North: Building a "bridge" of knowledge for students.

For many years, the preferential loan program for students implemented by the Social Policy Bank has become a solid support for thousands of families in Phu Tho. Although the capital is not large, it carries special significance, empowering countless dreams of attending university.

Officials from the Social Policy Bank in Thanh Thuy commune are advising local residents about student loan programs.

SMALL CAPITAL, BIG MEANING

In rural areas still facing many hardships, children passing university entrance exams was once a source of joy mixed with worry. The family of Ms. Nguyen Thi Nghia in Da Bac commune, nearly 100 km from the provincial center, still remembers the days of mixed joy and anxiety when both of her children received their acceptance letters. As a farming family with an unstable income, the cost of studying and living in the city became an almost insurmountable burden. The preferential loan policy came at the right time, providing the family with a loan of 70 million VND, divided equally among each semester. This capital not only provided financial support but also ignited hope, enabling the children to confidently embark on their educational journey.

The story of Mrs. Nguyen Thi Tu's family in Tu Vu commune is even more heartbreaking. With many children and facing numerous hardships, her youngest son, Tran Dinh Quyet, the family's only hope, suffers from a congenital blood disease, requiring tens of millions of dong in medication each month. In this difficult situation, a loan of 19 million dong per semester from the Social Policy Bank has become a lifeline, allowing Quyet to continue his education while simultaneously managing his life. This is not only material support but also a source of strength, helping him to persevere amidst adversity.

According to Ms. Luong Thi Lam, Vice President of the Women's Union of Da Bac commune, more than 10 families with children from poor and near-poor households in the commune have accessed loans. Thanks to this, the children have reduced economic pressure, can focus on their studies, and have achieved many positive results. "The program needs to be further expanded so that more disadvantaged students have the opportunity to attend school," Ms. Lam suggested.

SPREAD WIDE AND DEEP

"Small capital, big meaning" is the guiding principle in the implementation of student loan programs. The outstanding loan balance of hundreds of billions of dong not only reflects the scale of the program but, more importantly, shows a change in the mindset of the people: from anxiety and struggle, they now feel secure with the support of the Party and the State. In Da Bac commune, as of the end of July, the total outstanding loan balance reached nearly 700 million dong with 20 households receiving loans. In Thanh Thuy and Tu Vu, the total outstanding loan balance reached over 11 billion dong, with more than 200 households accessing the capital. The convenience of having 17 transaction points in the commune has helped people avoid traveling far, promptly meeting urgent needs such as tuition fees for their children. According to Ms. Vi Thi Phuong Dung, Director of the Social Policy Bank in Thanh Thuy commune, every dong of capital lent to students is an investment in their future. Dozens of graduates have returned to their hometowns to work and contribute to local development. This is a positive cycle, reducing the dropout rate, improving the quality of human resources, and contributing to socio-economic development.

According to Nguyen Thanh Tinh, Deputy Director of the Social Policy Bank of Phu Tho province: "With preferential interest rates and flexible repayment periods after graduation, this policy has helped reduce financial pressure for thousands of families. In reality, many students, thanks to this preferential loan, have graduated from university, found stable jobs, returned to repay their families, and continued to support their younger siblings' education. This meaningful cycle not only spreads humanitarian values ​​but also creates momentum for community development. The loan amount, though small, brings enormous benefits, contributing to preventing the risk of dropping out of school, especially in remote areas where economic conditions are still difficult."

From the beginning of the year until now, nearly 5,400 households in the province have received loans, with a total outstanding debt of over 284 billion VND; the overdue debt rate remains below 0.2% - a testament to the effectiveness and sustainability of the program. Entering the 2025-2026 school year, the Phu Tho Provincial Social Policy Bank aims to continue prioritizing loans for students; and to coordinate with the government and organizations to quickly assess and approve applications, ensuring that no student misses the opportunity to attend school. This is also a concrete commitment to the Party and State's policy on equity in access to education , ensuring that no one is left behind.

The heartwarming stories from underprivileged but studious students and their families demonstrate that policy-based credit is not just a loan, but also a bridge to knowledge, a key to unlocking a bright future.

Text and photos: NGOC LONG

Source: https://nhandan.vn/bac-nhip-cau-tri-thuc-cho-sinh-vien-post902926.html