Even in a humble corner of a rented room, dreams still shine brightly.

(Dong Nai) - Amidst the innocent laughter and bright dreams of school children, there are still students who are silently overcoming countless difficulties to attend school. One of them is Ngo Dinh Phu An, a student in class 12A4, Thong Nhat A High School (Trang Bom commune, Dong Nai province).

Her father passed away early, her mother remarried, leaving her with no relatives to rely on. Living alone in a small rented room, she quietly took care of herself, studying and working part-time to get closer to her dream of becoming an engineer.

Phú An was born into a poor family. Her mother is from Dak Lak , and her father is originally from Quang Nam. Both moved to Dong Nai to make a living doing various odd jobs. Their life was precarious; they had no home and no household registration. When An was only in the second grade, her parents separated, and she lived with her father in a rented room in Quang Bien hamlet, Trang Bom commune. An's father was a freelance worker, so their already difficult life became even more impoverished. An's younger sister unfortunately suffered from a mental illness requiring special care, so she lived with their mother.

Without a father or mother, An still walks alone to school to pursue her dreams. Photo: Thu Hien

Some time later, An's mother remarried to settle down and complete the household registration procedures so that her two children could attend school more easily. Her new life was also full of difficulties, as she had to both care for her sick youngest daughter and work as a seamstress and tailor.

Tragedy struck again in 2024 when An's father suddenly passed away from a stroke. After her father's death, not wanting to be a burden to her mother, An decided to stay alone in her old rented room. Occasionally, her mother would visit and encourage her, but for the most part, An managed everything in her daily life on her own.

To cover living expenses, rent, tuition, etc., An takes on many part-time jobs outside of class. Her meals are sometimes a lunchbox her mother brings, other times just some vegetables given by her landlord, or a packet of instant noodles to get to class on time. “There are times when I feel tired, lonely, and long for a real home, but then I wipe away my tears and get up to study again. I have to try my best so that I can have a better life in the future and take care of my sick younger sister,” An shared, her eyes welling up with tears.

An studies by herself in her rented room. Photo: Thu Hien

The people in the boarding house often give An a handful of vegetables or a packet of instant noodles to eat for a meal. Photo: Thu Hien

Although the road ahead is still full of challenges, Phu An's faith and dreams have never faded. For the past 11 years, she has consistently maintained the title of a good or excellent student. Entering her final year of high school, she is even more determined to achieve her dream of becoming an engineer or working in the logistics industry.

Please join the "Wings of Dreams" program in giving Ngo Dinh Phu An the opportunity to continue his education, nurture his thirst for knowledge, and continue his youthful journey with determination and faith in kindness.

☎ All charitable donations should be sent to the following address:

+ The "Wings of Dreams" program, Public Relations and Documentation Department, Dong Nai Newspaper, Radio and Television.

+ Or phone number: 0911.21.21.26 (Editor Thu Hien).

+ Receiving account: 197073599999 - Nguyen Thi Thu Hien, VietinBank . Please specify in the transfer details: Support for Phu An.

The "Wings of Dreams" scholarship program (session 123) will take place at 9:30 AM on October 15, 2025 (Wednesday), at Thong Nhat A High School (Trang Bom commune, Dong Nai province).

Thu Hien

Source: https://baodongnai.com.vn/xa-hoi/202510/noi-goc-tro-ngheo-uoc-mo-van-sang-4df14ac/