'Street teacher' saves the lives of thousands of street children

Mr. Tran Minh Hai has a passion for sports and never intended to stand on the podium, but for the past 30 years, he has always been referred to as a 'street teacher'.

"It's all fate"

At the age of 19, to nurture his dream of retaking the university entrance exam, this so-called “street teacher” went alone from Binh Duong to Ho Chi Minh City to study and work. One afternoon in 1993, on his way home from work, he stopped to buy a package of sticky rice for dinner. While opening the package, he saw the words “Recruiting streeteducators ” from a Swiss non-governmental organization on the outside of the package wrapped in newspaper.

Mr. Hai read the job posting and saw that it was suitable for him, so he decided to apply. “I have met many street children and realized that they have similar circumstances to me, but I am luckier because I can go to school. Most of the children who do not go to school will be tempted by bad people to do bad things. So please give me a chance to support them,” Mr. Hai recalled the lines of the letter he wrote when applying.

Luckily, Mr. Hai was the candidate chosen to sign an official contract. “I never expected to be chosen out of 150 candidates. Although I was confident in my abilities, it was also fate,” he shared.

Initially, he planned to take the entrance exam to Ho Chi Minh City University of Physical Education and Sports, but when fate came, he decided to work in a non -governmental project while studying for the Women's Studies (now Social Work) major at Ho Chi Minh City Open University.

Mr. Tran Minh Hai teaches skills to prevent violence and child abuse in Quang Nam PHOTO: PHAM THI THUY LINH

Happiness is simply helping children succeed.

During his years working at the Cau Muoi Club (now the Green Bamboo Shelter), Mr. Hai has helped many street children. Mr. Hai shared: “For me, happiness is helping children succeed.” However, the success he mentioned is very special, divided into two levels. One is integrating into society and living like a normal person. The other is contributing to society.

We can mention the case of Mr. Phung Ngoc Phong, from a young man who once got into the vortex of the law, he has now become the Director of Phung Nguyen Cao Toc Company Limited, Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City. Mr. Hai said that Phong started from nothing, with will and determination to achieve the success he has today.

Young man Nguyen Chi Thoai also achieved success in his life thanks to the help of Mr. Hai. Thoai is considered a "veteran" because he lived on the streets for 7 years and was naturally good at English thanks to contact with foreigners. Later, Thoai successfully opened a class to teach English communication at the age of U.30. Not only did he open a class to make a living, Thoai also opened a free class to teach children in the same situation as him.

Not only Phong and Thoai, Mr. Hai also helps many children give up their street life to live like a normal person. "Each child will have their own problem, their own pain. The important thing when helping is to understand, share and exploit their strengths, which is courage," Mr. Hai confided.

“Street teacher” Tran Minh Hai NVCC

Love what you do, do what you love

This “street teacher” said that in 1999, he wanted to quit because he was afraid that his job would not support his family. However, he happened to receive a scholarship in the Philippines. And it was this trip to the Philippines that kept him in the profession. Later, he studied for a master’s degree at the Philippine Women’s University to better serve his work.

Currently, Mr. Hai is the Director of the Center for Health Education and Community Development Tuong Lai. This is a Vietnam Science and Technology Organization (under the Vietnam Union of Science and Technology Associations). He is also a training speaker, trainer and lecturer at a number of universities and colleges.

No longer directly helping street children as before, this “street teacher” now focuses on investing in long-term solutions to help them. In particular, the Child Sexual Abuse Prevention project he organized in Ho Chi Minh City, Vinh Long, An Giang, Quang Nam, Binh Thuan, etc.

Over the past 30 years, Mr. Hai has traveled to 63 provinces and cities to train, coach, study, and exchange skills and experiences in 27 countries around the world.

“For me, to pursue this passion, it must come from my heart. I am lucky because I get to do the job I love and love my job more and more. Although 30 years have passed, the flame of enthusiasm inside me is still burning as bright as the first day,” the “street teacher” shared with a smile.

Thanhnien.vn

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/nguoi-thay-duong-pho-cuu-cuoc-doi-cua-hang-ngan-dua-tre-lang-thang-185240925114029355.htm