Rising from humble beginnings and acts of kindness.

BAC NINH - Through appropriate financial and non-financial services, the Tinh Thuong Microfinance Limited Liability Company (TYM) not only provides women in Bac Ninh province with additional capital for production and business but also contributes to improving their knowledge and skills, and fostering their self-reliance and self-improvement.

Helping disadvantaged women gain confidence.

One of the clearest examples of the effectiveness of TYM's financial policies is the story of Ms. Nguyen Thi Duc Hanh (born in 1979), a TYM customer in cluster 46, area 1, Vu Ninh ward, who overcame adversity to achieve success. As a disabled, single woman, Ms. Hanh's life was once fraught with difficulties. Orphaned at a young age, at 20 she contracted arthritis which led to paralysis of both legs. Her desperate situation caused her frequent depression. Her family and relatives helped her open a small grocery store.

In 2014, a turning point came when she was introduced to TYM and received her first loan of 10 million VND – a small but meaningful amount that helped her supplement her capital to import more goods. From those initial loan rounds, regularly receiving 10, then 15, and 30 million VND over the years, Ms. Hanh gradually expanded her business, added many new products, and renovated her store. Her income improved significantly, allowing her to purchase essential household items for personal use and making her business more convenient.

Leaders and staff of TYM Bac Ninh Branch visited the grocery store of Ms. Nguyen Thi Duc Hanh.

Nguyen Thi Lanh (from Hap Linh ward), also facing difficult circumstances, always felt inferior due to her disability and mobility issues. However, her life changed significantly after accessing policy-based loans from TYM in 2022. In just over two years, with three loan cycles totaling 65 million VND, Ms. Lanh invested in industrial sewing machines, overlock machines, and fabric materials to take on sewing orders at home. Thanks to her diligence, skillful hands, and proactive learning, she earns a stable income of approximately 8 million VND per month. Not only is she financially secure, but she also regularly saves money through her TYM savings account. Ms. Lanh shared: “Before, I didn’t think I could support myself. Thanks to TYM, I can confidently borrow and repay regularly without too much pressure. The most valuable thing is that I no longer feel helpless like before; instead, I feel useful and can take control of my life. TYM has helped me live more confidently every day.”

Besides supporting its members in economic development, TYM also pays special attention to social welfare, sharing the difficulties with women in disadvantaged circumstances. One of its most humane activities is supporting the construction of "Houses of Love." Ms. Dang Thi Nu, from Vinh Thinh village (Lang Giang commune), is a typical example. As a single mother, she has to care for her elderly, ailing mother and two young children, placing all the economic burden on her shoulders. For many years, her family lived in an old, dilapidated house of over 30m². Understanding her situation, in 2025, TYM Bac Giang Branch coordinated with the local government to survey and provide funding for the construction of a sturdy "House of Love." Construction began in March 2025. After more than two months of construction, with the support of the local government, associations, and the generosity of relatives and neighbors, the house, with an area of ​​approximately 80 m² ^, was completed at a total cost of 400 million VND. Of this amount, TYM Bac Giang Branch contributed 60 million VND.

Spreading humanitarian values

From the meaningful, everyday stories of Ms. Hanh, Ms. Lanh, and Ms. Nu, one can see the value that TYM brings to women in Bac Ninh. Whether they are disadvantaged, disabled, or members facing economic difficulties, they find in TYM a solid support system to overcome their circumstances. Alongside credit, TYM also implements many practical non-financial policies such as training in financial management and business skills, helping women, even those from low-income backgrounds, to proactively manage their businesses; programs to support the construction and repair of houses for poor women's families; scholarships for the children of poor, studious customers; timely visits when customers face misfortune or illness; and many other charitable programs.

In Bac Ninh province, TYM has branches in Bac Giang and Bac Ninh. TYM operates in 47 out of 99 communes and wards across the province, serving 16,912 customers; a penetration rate of 47.5%. Outstanding loan balance is 213 billion VND. Outstanding savings balance is 137 billion VND.

For poor, single, disabled, seriously ill, or exceptionally disadvantaged women, TYM implements separate policy-based capital programs. These policies not only help vulnerable women overcome immediate difficulties but, more importantly, boost their confidence and motivate them to gradually improve their lives, take control, and escape poverty sustainably.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Kim Uyen, Director of TYM Bac Ninh Branch, stated: “From its inception, TYM has defined its mission as accompanying and supporting low-income individuals and families, especially prioritizing poor, vulnerable, and disadvantaged women in accessing financial services in a safe, sustainable, and humane manner. In addition, many non-financial support programs have been implemented simultaneously to enhance capacity, equip financial management knowledge, help customers use capital effectively, and improve their lives.”

Text and photos: Thu Huyen

Source: https://baobacninhtv.vn/vuon-len-tu-dong-von-nghia-tinh-postid421936.bbg