Adversity and opportunities lead to "shining."
Pham Thi Minh Ngoc, born in 2007, is from My Duc ( Hanoi ) and is currently a first-year student majoring in Logistics at the University of Transport (Hanoi). Few people know that behind the strong exterior of this young woman lies a long journey of overcoming loss and trauma.
Ngoc's father passed away when she was just one year old, placing the burden of supporting the family on her mother's shoulders. However, when Ngoc started first grade, her mother fell seriously ill and became bedridden. Completely lacking adult care, all daily chores and responsibilities fell on Ngoc and her older brother. Their grandmother – their last remaining support – also passed away in 2023, leaving the two sisters adrift amidst overwhelming difficulties.
In that challenging context, the "Shining Class" reached out to her and became an important support in her life. When Ngoc was in 8th grade, after learning about her situation through the media, the leaders of the Shining Club (Hanoi Center for Social Work and Children's Protection Fund) visited Ngoc's family to learn more about her situation. A year later, Ngoc officially became a member of the club and has been with them for over four years.
From being the youngest student on the first day, Ngoc is now the "big sister" of many cohorts, confidently sharing her experiences and supporting those who follow in her footsteps.
More than just a scholarship fund, the "Shining Classroom" model builds a long-term, sustainable, and comprehensive support environment for children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Speaking with a reporter from Hanoi Moi Newspaper, Minh Ngoc expressed: “The regular financial support from the club helped me maintain my studies during the most difficult period. Throughout my three years of high school and half of my university years, I received 1 million VND per month to cover living expenses and tuition. Besides the fixed amount, I also received support in acquiring learning equipment and was able to borrow books on psychology, economics, etc., to self-study and broaden my knowledge. This support is especially meaningful for a family that has almost no caregiver left, helping me to continue my education without interruption.”
That support was truly immense, but the greatest value that the "Shining" class brought to Minh Ngoc lies in the emotional support. Ngoc shared that the club is her "second home," where she is taught like a parent, even more so, because the mentors always understand, share, and guide her with their own life experiences.
Through regular activities, the students are equipped with practical life skills: financial management, time management, self-discipline, English language learning, communication, career guidance, etc. These are important tools that Ngoc's family environment could not provide.
The support of our sponsors – successful entrepreneurs – brings invaluable value. Even after the students "graduate" from the club, the connection doesn't end: they remain connected within their own group, are introduced to part-time jobs, and receive support when they encounter unexpected difficulties. "The club is like a place I can return to whenever I'm in trouble," Ngoc shared emotionally.
The special teachers in Ngoc's life
One of the most influential people in Ngoc's life is Mr. Dinh Tien Duc, the branch manager of Tien Phong Bank. For Ngoc, "Uncle Duc" is like a "second father," someone who helped her overcome even mild periods of depression. He is also one of the speakers who shares many experiences at the club's regular meetings.
In addition, Ngoc also has a personal sponsor, Mr. Nguyen Kim Bang, whom her uncle Duc introduced her to when she was in 10th grade. Approachable and caring, he is considered by Ngoc to be like "grandfather." Conversations with him have helped her feel more secure and clearly see her goals.
It is the companionship of kind, dedicated adults who are wholeheartedly committed to social welfare work that has created the sustainable effectiveness of this model: supporting children not only to live better lives but also to understand who they are, where they want to go, and what they need to do to achieve their dreams.
Besides receiving support, Minh Ngoc also spreads a positive spirit to others in similar circumstances. She and the club members formed several small groups to share and encourage each other, with the group "The Sun" being a place where they find joy and growth every day.
The core objective of the "Shining Class" is to provide career guidance and nurture the dreams of underprivileged high school students. Ngoc is one example. Currently, she balances studying with tutoring to make ends meet, determined to become a successful person – not only financially, but also intellectually, skillfully, and happily.
And most importantly, Ngoc wants to return to support the next generation when she is fully capable, because, as Ngoc shared: "This is a wonderful environment that has changed my life."
After 8 years of implementation, the "Shining Class" has supported hundreds of children with billions of VND in funding. Many have gone on to university, found stable jobs, and become useful members of society. Pham Thi Minh Ngoc's story clearly demonstrates the effectiveness of this comprehensive support model: material support is the beginning, but what's crucial is companionship, sharing experiences, and career guidance from those who have gone before. The "Shining Class" has transformed anxiety into action, risks into opportunities, ignited hope and dreams for those with special circumstances, and nurtured the future of the young generation in Hanoi.
Source: https://hanoimoi.vn/cau-chuyen-cua-minh-ngoc-va-hieu-qua-mo-hinh-lop-hoc-toa-sang-tu-nghich-canh-den-be-phong-uoc-mo-726614.html
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