On the afternoon of November 17, at Van Thanh tourist area, Binh Thanh district (HCMC), 231 new students from the Southeast region and many other provinces gathered in the scholarship awarding program "Tiep suc den truong" organized by Tuoi Tre newspaper and Ho Chi Minh City Youth Union.
Including 128 new students from 7 provinces and cities in the Southeast region and 103 scholarships for new students who are considered for scholarships in other provinces and cities studying in Ho Chi Minh City but do not have the opportunity to attend the program in their hometown.
Grandma asked the lottery agent to take half a day off from selling lottery tickets to watch her grandchild receive a scholarship.
Nguyen Thi My Hang, a new student at the Ho Chi Minh City University of Transport, received her scholarship from the program with her grandmother. Ms. No said she had to take a day off from selling lottery tickets to bring her granddaughter – Photo: DUYEN PHAN
Traveling from Thu Dau Mot City ( Binh Duong province ) to the scholarship award ceremony early, Nguyen Thi My Hang and her grandmother looked brighter after days of anxiously waiting for the opportunity to receive the scholarship. For nearly 10 years, since her father passed away and her mother became ill and unable to work, Hang has grown up thanks to her grandmother's tireless efforts selling lottery tickets under the sun and rain.
Mrs. Nguyen Thi No (67 years old, Hang's grandmother) rides her bike every day trying to sell 150 lottery tickets to earn 150,000 VND to support her daughter and grandchild. With that amount of money, the whole family of three can barely feed themselves, not to mention the money for the grandchild to go to school.
Upon hearing the news that her granddaughter had become a freshman in the Law and Maritime Policy program at the Ho Chi Minh City University of Transport, Mrs. Nở felt a mixture of joy and worry. She was happy that her granddaughter was doing well in her studies, but worried about where the money would come from to support her further education.
Sharing her feelings with us upon learning that Hang had received a scholarship from Tuoi Tre newspaper, Mrs. No was moved because her granddaughter had finally had the opportunity to attend university.
“I’m so happy. Thank you so much for the scholarship from your newspaper, it has helped my grandchild pay tuition fees, because I couldn’t possibly afford it myself,” said Mrs. Nở. She recounted that on the afternoon of November 17th, she asked the lottery ticket agency for a half-day off to take her grandchild to Ho Chi Minh City to receive the scholarship.
My Hang also expressed her happiness and gratitude to the benefactors who awarded her the scholarship: "After graduation, I will work and earn money to repay my grandmother and those who helped me," she confided.
New students and their families attend the scholarship awarding ceremony for the "Supporting Students to School" program on November 17th – Photo by: HAI TRIEU – CHI KIEN – NHA CHAN – MAI HUYEN
New student receives advance scholarship due to extreme financial difficulties: "If Tuổi Trẻ (Youth) magazine hadn't helped, I would have had to drop out of school."
Driving alone the long distance from Binh Chanh district (Ho Chi Minh City) to receive his scholarship, Pham Quach Bao Loc, a new student at the School of Labor and Social Affairs, said he wasn't tired, and was even very happy. - Photo: TU TRUNG
Pham Quach Bao Loc, a new student at the University of Labor and Social Affairs (Ho Chi Minh City campus), spent over an hour driving from his home in Binh Chanh district to the scholarship awarding ceremony. Despite the long distance, Loc said he wasn't tired and was even very happy.
Loc is an orphan, his mother is Quach Ngoc Thu, now 62 years old. The mother and son depend on each other in a damp house, hidden in an alley of Vinh Loc B commune, Binh Chanh district, Ho Chi Minh City. The highlight of the house, which is made up of old wooden panels, is a series of certificates of merit, certificates of merit, and certificates bearing the name Pham Quach Bao Loc for his achievements in academic competitions.
At the end of August, Tuoi Tre newspaper decided to advance the scholarship (15 million VND) so that Loc could complete the enrollment procedures in time.
"Because I was awarded the scholarship in advance, I felt compelled to attend today's ceremony. I wanted to meet and thank the benefactors and the organizers for their timely assistance. Even though I've tried everything and worked as much as I could, if I hadn't been awarded the scholarship in advance, I probably would have had to drop out of school," Loc said emotionally.
The initial support boosted Loc's confidence. Loc said he has stopped doing strenuous, late-night jobs (carrying rice, selling goods, baking, etc.) as before. Instead, he has applied for tutoring jobs because it's more convenient for him.
