Resilience and sharing

From being abandoned at the gates of the SOS Children's Village in Vinh (Nghe An province) when he was only 20 days old, Le Huynh Duc overcame adversity to become a teacher and a representative of Vietnamese youth at many international forums. His journey is not only a story of personal resilience, but also a symbol of aspiration and a spirit of sharing.

Le Huynh Duc (seated in the front row, second from the left) and other delegates pose for a commemorative photo with the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs . Photo: Provided by the interviewee.

Perhaps the most pivotal moment in Le Huynh Duc's life was his return to the SOS Children's Village Vinh – the place that nurtured him throughout his childhood. But this time, Duc was a training specialist for SOS Children's Villages International. That day, the 27-year-old stood before the children, sharing his thoughts on "Preparing to Leave the Program for Youth," hoping to help them better understand the challenges and how to prepare for the future. "I've been in your shoes, experienced the confusion of leaving your familiar home. But I want you to know that if you prepare well and are determined, there are always opportunities ahead," Duc shared, his eyes filled with emotion as he recalled his own story.

No one understands better than Duc the difficulties faced by young people in similar circumstances. From financial independence and a lack of life skills to the feeling of uncertainty when leaving the protective embrace of the Village... This is precisely what motivates Duc to continuously strive to build support programs for the community of young adults who have grown up in care facilities.

Currently, Duc is implementing many activities to support young people. One of Duc's most passionate projects is organizing training sessions to help mothers and aunts – those who directly care for children – gain more knowledge about parenting skills, as well as helping children acquire life skills, financial skills, and career guidance.

In parallel, he also founded a comprehensive scholarship program that provides free English language learning and preparation for international certifications for students. The program helps improve foreign language skills and combines it with career counseling. "I want them to enter society with confidence. When I see a young person who is independent and has a clear direction for the future, I know that my efforts have been meaningful," Duc added.

When asked about the biggest challenges young people face, Duc highlighted four main obstacles: finances, career guidance, skills shortages, and a lack of emotional support. To address these issues, Duc organizes free classes and builds a network of young adults from SOS Children's Villages across Vietnam, where older generations can support, share experiences, and accompany the younger generation on their journey to adulthood. “We are not alone. We have each other,” Duc said, his eyes filled with determination.

Not only is Duc a teacher and mentor for young people, but he is also a familiar face in international youth exchange programs. In 2024, Duc had the honor of being one of 17 delegates representing Vietnamese youth at SSEAYP, the Southeast Asia-Japan Youth Ship Program.

During their more than month-long journey on the SSEAYP, Germany and the Vietnamese delegates participated in numerous activities showcasing Vietnamese culture to international friends. From vibrant cultural performances and traditional craft workshops to presentations of Vietnamese cuisine and Tet (Lunar New Year) customs, everything was meticulously and elaborately prepared. In particular, during the ship's visit to Ho Chi Minh City, Germany and the delegates acted as cultural "ambassadors," guiding international friends to discover the beauty of this bustling city.

Duc has also represented Vietnam in many other international programs such as JENESYS, Angkor Songkran, and the International Conference of Young Adults in India… These experiences have broadened his thinking, bringing many new ideas and motivations to community projects in Vietnam, especially in the field of protecting children's rights and improving the quality of the alternative care system. In addition, Duc is an English teacher and runs an IELTS preparation center in Da Nang. With a desire to help disadvantaged young people access foreign language education , he has implemented free classes and developed an online teaching model.

It can be said that Le Huynh Duc's journey is a testament to the spirit of overcoming adversity, compassion, and an unceasing desire to excel. From an orphaned boy to a teacher, from a child who once received the protection of the community to someone willing to dedicate himself to young people in similar circumstances, Duc has proven that, no matter what your starting point is, with willpower and determination, you can all write your own life story in the best possible way.

Your starting point doesn't determine your destination. What matters is perseverance, determination, and compassion. Success will always smile upon those who truly strive."

Le Huynh Duc

MAI DUC HOANG LINH

Source: https://baodanang.vn/channel/5433/202505/nghi-luc-va-se-chia-4006289/