The miracle of compassion

'Kindness requires no conditions, only a heart that is always ready to help others.'

That is the guiding principle of Thach Ngoc Hai (born in 2002), a social work student at Dong Thap University, as he has traveled thousands of kilometers to bring the wonder of compassion to thousands of children in mountainous regions.

Her love nurtured compassion.

Hai grew up in the loving care of his grandmother after his parents divorced very early. From a young age, Hai struggled with various part-time jobs to help his grandmother and cover his educational expenses. The two lived in a small rented room, and his grandmother was the first person to teach Hai the lesson of compassion: that even in poverty, one must know how to share.

It was this empathy and understanding that led Hai to participate in volunteer activities since his middle school years, and this motivated him to choose to study social work. For him, this part-time work was an experience that helped him develop and mature in life, work, and studies. It was these difficulties and hardships that instilled in this poor student perseverance, strength, and a growing love and compassion for those in need.

"Projects for Children" and a reading room for children.

PHOTO: CHI TRUNG

Recalling those years, Hai couldn't help but be moved: "Those days of hardship helped me get used to independent living, learn to save every penny, cherish the little things, and gave me a heart that knows how to empathize and share with others."

"Projects for Children" and children in mountainous regions.

PHOTO: CHI TRUNG

While in university, Ngoc Hai had many opportunities to engage in community volunteer activities and learn about equality and fairness in the development of people in general and children in particular. Hai gradually realized that education , care, and timely support are the driving forces behind changing the lives of children. This motivated Thach Ngoc Hai, a university student, to do something specifically for poor children, children with disabilities, and children in particularly difficult circumstances.

Thousands of children received support.

PHOTO: CHI TRUNG

Share your love with underprivileged children.

And then the dream came true: "The Project for Children" was officially launched on June 1, 2023. This is like a gift I'm giving to children on International Children's Day.

Initially, "The Project for Children" simply meant giving children a notebook, a book, a meal, a scholarship, a friendly environment, a study corner, a cake, a lantern… But more than that, it was a ray of hope, a warm and affectionate hug, and the right amount of care to help them develop comprehensively.

"Projects for Children" attracts many young people to become volunteers.

PHOTO: CHI TRUNG

From just a few initial members, "Project for Children" now has 14 members and over 800 collaborators, more than 1,600 "ambassadors of compassion" nationwide, and international students in Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Australia, China, etc., who are supporting and spreading the project's activities.

For Hai, "The Project for Children" goes beyond simply giving gifts; it aims to create a holistic development environment with clear educational goals, providing nutritional and health support, facilities, and healthy, enriching playgrounds for the children. Many practical activities have been implemented, such as: awarding long-term scholarships, building reading rooms and libraries, constructing school canteens, renovating dilapidated facilities, organizing a milk donation campaign, and providing free cooking services…

Nguyen Duong Ngoc Tram, a student at Dong Thap University and a member of the "Project for Children," shared, "Mr. Hai is very enthusiastic, dedicated, and highly responsible. He is always friendly and maintains a positive attitude. Through activities with Mr. Hai, I have learned about the spirit of dedication, professionalism, and perseverance—never giving up no matter how difficult or challenging the circumstances."

Hai's days mainly revolve around studying and social work. When not in school, Hai spends her time planning projects, contacting benefactors, writing reports, or editing media articles. Each trip, each story from the children in the highlands, gives Hai more motivation to live better each day. For Hai, social work is not just a job, but a part of life, a place where she can express her feelings and find meaning in her journey of growing up.

Miss Tran Tieu Vy and the "Project for Children" in Dak Nong (formerly)

PHOTO: CHI TRUNG

Develop "Projects for Children" professionally.

During a program for children in a remote mountainous area, Hai saw a little girl hugging a box of fried chicken without eating it. He approached her and asked, and the girl replied, "I'm saving it to take home for my little sister." Hai was stunned. A small gift, but for these children, it meant something so special. The fact that she thought of her sister at home meant she would grow up to be responsible and sharing. That small act left a lasting impression on Hai, and made him realize that what he was doing was essential and he had to continue.

Perhaps it was this compassion and wonder that connected many volunteers, students, and even Vietnamese beauty queens and runners-up to participate.

The innocent eyes and smiles of children when they receive love are priceless gifts that Hai has received throughout his volunteer journey. The thousands of kilometers traveled, wading through streams, crossing forests, and overcoming countless obstacles have forged in Ngoc Hai perseverance, humility, and a spirit of resilience. The greatest thing Hai has gained is finding meaning in life. He feels that he is not only living for himself, but also contributing to bringing good to others.

Ngoc Hai received a certificate of merit from the Central Committee of the Vietnam Student Association and a certificate of merit from the Central Committee of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union.

PHOTO: CHI TRUNG

Sharing his thoughts with us, Ngoc Hai said that no matter who you are, rich or poor, old or young, you can spread kindness, love, and sharing in life. Through this, you create a network to spread good things in life, aiming to build a kind and compassionate community.

Ngoc Hai receives the National Volunteer Award.

PHOTO: CHI TRUNG

Speaking about the volunteer activities of young people today, Hai expressed his appreciation for the increasing number of young people who are taking the initiative to call for and organize charitable programs in their localities. This shows that the spirit of compassion among young people is spreading, and that is a positive sign for the future.

In the future, Thach Ngoc Hai plans to develop the "Project for Children" professionally, expanding its scope of operation to many provinces and cities nationwide, strengthening long-term support models; developing a team of volunteers; and building a network of connections with businesses, social organizations, and schools to mobilize resources and coordinate the implementation of in-depth activities.

Some of Thach Ngoc Hai's awards:

• The 2024 National Volunteer Award is presented by the Central Committee of the Youth Union.
• The January Star Award is presented by the Central Committee of the Vietnam Student Association.
• Outstanding Young Face of the Lotus Land Award 2024
• 2024 Lotus Land Volunteer Award
• Provincial-level Outstanding Student Award for the 2022-2024 academic year

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/su-dieu-ky-cua-long-nhan-ai-185250716114600235.htm