Having worked so many part-time jobs since starting university, I heard about a scholarship and wondered if someone was scamming me.
Nguyen Duong Quat Tuan, a new student at the University of Information Technology, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City, happily called his mother before receiving his scholarship. Tuan's mother works as a factory worker in Quang Ngai. She struggles to support her two sons' education – Photo: DUYEN PHAN
Nguyen Duong Quat Tuan – a freshman at the University of Information Technology, Ho Chi Minh City National University – took the bus at noon from Thu Duc City to Binh Thanh District, where the scholarship awarding ceremony took place, arriving very early. Tuan stood on the side of the auditorium, sweating profusely after having to walk a long distance.
Even seeing his name on the scholarship list this time, Tuan said he was still very surprised and couldn't believe it. "I was told over the phone that I had been accepted and would receive the scholarship on November 17th, which was a huge surprise. I thought I was being scammed. For me and my mother, this scholarship is incredibly valuable; it will help us do so much," Tuan said.
Tuan said he has no father, and his mother works as a garment factory worker in Quang Ngai. Her meager factory wages are the sole source of income for the three of them (Tuan also has a younger sister in 8th grade). Growing up in hardship, Tuan matured very early.
Tuan's first trip to Ho Chi Minh City was to enroll in university, and he came alone. Knowing he would need to work part-time, he proactively rented a room. Sharing a room with four other students, cooking his own meals or eating free lunch at school helped Tuan save as much money as possible.
"I just got a part-time job editing videos for a company and I'm getting paid about 2 million VND a month. I save that money for rent and food, so it's hard to have any left over, but if possible, I'll set aside some extra money for tuition," Tuan said.
Dr. Tang Ha Nam Anh (Viet Orthopedic Clinic) – sponsor: Tuition fees are getting increasingly high, which saddens me, because poor students might drop out.
Dr. Tang Ha Nam Anh – Vietnam Orthopedic Clinic – Photo: DUYEN PHAN
Dr. Nam Anh said that due to his busy work schedule, he previously had little opportunity to participate in social activities, especially helping poor new university students. However, the continuous increase in tuition fees by universities has troubled him, because with tuition fees at many schools reaching nearly 100 million VND per year, he fears that many young people, no matter how academically gifted, will find it difficult to afford to attend.
"I happened to read an article about a freshman who was very bright, got high grades, and got accepted into a prestigious university, but was considering dropping out due to poverty. From then on, I became more interested in the program, and gradually started supporting them, contributing a little to help them get started," said Dr. Nam Anh.
Dr. Tang Ha Nam Anh said he was more concerned because, after all, the help and value of the scholarship are limited. Therefore, he hopes that new students will carefully define their study plan, aspirations, and part-time work opportunities.
New students from Cu Chi are traveling to Van Thanh to receive scholarships but are afraid of getting lost, so a kind neighbor is offering a free escort for the mother, daughter, aunt, and niece...
Ngo Thi Kieu Vy (standing in the middle), a new student at Saigon University, receives her scholarship with her family – Photo: DUYEN PHAN
One of the first students to receive the scholarship was Ngo Thi Kieu Vy, a freshman from Cu Chi District, Ho Chi Minh City, at Saigon University.
Vy lost her father during the days leading up to her 12th-grade graduation exams. The burden of making a living fell on her hardworking mother, who worked as a factory worker for a shoe company.
"My mother's factory worker salary supports the whole family, and I feel so sorry for her. When I get a scholarship, I'll save up to pay for tuition, helping to ease her worries a little," Vy confided.
Vy's mother took her to receive the scholarship, along with her aunt and two cousins. A local driver offered to give them a free ride. "I saw how difficult their situation was, and how hard Vy was trying to get into university, so I helped drive them to receive the scholarship and encouraged her, telling her that no matter how difficult things get, she'll have people by her side," Mr. Trong said.
Despite being a resident of Ho Chi Minh City, Ngo Thi Kieu Vy (a former 12th-grade student at An Nhon Tay High School in Cu Chi District) rarely had the chance to go to the city center. Now, she knows several bus routes well, from her rented room in Binh Chanh District to school and back to Cu Chi District to visit her family on weekends.
