Spreading love from a small sewing workshop

The support of Ms. Do Minh Kien (left) has created livelihoods, supported women in economic development and stabilized their lives.

Since childhood, Ms. Do Minh Kien showed her talent and love for sewing. After learning the trade, she boldly saved up her capital and opened a small tailor shop in her hometown, both to nurture her passion and to earn extra income.

But after getting married, her life became more and more difficult, and she had to leave home to work as a factory worker. Those days made her realize the hardships of a woman whose children lacked a mother and whose family lacked someone to take care of them. Finally, Kien decided to return to her hometown and take on sewing jobs at home.

The opportunity to volunteer started at that turning point. Seeing Ms. Kien's stable business, many women in the area came to ask to learn the trade. Understanding the difficulties of women, having to worry about food and clothing while taking care of their families, Ms. Kien had the idea to expand the scale to create more job opportunities.

In 2014, she boldly bought more machines to teach free jobs, and proactively sought out sources of goods to ensure income for her sisters.

At first, only a few women came. However, Ms. Kien's reputation, dedication and heart spread very quickly. The number of students increased day by day, exceeding the capacity of the small sewing workshop. Not wanting anyone to miss the opportunity, she lent the sewing machine to the women to work at home and created conditions for the elderly, women with small children or the disabled, those who had difficulty moving around or working in the factory.

Not only does Ms. Kien teach free jobs, she also meticulously classifies products to suit each person’s health. The elderly or disabled sew bio-mesh bags – a simple, easy job that still ensures income. She shared: “Having had to choose between work and family, I always want to help women, especially the disadvantaged, so that they can have stable jobs that suit their health and circumstances.”

From Ms. Kien's sewing workshop, many women are trained professionally and are recruited by businesses with preferential salaries.

Currently, her garment factory is creating regular jobs for more than 20 workers, with an income of 3-8 million VND/person/month. For women with disabilities or those who are past working age, the income is still guaranteed at 3-4 million VND/month, becoming a source of motivation for them to be more confident in life.

What is special is that, despite having better opportunities, Ms. Kien still maintains a small sewing workshop, suitable for disadvantaged people. Not only does she help local women, she also participates in teaching many prisoners at Hoang Tien Prison. For her, giving them a job is also giving them a chance to rebuild their lives. “When they return to normal life, having a job in hand will make it easier for them to make a living and avoid reoffending. I believe everyone deserves a new opportunity,” she shared.

Ms. Kien’s example is a testament to the power of kindness and silent sharing. Although she is an ordinary woman, she has become a support for many other women. Her volunteer journey not only contributes to the development of the community economy, but also spreads positive energy, arousing the spirit of mutual love in society.

Every year, on holidays and Tet, she gives gifts to many people in difficult circumstances. Last July, Ms. Kien gave 22 gifts (each worth 300,000 VND) to women in difficult circumstances and orphans in the ward.

Ms. Tran Thi Huong, President of the Women's Union of Nguyen Dai Nang Ward, said: "Ms. Kien is a skilled woman with a kind heart. Her sewing workshop model has become a support for many disadvantaged women in the locality. Ms. Kien's persistent contributions have created livelihoods, supported women in economic development and stabilized their lives. Despite her busy work, she actively participates in movements deployed and launched by the union. Ms. Kien is a typical example of determination, kindness and responsibility to the community."

Ms. Kien was awarded a certificate of merit by the People's Committee of Hai Duong province (formerly) for her outstanding achievements in organizing and implementing patriotic emulation movements in the province in the period of 2020 - 2025. In addition, she was also recognized by the Women's Union of Hai Duong province as an example of a good woman in production and business, a typical female entrepreneur in 2024...

Ms. Do Minh Kien's example is a testament to kindness and silent sharing. Her journey is not only a story about sewing, but also a story about humanity, helping each other overcome difficulties and rise up in life.

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