“I want to build on what my family is doing now. I want to improve our livelihood.”

Lee did not graduate from secondary school, but she comes from a poor family who don’t have the means to pay for her higher education. So, when the VTESS project came to advertise in her village, she did not hesitate to join, as she wanted an opportunity to study, help her family, and improve their livelihoods.  

Out of 22 students in her class, she was only 1 of 3 females. While there are more men study this field than women. Although she felt everyone in the class provided support to one another, she said that the male students wanted to show their support to the female students and helped them when they had trouble understanding the lessons. The project also provided the students with the necessary equipment and supplies so trainees could focus on their studies.

After finishing this course, Lee feels she has gained a better understanding of livestock economy, and that her overall knowledge and skills have improved. She now plans to help improve the family farm and turn it into a profitable business.