Biking Brings Benefits
Story by: Tran Thai Hiep, Nguyen Tuong Van, Nguyen Hoang Thu, Vong The Vinh, Nguyen Nhan Vien
Written by: Tran My Hang, Communications
Ten years ago, Mr Minh began working as a ‘xe om’ driver, providing a motorbike taxi service around the streets of Ho Chi Minh City. At that time, motorcycles had become relatively cheap and Mr Minh was able to buy one to start a small business and earn just about enough to support his family of three.
As time went on, though, Mr Minh’s motorbike increasingly developed problems, causing him to lose income and spend money on repairs. He dreamed of being able to afford a new one.
“My bike often didn’t work properly and even when it did, many people refused to get on the back because it looked so old and unsafe,” explained Mr Minh. His dream seemed further away than ever.
As the family’s income fell, Mr Minh’s 14-year-old son, Hung, faced the prospect of having to drop out of education if his father could no longer pay his school fees. However, there was light at the end of the tunnel.
The staff of World Vision’s Urban Area Development Programme in Ho Chi Minh City identified the family as suffering financial hardship and offered to pay half the cost of a new motorbike for Mr Minh.
Rather than simply giving him the money, however, World Vision representatives accompanied Mr Minh to the motorbike shop to witness the purchase. They also convinced him to get a driving licence and buy motorcycle insurance.
“Over the last ten years, I often dreamed about buying a new bike, but I never thought it would be possible,” said Mr Minh.
The new motorcycle is much more reliable and Mr Minh is able to pick up more passengers, meaning his daily income has increased from US$5 to double that amount.
Mr Minh wakes up at 3 o’clock every morning and takes his wife on the motorbike to a market to sell fruit. After that, he stands at his familiar position nearby, waiting for customers.
“When they see my new motorbike, many people choose to travel with me immediately,” Mr Minh said with a smile.
Hung is equally happy with the change in their circumstances. “I can continue to go to school and my dad even bought me a new laptop,” he said. “Our meals are better too,” he added.
Mr Minh is just one of many poor people living in Ho Chi Minh City who have benefited through World Vision’s livelihood support programme, which helps poor families to draw up small business plans that suit their abilities and local demands.
In District 5 of the city alone, hundreds of disadvantaged people have raised their incomes and improved their living conditions through these interventions.