HOF102: Le Tuyet

Leaving Vietnam in 1980 on a boat with 24 passengers,17-year-old Le Tuyet, her sister and their niece narrowly escaped capture in their first encounter with Thai fishermen. They were saved by a second Thai fishing boat that crossed their paths. This latter group helped direct the refugees to the shores of a Thai island. They gave them instructions on how to seek help at the closest police station without being turned away.

Sponsored by the Canadian government to St. John’s, Le found it difficult at first to find work or get support to further her schooling. She was allowed to register for the Adult Education Program to complete a high school diploma by making a vigorous case to her government settlement worker. She explained that although others before her had failed, she was determined to graduate and deserved a chance to get an education.