For many poor parents in Vietnam, preparing their children for a new school year means they have to work harder to afford clothing and learning materials.

Nguyen Van Cuc and his wife, Hong Cam, are an example.

The couple left the southern province of Dong Thap for Ho Chi Minh City and they have stayed in the city during the last 12 years.

The two repair electric devices to earn a living and live with their two daughters, 9 and 10 years old, in a house they rent at VND1 million (S$45) a month in Nha Be District.

Since they do not have their family’s permanent residency registered in Ho Chi Minh City, the two girls have to study at a charity school in District 7.

As the new academic year of 2015-16 already began early this month, the couple have had to work harder to buy things like clothes and books for their children to go to school.

“No matter how hard our circumstances are, we must try to buy them new clothes and notebooks for the new school year,” Cuc said.

The two girls have not let their parents down by studying hard despite their underprivileged conditions.

On weekends, the girls provide help for their parents in earning a livelihood.

Below is a series of photos depicting Cuc’s family:

Cuc and his wife are seen repairing electric fans to make a living for their family. Photo: Tuoi Tre

The happiness of the girls when their parents buy them new clothes. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Study time. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Hong Van and her sister, Hong Trinh, are pictured studying on a tricycle which their parents ride from place to place to buy old fans. Photo: Tuoi Tre

The girls lie on the only bed in their rented house to study. Photo: Tuoi Tre

The joyful mother-daughters moment. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Hong Cam ties her daughter’s hair. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!