Ms. Tong Thi Thanh Tuyen, Ngo Thi Kieu Vy's homeroom teacher in 12th grade, said over the phone that Vy's academic results in 12th grade were 9.0, achieving excellent student status and good conduct. Despite facing a family tragedy, with her father passing away in the final days of 12th grade, she persevered to continue her studies and achieve good results, gaining admission to Saigon University.
Dr. Nguyen Xuan Hong – Vice Rector of Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry – the sponsoring unit: It is an honor to be part of Tuoi Tre's talent nurturing program.
Dr. Nguyen Xuan Hong – Vice Rector of the University of Industry – Photo: DUYEN PHAN
Speaking at the scholarship award ceremony, Dr. Nguyen Xuan Hong said that in addition to training and scientific research, serving the community is also a priority for Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry.
“The school’s motto is to ensure that no student has to drop out due to lack of funding. Therefore, we are honored to join Tuoi Tre newspaper in contributing to the journey of nurturing the future of our country.”
"I was also a student once, so I understand how valuable it is to receive help when you lack the resources to go to school. And I see that the students also greatly appreciate that," Dr. Hong said.
The older sister acts as a 'parent' for her younger sister who lacks affection, rejoicing that her sister is receiving support.
Ms. Thanh Nhon works as a factory worker in Dong Nai province. Today, she happily carried her child and brought Lai Thi Thanh Ngan to receive her scholarship. Ms. Nhon shared: "Thanh Ngan has lived with me since she was born, so when we received the good news about her receiving the scholarship, my sister and I, along with her, participated in the Tuoi Tre Newspaper's 2024 Scholarship Program." - Photo: TU TRUNG
Attending the scholarship award ceremony with her older sister from Thong Nhat district (Dong Nai province), Lai Thi Thanh Ngan (a new student in the multimedia communication major at the College of Radio and Television II) said that this scholarship is extremely meaningful to her, as it can help cover and repay the money her sister borrowed earlier to pay her tuition fees at the beginning of the year.
Ngân confided that her father passed away before she was born, and her mother later remarried. From a young age, Ngân and her sister relied on each other to grow up.
Ms. Lai Thi Thanh Nhon (Ngan's older sister) was overjoyed that her sister had been accepted into college to pursue her dream. Ms. Nhon and her husband are factory workers and have young children to raise. Due to their difficult circumstances, Ms. Nhon had considered having her sister drop out of school many times, fearing they wouldn't be able to afford it. But seeing her sister cry and beg her to let her continue her studies, Ms. Nhon tried her best to save her meager salary so that her sister could have the opportunity to fulfill her dream.
Recently, when her younger sister needed money for tuition at the beginning of the school year, in addition to deducting from their salaries, Ms. Nhon and her husband had to borrow money from everywhere, and even pawn a phone for 2 million dong just to make ends meet.
"Now, every time I receive my salary, I set aside a portion for Ngan to cover her food and living expenses. She's also working part-time during holidays to earn extra money for her studies; every penny counts. The scholarship from Tuoi Tre newspaper today has truly given my sister a lot of support," Ms. Nhon expressed.
Lai Thi Thanh Ngan, along with her sister and niece, attended the scholarship award ceremony. (Photos by: Hai Trieu, Chi Kien, Nha Chan, Mai Huyen)
Mr. Pham Nam Huong, coordinator of the German-Vietnamese Mutual Assistance and Cooperation Association, sponsor: We trust Tuoi Tre newspaper because of this truly humane program.
Mr. Pham Nam Huong, coordinator of the German-Vietnamese Mutual Assistance and Cooperation Association - Photo: DUYEN PHAN
Mr. Nam Huong stated that the Association has been a partner in the social programs and activities of Tuoi Tre newspaper since the early years of the "For a Developed Tomorrow" program. All of the Association's contributions to social programs are based on trust in Tuoi Tre newspaper.
As soon as they learned about the "Supporting Students to School" scholarship program, the association members felt compelled to participate. "Simply because the program's goal is very humane. Choosing students to support and empower them to pursue their dreams of acquiring knowledge is a sustainable approach; knowledge is the power of society. This is also what we are striving for," shared Mr. Pham Nam Huong.
Traveling from Dong Nai to Ho Chi Minh City 4 hours early, the mother took a day off from her job to attend the scholarship ceremony with her child.
