Phan Dang Khoai

Phan Dang Khoai has lived with his maternal grandparents since birth. His mother developed a mental illness and is now in a psychiatric hospital, while his father never acknowledged him. The grandparents’ small home shelters seven people—his grandfather, an uncle, and four young grandchildren, including Khoai (grade 7), his cousins are at grade 2, 1 and the youngest one is 4 years old.

His grandfather is elderly and unable to work, staying home to care for the children. The grandmother works as a babysitter in Ho Chi Minh City and sends about 100€ each month to support the family. Life is extremely hard, but Khoai remains strong, and determined to continue his studies despite the family’s poverty.