The 5,000 VND house helps students rise out of poverty.

TPO - Poverty reduction is not only an economic story, but also a journey to light up the dream of a sustainable future. At Dong Thap University, the "5,000 VND House" has become a solid foundation, helping students overcome difficulties, study with peace of mind and thereby creating a solid foundation for their families to escape poverty in a sustainable way.

The joy of the '5,000 dong house'

Each "5,000 VND House" is not just a physical structure, but also represents the sharing and spirit of mutual support among students and lecturers of Dong Thap University. Nguyen Tri Tuc, Deputy Secretary in charge of the Youth Union of Dong Thap University, said that each month students contribute 5,000 VND – a small amount, but it can help a student in difficult circumstances with housing, and even change their lives, helping their families escape poverty sustainably.

Dong Thap University handed over the '5,000 VND House' to Tran Tan Dat.

During this year's summer volunteer campaign, Dong Thap University handed over a "5,000 VND House" to the family of Tran Tan Dat, a student of the Faculty of Physical Education - Arts Education, in Nguyen Cu Hamlet, Nhi My Commune, Dong Thap Province. The newly built house has relieved Dat and his mother of worries during storms and heavy rain. Dat's joy stems not only from having a safe and secure home, but also from his deep gratitude to the university's teachers who guided and encouraged him to pursue his dream of higher education instead of working as a delivery driver.

Another case is Ngo Thanh Hieu, a physical education student who also received a "5,000 VND House" in Dong Binh hamlet, Cao Lanh ward. Hieu's family no longer has to worry about housing due to their lack of arable land and unstable income. Having a house is a foundation to help his family rise out of poverty. In addition, during this year's summer volunteer campaign, the school's Youth Union is also building more houses to help disadvantaged students have a warm home so they can focus on their studies.

Each "5,000 VND House" built holds a heartwarming story of resilience and aspiration for a better life. Nguyen Phuc Thien, a final-year Vietnamese Studies student, and his aunt, Nguyen Thi Thanh Nga, once lived in a dilapidated, termite-infested wooden house that threatened to collapse during heavy rain and strong winds. His mother left when he was young, and his grandmother and father passed away one after another, leaving Thien to grow up in his aunt's care. With her meager income from mending clothes, Mrs. Nga never dared dream of building a new house. But now, a spacious 60m2 house with tiled floors and sturdy walls has been built, bringing overwhelming happiness to the two of them.

Dong Thap University hands over houses costing 5,000 VND to disadvantaged students.

Spreading the spirit of compassion

Each story is a vivid testament to the fact that the "5,000 VND House" not only provides a roof over their heads but also offers emotional support and motivation, helping students and their families to confidently move forward on their path out of poverty.

The "5,000 VND House" model of the Youth Union of Dong Thap University has undergone 16 years of formation and development, from its early days as the "House of Compassion," then the "3,000 VND House," and now the "5,000 VND House." Mr. Nguyen Tri Tuc further shared about the fund's operating mechanism: each staff member and lecturer within the Youth Union age group contributes 10,000 VND/month, and each student contributes 5,000 VND/month. This funding is collected periodically every month, along with fundraising and connections with philanthropists and businesses. To ensure fairness and that the funds reach the intended recipients, the Youth Union has established a strict process for selecting students from impoverished families facing housing difficulties.

According to Mr. Tuc, the Youth Union of Dong Thap University not only provides financial support but also mobilizes its members and young people to contribute volunteer labor during peak activity periods. "The collective effort, from small tasks like carrying bricks to mixing mortar, demonstrates the pioneering spirit and volunteerism for the community of the youth at Dong Thap University," Mr. Tuc said.

Over time, the level of support for house construction has also been adjusted to suit the reality. From an initial 20 million VND, the support has gradually increased to 30 million, 50 million, and from the beginning of 2024 to the present, it has reached 70 million VND per house. This change reflects the efforts of the University's Youth Union to provide more spacious and higher-quality homes for students. To date, the Youth Union of Dong Thap University has handed over more than 90 houses to disadvantaged students from many localities in the Mekong Delta region who are studying at the university.

According to Mr. Cao Dao Thep, Vice Rector of Dong Thap University, each "5,000 VND House" is not only a material asset but also a great source of motivation. The new house not only helps families stabilize their lives but also motivates students to strive for better academic performance. Furthermore, the "5,000 VND House" model has truly supported poor students in having a stable home, allowing them to focus on their studies and training. This significantly contributes to poverty reduction, ensures social security in local areas, and, more importantly, fosters a spirit of mutual support and compassion in the younger generation.

Hoa Hoi

Source: https://tienphong.vn/ngoi-nha-5000-dong-giup-sinh-vien-vuon-len-thoat-ngheo-post1757808.tpo