Tran Hong Ngoc, a new student at Saigon University, traveled with her mother, Huynh Thi Hong Nga, from Dong Nai to receive her scholarship. The family has seven siblings, and Ngoc is the third child. The mother and daughter left Dong Nai at 1 PM because they were afraid of being late. – Photo: DUYEN PHAN
Tran Hong Ngoc, a new student at Saigon University, traveled with her mother, Huynh Thi Hong Nga, from Dong Nai to receive her scholarship. The family has seven siblings, and Ngoc is the third child. The two of them left Dong Nai at 1 PM because they were afraid of being late.
“Ngoc was an excellent student for all 12 years, so I'm very proud. When we heard that our daughter got into university, the whole family was both happy and worried, because we are very poor. We don't own any land; my wife and I work as laborers in the dragon fruit plantation for others. Despite being poor, my wife and I tried our best to support our daughter's education because she is so bright.”
When we heard that our daughter had received a scholarship, our whole family was overjoyed, so happy that we couldn't sleep.
Today, I took a day off work to take my daughter to school. With this money, my wife and I can ease the financial burden of the school year for her. The road ahead is long, but we won't let her drop out of school halfway through.”
Mr. Nguyen Van Duong, M.Sc. – Deputy Head of the Standing Committee, Student Care Board, University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City – the sponsoring unit: Admiring the students' perseverance, the University of Economics is always ready to help.
MSc. Nguyen Van Duong – Deputy Head of the Standing Committee of the Student Care Board, University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City – Photo: DUYEN PHAN
Mr. Nguyen Van Duong, M.Sc., said he greatly admired the Tuoi Tre newspaper's "Supporting Students to School" program, because of its noble purpose of helping students who lack the resources to complete their studies. Therefore, this year, the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City continues to participate and contribute to helping disadvantaged students study with peace of mind, so they can serve themselves, their families, and contribute to society.
"The school hopes that this support will empower students to learn better," said Ms. Duong.
Through scholarship awards in previous years, he noticed that new students greatly valued the scholarships they received.
"The students also promised to try their best in their studies and develop themselves physically to serve the country and support those in similar circumstances, which is wonderful," he said.
With family ties fading away, the girl lives with her grandfather and excels academically.
Pham Thi Kieu Trinh (a new student at the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City) and other disadvantaged new students receive the "Supporting Students to School" scholarship from Tuoi Tre Newspaper - Photo: TU TRUNG
Pham Thi Kieu Trinh, from Son Loc village, Cu Hue commune, Ea Kar district, Dak Lak province – a new student at the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City – lost her father at a young age, and her mother remarried, so she currently lives with her maternal grandparents. Her grandparents raise chickens and grow a few vegetables to support their granddaughter's education.
Trinh's maternal grandmother was like a mother, always taking care of her, but then she fell ill and passed away when Trinh was in 12th grade. Before Trinh could recover from the pain of losing her beloved grandmother, she received news that her maternal grandfather had cancer and had to go to Ho Chi Minh City for treatment.
Despite her difficult circumstances, she always remained optimistic. Trinh said, "I can't change my fate and what has happened. Only optimism will help me have a future. After graduation, I hope to find a job so I can take care of my grandfather and my loved ones."
Despite living in a remote district, Trinh's academic achievements are truly remarkable. She has consistently been an outstanding student throughout her 12 years of schooling and holds an IELTS score of 6.0. As an official representative of Vietnam at the Access Summit 2022 in Quang Binh and the Access Summit 2023 in Lao Cai – where she interacted with outstanding students from Laos, Cambodia, and the United States – Trinh also won third prize in the Indochina regional English letter writing competition organized by the Indochina Regional English Office of the U.S. Embassy.
Notably, Trinh also had the honor of being one of the outstanding students admitted to the Party last June at Ngo Gia Tu High School.
Before her death, the couple relied on her social welfare allowance, as they had no farmland. Now, Mr. Trinh and her husband have to rely on the money from the chickens and pigs he raises. Trinh said she really hopes to receive this scholarship so she can continue her dream of attending university. She said, "Since the organizers informed me that I received the 'Supporting Students to School' scholarship, I've been incredibly happy and less worried about the tuition fees for the next semester. I'm grateful for the timely support from those who have helped me during this difficult time."
Mr. Truong Ngoc Dung, Deputy General Director of Phat Dat Real Estate Development Joint Stock Company – the sponsor: We are impressed with the students' passion for learning.
