The Tran family, faced unimaginable hardships surviving as farmers with insufficient resources in their home country of Vietnam. Forced to flee their home near the Mekong River Delta due to dire living conditions, the family sought refuge in Cambodia in 1991 with their two children, who now work in Phnom Penh.

Although life has improved in Cambodia, it remains challenging for the entire refugee family. The grandchildren moved in with their grandparents two years ago and now live on a boat, navigating the daily struggles of life on water. Despite these difficulties, the family finds solace in their faith, attending a local Catholic Church, and in the support from our project partner Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) Cambodia.

In 2010, their application for refugee status was approved, marking the beginning of much-needed assistance. JRS has since provided them with essential supplies such as rice, oil, and other basic needs.

“When our house boat needed a new container to stay afloat, JRS stepped in to build a new house boat for us. We are so grateful for their help,” says Dung, the grandfather of the family.

“We breed fish, selling our catch and homemade fish sauce at the local market to earn a modest income. Support like this really makes a difference in our lives, especially for my grandchildren.”

Education remains a shining light for the grandchildren, who lost their mother when they were young.

Although they stopped attending the local school due to not receiving a quality education, they now attend an extra-tuition Khmer class, hoping to achieve a level of education that will open doors of opportunity to bring their family out of poverty.

The Tran family’s resilience is a testament to the human spirit.

With your generosity, our project partner JRS Cambodia continues to accompany, serve, and advocate for forcibly displaced people, ensuring they live in dignity, feel included, and have their rights upheld. In 2023 alone, JRS supported over 6,800 refugees, migrants, and stateless individuals, providing shelter, meals, counselling, and more.

Thanks to your support of these refugees:

Your contributions have made a profound difference. Every act of kindness brings hope to families in need. Thank you for standing with us in this mission to uplift our sisters and brothers living on the margins.