsibility among borrowers while creating an environment of mutual support. Outside of work, she lends a helping hand to those in need and shares her knowledge to inspire others. Her actions embody the philosophy that “to live is to give, and giving is eternal.”
Now, every time we meet, it feels like reuniting with family. Together, we visit clients, walking along the familiar dyke roads of the hamlet, reminiscing about the early days of our partnership. “Do you know what impressed me the most about you when we first met?” Ms. Huong once asked. “It was your cheerful demeanor and constant smile.” Her words warmed my heart.
At TYM, we believe that the greatest gift we can offer is our care and commitment to our clients. By providing the financial support women need to overcome poverty, we hope to leave a lasting, positive impact on their lives—and on society as a whole.