Meet Cung Chanh Ni. She is an extraordinary child with a strong spirit and simple dreams for the future. Chanh Ni and her 6 siblings live in a small home constructed of tin and scrap lumber built over a drainage pond. The family live a day-to-day existence, their survival dependant upon the meagre wage of Chanh Ni's father.
Even though she is 8 years old, Chanh Ni has never attended school. Despite this, her enthusiasm and commitment to education through our Academic Bridge Program is truly inspiring. Chanh Ni seems to have been waiting for an opportunity -- a chance at a better future -- and she is not about to waste it.
The backdrop of Chanh Ni's story is not always a pretty one. Her father, the sole wage earner of the family, makes his living by driving an old motorcycle taxi. His daily wage is rarely enough to support his large family, leaving them constantly in debt. Chanh Ni's older sister works in a clothing factory to help pay off family debts. Her mother suffers from alcoholism, which leaches the already tight food budget from the children.
On bad days, when money is scarce, or debts are being called in, Chanh Ni is prevented from attending school in order to help the family earn money for their keep. She wakes early and spends long days collecting tamarind leaves for sale at the local market. From this she earns roughly 40 cents a day, using it to buy food for herself and family.
Even on less stressful days, Chanh Ni has to take care of the housework and cook for her family before she is allowed to attend school. Her struggle to better herself is truly just that -- a constant daily struggle.
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