Saigon still has so much to offer.

Bui Nguyen Anh Thu, born in 1997, is from Bac Lieu (formerly), currently lives and works in Ho Chi Minh City. She holds a Master's degree in Law from the University of Law, Ho Chi Minh City, and is also the owner of Atichi. This young woman with a radiant smile is using small actions every day to contribute to making the community better.

Besides assisting disadvantaged families in the neighborhood, Anh Thu also participates in programs such as "Living Green - Small Actions, Big Changes" and the AST festival: Safe, Clean, and Civilized, to preserve the green environment by planting trees, picking up trash around their living areas, and designing recycled items.

Anh Thu (right) presents gifts to the Fun Summer Class.

PHOTO: PROVIDED BY THE AUTHOR

I will never forget our last meeting. It was on a rainy Saigon afternoon, beside boxes of steaming vegetarian noodles. The girl, wearing a simple youth union uniform, was sharing love by providing meals to the needy in Xom Chieu ward, Ho Chi Minh City.

It is known that this is not the first time she has engaged in social work. For nearly 10 years, since her first year as a university student, Anh Thư has been involved in and connected with many disadvantaged people. These activities, as a part of her youth, have nurtured a vibrant and compassionate youth for her.

Career guidance activities for students aged 16-18.

PHOTO: PROVIDED BY THE AUTHOR

Empathy from loss

Anh Thu was exposed to social work from a very young age, when she was the Vice President of the CLC40A Chapter at the Ho Chi Minh City University of Law. However, it was only after the Covid-19 pandemic broke out that Anh Thu truly dedicated herself to giving, driven by the dictates of her heart. The barricades, protective gear, ambulance sirens, and heart-wrenching cries from the houses in the alley as the pandemic swept through the city made the young woman far from home feel a pang of sadness amidst the confines of her rented room. Holding bags of rice, biscuits, or vegetables distributed by volunteers, Anh Thu promised herself to multiply the kindness she received. On the thin line between life and death, when "giving" was as crucial as a much-needed vaccine, Anh Thu suddenly realized the true meaning of community service.

So, as the city gradually recovered, twice a month, Anh Thu would participate in cooking and distributing vegetarian food at the "Kitchen of Love" organized by Ward 16, District 4, Ho Chi Minh City (now Xom Chieu Ward), while also coordinating the maintenance of a free vegetable market for needy people in the ward.

Anh Thu (far left) and the neighborhood management committee members in front of rows of vegetables grown in discarded plastic bottles.

PHOTO: PROVIDED BY THE AUTHOR

Anh Thu also voluntarily volunteered to participate in community activities in the ward as a youth union member, and from then on, she diligently carried out social work regardless of the weather. Sometimes she organized summer activities for children in the ward; other times she organized a "pink birthday" program for children in difficult circumstances; participated in career guidance activities for 16-18 year olds, taught at charity classes; donated gifts and played with children in border areas…

In particular, while supporting children affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, Anh Thu suddenly realized that not all wounds can heal completely; perhaps it is time that gradually makes people forget the pain and learn to move forward. Social work is an activity that provides them with love and compassion. And so, the young girl tirelessly "gives back."

Organizing a neighborhood English playground for children, as part of the Fun Summer Classes 2024 program.

PHOTO: PROVIDED BY THE AUTHOR

Give and receive.

Besides her community work in the ward, Anh Thu also established the Atichi Youth Union branch under her own company to carry out community activities. This 27-year-old woman, who started her business from scratch, may not yet have a firm foothold in the market, but she has already managed to dedicate a small space to public service activities.

"Do you ever feel tired?" - I suddenly asked, looking at Thu's smile.

The girl paused for a moment, then nodded: "Yes, of course. The peak activity periods of the ward coincide with the time I'm working on my master's thesis, and then there's my work at the company... it makes my 24 hours feel like they're being torn into tiny pieces. The stress and pressure have significantly affected my mental and physical health."

Then, Anh Thu chuckled softly and added, "But I've never wanted to stop my community activities." Her eyes sparkled as she spoke about giving and receiving: "I give my time, money, and effort, but I also receive so much in return. I gain new friends, new experiences, and lessons that help me grow. Every smile the children give me is a calming balm, soothing the stress in my life. I feel valuable as a person when I still have something to give."

This is just the beginning.

On June 24, 2024, after 10 years as a Youth Union member, Anh Thu had the honor of being admitted into the Party. The young girl in the green uniform suddenly felt the responsibility on her shoulders become heavier than before.

Anh Thu shared that she will continue to do social work with the local Youth Union and through the activities of her company. Because this is just the beginning!

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/sai-gon-con-lam-chu-thuong-185250818105821458.htm