Mr. Truong Ngoc Dung, Deputy General Director of Phat Dat Real Estate Development Joint Stock Company - Photo: DUYEN PHAN
Mr. Truong Ngoc Dung said he was deeply moved by the inspiring stories of the new university students overcoming difficulties, as published in Tuoi Tre newspaper. After witnessing the hardships faced by these new students, he was deeply impressed by their passion for learning and their unwavering determination to pursue and conquer knowledge. This is also the basis for Mr. Dung's belief in a bright, dynamic, and developing Vietnam in the future, a belief placed in a young generation full of knowledge and determination.
Mr. Vu Duy Hai – Chairman of the Board of Directors and General Director of Vinacam Group Joint Stock Company – attended the scholarship awarding ceremony on November 17th – Photo: DUYEN PHAN
231 scholarships for underprivileged new students.
A total of 128 scholarships from 7 provinces and cities in the Southeast region, worth over 2 billion VND (including 124 scholarships worth 15 million VND each for new students and 4 special scholarships worth 50 million VND for the entire 4 years of study for new students from extremely disadvantaged backgrounds).
Funding for new students from 7 provinces and cities in the Southeast region is provided by the German-Vietnamese Mutual Assistance and Cooperation Association, Professor Phan Luong Cam – wife of the late Prime Minister Vo Van Kiet, Mr. Duong Thai Son and his friends, Vinacam Scholarship Fund – Vinacam Group Joint Stock Company, "Accompanying Farmers" Fund – Binh Dien Fertilizer Joint Stock Company, Dai-ichi Life Vietnam Company, Ho Chi Minh City Commercial Cooperative Union (Saigon Co.op), Hoang Kim Joint Stock Company, Ho Chi Minh City University of Economics, Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry, Ho Chi Minh City University of Trade and Industry, Ho Chi Minh City University of Law, University of Economics and Law (Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City), University of Finance and Marketing, Saigon University, Van Lang University, Ho Chi Minh City University of Education, University of Information Technology (Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City) and readers of Tuoi Tre newspaper.
In addition, Nestlé Vietnam Co., Ltd. sponsored backpacks as gifts for new students, and the Vinacam Scholarship Fund – Vinacam Group Joint Stock Company sponsored 13 laptops for new students facing particular difficulties and lacking learning equipment. The Viet My English Language Center provided 20 free IELTS preparation courses for new students studying in Ho Chi Minh City.
This is the 12th and final scholarship awarding ceremony in the 2024 "Supporting Students to School" scholarship program for new students under the 601st "For a Developed Tomorrow" program of Tuoi Tre newspaper. In 2024, the program awarded scholarships to 1,334 disadvantaged new students across 63 provinces and cities nationwide with a total budget of over 21 billion VND (15 million VND per scholarship and 20 special scholarships of 50 million VND/4 years).
In addition to the 128 disadvantaged new students from 7 provinces and cities in the Southeast region, the "Supporting Students to School" program of Tuoi Tre newspaper for new students is also organized to provide assistance in other regions: Central Vietnam, the Central Highlands, 11 provinces and cities in the Mekong Delta, provinces and cities in the North, Northwest and North Central Vietnam.
Students enthusiastically attended the ceremony – Photo: DUYEN PHAN
* Tuoi Tre Online is updating
The 2024 "Supporting Students to School" program received contributions and support from the "Accompanying Farmers" Fund - Binh Dien Fertilizer Joint Stock Company, the Vinacam Scholarship Fund - Vinacam Group Joint Stock Company, and the "Quang Tri Solidarity" Clubs in Phu Yen; the "Supporting Students to School" Clubs in Thua Thien Hue, Quang Nam - Da Nang, Tien Giang - Ben Tre, and the Tien Giang - Ben Tre Business Clubs in Ho Chi Minh City, Dai-ichi Life Vietnam, Mr. Duong Thai Son and his friends, along with various businesses and numerous readers of Tuoi Tre newspaper…
In addition, Vinacam Group Joint Stock Company also sponsored 50 laptops for new students facing extreme difficulties and lacking learning equipment, worth approximately 600 million VND. Nestlé Vietnam Co., Ltd. sponsored 1,500 backpacks worth approximately 250 million VND. Viet My English Language Center sponsored 50 free foreign language scholarships worth 625 million VND. Bac A Commercial Joint Stock Bank sponsored 1,500 books on financial education and financial management skills for new students…
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