The idea to found Lua Non was inspired by the transformative role that education played in my family’s history.

 

Both my parents grew up in poor families in post-war Vietnam. My father used to walk barefoot 15 miles a day to attend school. At night he studied under the faint light of a kerosene lamp since during the day he had to help my grandparents in the rice fields. My mother looked after her younger siblings and helped my grandmother sell chicken at the market on top of attending school. This was and still is a reality for many Vietnamese children.

 

Later my parents were selected among the few students in their hometowns to attend college in Russia on a full scholarship. They seized the opportunity and were able to run their own business, raise their children with access to high-quality education, and support their families in Vietnam.

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My family is incredibly grateful for the opportunities we were given and are cognizant that not many are as lucky as ourselves. With Lua Non foundation, we wanted to give back to the communities that nourished our family by taking care of young people in rural Vietnam. We are here to support Vietnamese youth to fulfill their dreams and lead healthy, happy lives using the resources and connections we are so privileged to have.