From surviving on saltwater in Vietnam to starting an education nonprofit: Hoang’s story of hope 

With no other biological family members to care for him, neighbors brought him into their home. But they—like 3.6 million other people in Vietnam—were living in extreme poverty. Unable to afford milk to nourish Hoang, the couple fed him drops of saltwater in a desperate attempt to keep him alive. 

Hoang’s story might have ended there—another heartbreaking victim of childhood hunger. But compassionate supporters like you saw a child that needed their help, and took action—before it was too late.  

Finding hope at SOS Children’s Villages 

Thanks to generous donors, SOS connected with the neighbors and welcomed Hoang into an SOS Children’s Village in Vietnam, where he would experience what every child deserves: a safe, loving family and everything he needed to thrive—like nutritious food, professional health care and a quality education. 

Hoang enjoyed a happy, healthy childhood filled with love, a sense of belonging and—his greatest passion—learning.  

“I’m thankful for all the love and support SOS has given me,” Hoang said. “I had teachers who gave me more than lessons. They gave me belief in myself, resilience and a vision beyond survival. They showed me that education nourishes and empowers.” 

From student to teacher: Giving back through education 

Hoang thrived in the classroom, working tirelessly to build a brighter future. But even as he pursued higher education at the Ho Chi Minh City University of Education, he continued to reflect on his humble beginnings.  

“Saltwater served as a temporary solution to sustain my life, but it couldn’t nourish me to grow strong,” Hoang said. “To me, it mirrors the deep inequality in education—where some children have access to a pool of knowledge while others only have saltwater.” 

Motivated to remove educational barriers for children and equip them with the knowledge they need to build brighter futures, Hoang returned to the Tây Ninh province—where he was born—in 2017. He became a teacher with Teach for Vietnam, a nonprofit that places educators in public schools to promote quality education for children. 

While teaching, Hoang noticed a heartbreaking trend among his students: many of them were orphaned and growing up alone, without the safety or support of a loving family. And when they turned 18, they would be suddenly thrust into independence with no guidance or safety net to help them navigate housing, finances, education or other major life decisions. 

As someone who lost parental care as an infant, but then had the opportunity to grow up in a safe, loving home where education was championed, Hoang refused to let his students fall through the cracks of society. 

“Education is a fundamental right,” Hoang said. “Not a privilege reserved for the few.” 

Your-E: Building educational bridges across Vietnam and beyond 

Determined to make a difference, Hoang founded Your-E in 2020, an organization dedicated to providing education and equitable opportunities to orphaned children, students in rural communities and young people facing disadvantages. 

Today, Your-E programs serve students across 48 provinces in Vietnam and has expanded to four other countries, creating educational opportunities for thousands of at-risk children and young people.  

In addition to leading Your-E, Hoang is currently pursuing his graduate degree at the University of Pennsylvania. 

“I have never forgotten what it means to be the child who survived on saltwater. When I see students struggling to stay in school, I see echoes of myself—the same quiet resilience, the same fight against forces beyond their control,” Hoang shares. “This is why I envision a future where education nourishes, uplifts and empowers. It is not enough to keep students afloat. We must give them the current to move forward!” 

How you can make a difference 

Hoang’s story highlights a powerful truth: investing in children’s education creates a ripple effect that doesn’t just change a child’s life—it transforms entire communities. 

Right now, millions of children are surviving on the equivalent of educational saltwater with inadequate resources and seemingly insurmountable barriers to their success. 

But your support today can be the life-changing catalyst a child needs to reach their full potential. 

“Every time I received support, it reminded me that kindness travels without a passport,” Hoang said. “Sponsorship wasn’t just money—it was proof that somewhere in the world, a stranger believed I was worth investing in.” 

When you sponsor a child or send a back-to-school gift, you’re not just sending school supplies to a child in need—you’re providing the educational hope and nourishment they need to build a brighter future for themselves, their families and their communities. 

Will you transform a child’s life from merely surviving to being uplifted and empowered today? 

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