Serving the community wholeheartedly.

Vinh Khanh and Ha Chi have practical initiatives that demonstrate social responsibility and a spirit of community service even while still in school.

For the past few weeks, a special space has been created right inside the Institute of Oncology and Nuclear Medicine - Military Hospital 175. It's the "Relaxation and Entertainment Room" - the result of the ideas, efforts, and perseverance of two young people.

Spreading positive values

Le Vu Ha Chi (17 years old, currently studying at the High School for the Gifted - Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City) conceived the idea of ​​creating a free library for patients and their families after several visits to Military Hospital 175, where she noticed that besides treatment, they had few other activities. Driven by a desire to bring energy, joy, and vitality to those going through a difficult time, Chi didn't stop at the idea but immediately started implementing it. She compiled a list of suitable books, calculated costs, designed posters, and developed a communication strategy, then called for donations. In just a few days, the 12th-grade student received hundreds of books. Not only did she receive donated books, wait for transportation, and sort them, but Chi also personally went to bookstores to select impressive publications.

This work required Chi to be persistent and flexible in contacting book donors everywhere, as the time for receiving the donations was not always convenient. Chi put in a lot of effort, along with the support of adults and friends, to finally achieve well-deserved success.

On the opening day of the relaxation corner, Chi was moved by the enthusiastic expressions of the patients, their families, and the medical staff. The space also includes many amenities such as audiobooks; computers for entertainment and news; an art and intellectual game corner (piano, coloring, chess, Lego); and even wigs, bras, and hats donated to cancer patients. The relaxation and entertainment room is gradually becoming an ideal spiritual meeting place for everyone. For Chi, when actions are accompanied by responsibility, patience, and creativity, young people can create a positive effect and spread good values ​​to the community.

"Besides medication and surgery, psychological therapy is also very important for patients. I hope to contribute positively to the medical care process for patients through my simple actions," Chi shared.

In addition, Chi founded the "Light of Life" Project, which provides many beneficial STEM lessons for disadvantaged children, equipping them with scientific knowledge through a series of well-structured and dedicated experimental workshops and school psychology podcasts.

Outside of school hours, Le Vu Ha Chi also spends a lot of time in her relaxation and entertainment room. Photo: Xuan Thuy

Extending love

The relaxation and recreation room at Military Hospital 175 became even more special when Nguyen Pham Vinh Khanh (an 11th-grade student at Vinschool Central Park High School in Ho Chi Minh City) experimented with aromatherapy right in this space. A field trip to the Palliative Care Department – ​​where patients are beyond treatment or where aggressive therapies are no longer significantly effective – motivated Khanh to do something meaningful. He thoroughly researched the scientific effects of essential oils on the human spirit and assessed the feasibility of implementing aromatherapy in a medical environment.

Although the ward was airy, the atmosphere was stifling due to everyone's anxiety. Patients and their relatives sat waiting for medication with heavy hearts, while the doctors and nurses were stressed and under immense pressure. Khanh told himself, "Everyone needs a moment of quiet to breathe." The most difficult challenge for him was choosing a safe fragrance that could dispel worries without affecting the treatment process.

Khánh spent two months researching essential oils, while also surveying the opinions of professionals and healthcare workers to ensure appropriate diffusion and select pleasant scents. He blended tea tree, coffee, and lemon to help reduce the fatigue that overwhelms patients, while also energizing and encouraging healthcare workers. Khánh hopes to replicate this model in many other public hospitals and gain widespread support from the community. "I just hope patients' pain is lessened. When they feel comfortable, they will have more faith in the treatment process," Khánh said. Positive feedback from healthcare workers and patients has given Khánh and Chi confidence in what they are doing.

Khanh continues his non-profit activities, from releasing baby turtles back into the sea to caring for injured wild animals in Cat Tien National Park. Currently, Khanh volunteers at the Huong Duong Audiobook Library. Every week, he takes the time to check for errors in the raw audio files, helping to bring books closer to the visually impaired. Simultaneously, he is also involved in a research group at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Ho Chi Minh City, working with professors to build a molecular docking model for virtual screening of potential compounds for treating type II diabetes.

Khanh is preparing to study advanced stroke first aid, with the goal of training his peers and parents in his local area in first aid skills. These experiences also help Khanh and Chi gain a deeper understanding of medicine, while forming the foundation for their dream of becoming doctors and practicing with both knowledge and compassion.

Khanh enjoys researching and realizing ideas that serve the community.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/het-long-phung-su-cong-dong-196251004202553331.htm