Co May Dormitory and a Decade of Fostering Knowledge

GD&TĐ - For the past 10 years, the Co May Dormitory within the campus of Ho Chi Minh City University of Agriculture and Forestry has been a place that has nurtured the knowledge of more than 1,000 underprivileged students.

A place to nurture dreams.

On the morning of May 23rd, Ho Chi Minh City University of Agriculture and Forestry held a ceremony to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the establishment of Co May Dormitory - a journey of sowing seeds of love. Established and operating since 2016, Co May Dormitory is the heartfelt project of the late businessman Pham Van Ben, with the desire to give children the opportunity to attend university without having to worry about food, clothing, and shelter.

The Co May dormitory has 54 rooms and can accommodate approximately 100 students each year. This is not only a social project but also a testament to the belief that every child, regardless of their background, deserves the best possible educational opportunities to rise up on their own two feet. Over the past 10 years, the Co May dormitory has housed 1,008 students from 30 public universities in Ho Chi Minh City who come from disadvantaged backgrounds but have overcome difficulties to excel academically.

At the celebration, Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Tat Toan, Rector of Ho Chi Minh City University of Agriculture and Forestry, said that this was an opportunity for everyone to look back on a journey, to meet and remember the good things in life today. There are still people who choose to dedicate their passion, time, resources, and even love to ensuring that young people can continue their studies and nurture their dreams.

"After a decade, we can proudly say that this is not just a unique model, but the first and, to date, only free dormitory model in Vietnam," said Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Tat Toan.

Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Tat Toan, Rector of Ho Chi Minh City University of Agriculture and Forestry, delivered a speech at the commemoration ceremony. Photo: Ha An.

Sharing about the values ​​of the Co May Dormitory, the leaders of the Ho Chi Minh City University of Agriculture and Forestry said that students who come here will be cared for like family members, with accommodation, tuition support, meal support, attention to their mental well-being, and support for their growth. Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Tat Toan believes that this is not just a dormitory, but a true home.

He argued that supporting a university student is already a huge burden for many families today. The fact that a business and a family are willing to quietly and comprehensively care for hundreds of underprivileged students for many years is truly admirable. This precious act is even more special because it stems from the compassion of someone who has experienced hardship himself.

“When you grow up, have stable jobs and better living conditions, I hope you will remember how much you were loved during your youth. And if possible, please continue to give back, because by helping one more young person have the opportunity to study, the spirit of Co May Dormitory will live on forever,” said Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Tat Toan.

The value of gratitude and humanity

Mr. Pham Minh Thien (son of the late businessman Pham Van Ben) shared that 10 years ago, the Co May Dormitory project came into operation, becoming a support system for resilient and determined students. “We are truly happy with the fruits of our labor today and will always remember the wishes of our respected father. Tears of joy are worth more than any material thing because they represent love and humanity, which are born in this place. We are always grateful for that,” Mr. Thien said.

Do Nhat Thinh, a student from the first cohort of Co May Dormitory, shared his memories of his first days coming from his rural hometown in Central Vietnam to the city to study at the Ho Chi Minh City University of Fine Arts. Thinh lost his father when he was in 6th grade, and his mother single-handedly worked hard to raise and educate three siblings.

At that time, Thinh himself didn't know how he would live and face the difficulties when he came to Ho Chi Minh City to study. Right then, Thinh was accepted into the Co May Dormitory, where he received support for living and studying expenses.

Students participate in sports activities at Co May Dormitory. Photo: NTCC.

“The community of students living together in the dormitory each had their own unique abilities and determination. I cherish that time because I learned from everyone, and lived in a loving, close-knit environment, full of affection like family,” Thinh shared. In 2020, Thinh graduated and now has a stable job in the cultural field, and he still remembers Co May Dormitory as one of the most beautiful memories of his life.

Source: https://giaoducthoidai.vn/ky-tuc-xa-co-may-va-mot-thap-ky-nang-buoc-tri-thuc-post778881.html