Stepping forward through the vast forest

QTO - From the thought that "my life will probably just revolve around the coffee plantation" to becoming a confident young woman communicating in English with foreigners, the journey of Van Kieu girl Nguyen Thi Luyen (born in 2005) is like a fairy tale in the heart of the mountains. In a place where prejudice and self-doubt once held many back, the flame of determination that Luyen ignited has helped inspire young people to step out, admire, and immerse themselves in the world.

"Idol" of the village

The children in Xa Ri village, Huong Phung commune, call Nguyen Thi Luyen their "idol." This nickname emerged after Luyen returned to the village during a holiday and taught the children how to pronounce and communicate in English. She also happily announced that she had been accepted to work at a large, famous restaurant in Hoi An . "I never thought I could go this far. Before, I always thought the best job I could do was picking coffee beans," Luyen shared.

Nguyen Thi Luyen has accomplished things that were previously considered impossible - Photo: QH

Born in the highlands, Luyện was accustomed to hunger and poverty from a young age. However, the biggest scar on this young girl, Vân Kiều, did not come from material hardship, but from the incompleteness of her family. Despite being surrounded by the love of her mother, grandmother, and uncle, Luyện grew up with an invisible void and a vague anxiety about the future.

While working as a hired coffee picker, Luyen unexpectedly met Ms. Luong Thi Ngoc Tram, Director of Pun Coffee Co., Ltd. The positive energy of this woman from Quang Nam, who had chosen Huong Phung as her second home, immediately captivated Luyen. She wanted to pursue an academic path, one that could help many people, especially women and children, just like Ms. Tram. Therefore, when Ms. Tram introduced her to KOTO, the first social enterprise training model in Vietnam founded by an Australian-Vietnamese expatriate about 27 years ago, Luyen felt like she had found her purpose.

However, when Luyện shared her plans, she didn't receive much support. Her family members worried that a young Vân Kiều girl who rarely traveled far from home might easily get lost in the city, or even be tricked and sold abroad by criminals.

"Guarantee" through human kindness

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Speaking of Luyện, Ms. Lương Ngọc Trâm emotionally recounted that her first impression of this Vân Kiều girl was her sad, deep eyes. Every time the topic of the future came up, Luyện would sigh. At that moment, a thought crossed Ms. Trâm's mind: "I can't let this diligent, studious girl forever be a hired coffee picker, exchanging sweat for rice." Therefore, she went to Luyện's home and used her influence to persuade her mother, grandmother, and uncle to enroll Luyện in the KOTO Vocational Training Center.

Ms. Tram recounted: “As a businesswoman, I had the opportunity to meet and learn about the meaningful work that KOTO has done for thousands of underprivileged children. Therefore, I introduced KOTO to Luyen. Although I knew that helping him also meant taking on more responsibility, I didn't mind.”

Ms. Luong Ngoc Tram (third from the right) poses for a commemorative photo with Luyen on graduation day - Photo: Provided by the interviewee.

From then on, Ms. Tram treated Luyen like family. Even though she sent him to school, she and her husband never stopped worrying, frequently traveling to Bac Ninh to check on Luyen's studies, his living conditions, and his meals. Whenever Luyen faced difficulties, Ms. Tram or her husband would quickly be there to support him. After those days of worry, the couple were overjoyed to see Luyen open up, sharing stories about the "teach one thing you know" method, the care he received from his teachers and friends, and even about his internship at a dreamlike resort and a high-end restaurant…

Every time she returns to her village, Luyen visits Ms. Tram's house. What warms the heart of the woman who chose Huong Phung as her second home is seeing the unexpected transformation of the young Van Kieu girl. When Ms. Tram took Luyen to KOTO, the girl was still shy and timid. On graduation day, Luyen was almost completely transformed. She knew what she wanted, what she needed, and spoke English fluently. "Luyen graduated on my birthday. Her maturity is the greatest gift I've received," Ms. Tram shared.

Step out to see the world.

At KOTO, Luyen and the other children not only receive free accommodation and vocational training, but they are also provided with stable jobs after graduation. Many have become employees and managers at large restaurants and resorts. Luyen shared: "Currently, I have a stable job. More importantly, I have the opportunity to develop myself and learn valuable things."

When asked about her future plans, Luyen's eyes no longer held the profound sadness of the past, but sparkled with hope. "I will continue to accumulate experience and learn new things. My biggest goal is to return to Quang Tri someday and contribute to the development of community tourism. I want young people in my village to look up to me and feel more confident when they step out and explore this wider world," Luyen confided.

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Nguyen Thi Luyen's story is like a seed in the vast forest, overcoming the barren soil to grow and develop. And someday, from those first seeds, a confident, resilient forest will sprout, embracing the sunlight.

Quang Hiep

Source: https://baoquangtri.vn/xa-hoi/202606/nang-buoc-chan-dai-ngan-a725023/