The new students were orphans or had both parents blind, they were so poor that they had to drop out of school to earn money, but they 'rebelled' to enter the lecture hall. Today, they were supported by Tuoi Tre newspaper and benefactors to go to school.
On the afternoon of November 17, at Van Thanh tourist area, Binh Thanh district (HCMC), 231 new students from the Southeast region and many other provinces gathered in the scholarship awarding program "Tiep suc den truong" organized by Tuoi Tre newspaper and Ho Chi Minh City Youth Union.
Including 128 new students from 7 provinces and cities in the Southeast region and 103 scholarships for new students who are considered for scholarships in other provinces and cities studying in Ho Chi Minh City but do not have the opportunity to attend the program in their hometown.
Attending the scholarship awarding ceremony were Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vu Hai Quan - Member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, Secretary of the Party Committee, and Director of the Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City; Mr. Nguyen Ho Hai - Standing Deputy Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee; Mr. Lam Dinh Thang - Member of the City Party Committee and Director of the Department of Information and Communications of Ho Chi Minh City; Mr. Tang Huu Phong - Deputy Head of the Propaganda Department of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee; Ms. Nguyen Thi Nga - Deputy Head of the Culture and Social Affairs Committee of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Council; Mr. Nguyen Hai Nam - Member of the Executive Committee, Deputy Chief of the Central Youth Union Office, and Head of the Southern Youth Union Affairs Department; along with members of the Standing Committee of the City Party Committee, the Standing Committee of the People's Council, and the People's Committee of Ho Chi Minh City; leaders of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee and various departments and agencies of Ho Chi Minh City.
Representing the sponsoring organizations were Mr. Le Quoc Phong - Chairman of the Board of Directors of Binh Dien II Fertilizer Production and Trading Joint Stock Company; Mr. Vu Duy Hai - Chairman of the Board of Directors and General Director of Vinacam Group Joint Stock Company; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thien Tong - Head of the "Supporting Students to School" Club in Thua Thien Hue ; and Mr. Duong Thai Son - Director of Nam Long Paper Packaging Production and Trading Company Limited.
Dr. Le Truong Son - Rector of Ho Chi Minh City University of Law; Dr. Ho Ky Quang Minh - Secretary of the Party Committee, Chairman of the University Council of Saigon University; Dr. Nguyen Xuan Hong - Vice Rector of Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Huynh Thi Thuy Giang - Vice Rector of the University of Economics and Law (Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City); Dr. Cao Tan Huy - Vice Rector of the University of Finance and Marketing;
Mr. Nguyen Kim Lan - Head of the "Supporting Students to School" Club in Tien Giang - Ben Tre; Mr. Huynh Ky Tran - President of the Ben Tre Business Club in Ho Chi Minh City; Ms. Kieu Thi Kim Lan - Vice Head of the "Supporting Students to School" Club in Quang Nam - Da Nang; Mr. Le Thanh Phuong - Binh Duong province; Mr. Truong Ngoc Dung - Deputy General Director of Phat Dat Real Estate Development Joint Stock Company.
On the organizing committee side, there was the participation of Mr. Ngo Minh Hai - Secretary of Ho Chi Minh City Youth Union, Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City Youth Union; journalist Le The Chu - Editor-in-Chief of Tuoi Tre Newspaper; journalist Nguyen Hoang Nguyen - Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Tuoi Tre Newspaper.
Grandma asked the lottery agent to take half a day off from selling lottery tickets to watch her grandchild receive a scholarship.
Nguyen Thi My Hang, a new student at the Ho Chi Minh City University of Transport, and her grandmother came to receive the program's scholarship. Mrs. Nguyen Thi No said she had to take a day off from selling lottery tickets to take her grandchild - Photo: DUYEN PHAN
Coming from Thu Dau Mot City (Binh Duong) to the scholarship award ceremony early, Nguyen Thi My Hang and her granddaughter were more cheerful after many days of anxiously waiting for the opportunity to receive a scholarship. For nearly 10 years, since her father passed away and her mother became ill and unable to work, Hang grew up thanks to her grandmother's lottery tickets, which she had endured through the sun and rain.
Mrs. Nguyen Thi No (67 years old, Hang's grandmother) rides her bike every day trying to sell 150 lottery tickets to earn 150,000 VND to support her daughter and grandchild. With that amount of money, the whole family of three can barely feed themselves, not to mention the money for the grandchild to go to school.
Upon hearing the news that her granddaughter had become a freshman in the Law and Maritime Policy program at the Ho Chi Minh City University of Transport, Mrs. Nở felt a mixture of joy and worry. She was happy that her granddaughter was doing well in her studies, but worried about where the money would come from to support her further education.
Sharing with us when she learned that Hang received a scholarship from Tuoi Tre newspaper, Mrs. No was moved because her grandchild had the first chance to reach the lecture hall.
"I'm so happy. Thank you so much for your scholarship because it has helped my grandchild pay for tuition, otherwise I could not afford it," said Mrs. No. She said that on the afternoon of November 17, she asked the lottery agent for a half-day off to take her grandchild to Ho Chi Minh City to receive the scholarship.
My Hang is also happy and grateful to the benefactors who gave her the scholarship. "When I graduate, I will work to earn money to repay my grandmother and those who helped me," Hang confided.
New students and their relatives attended the scholarship award ceremony "Tiep suc den truong" on November 17 - Performed by: HAI TRIEU - CHI KIEN - NHA CHAN - MAI HUYEN
New student received advance scholarship due to financial hardship: "If Tuoi Tre didn't help, I would have had to drop out of school"
Driving alone a long distance from Binh Chanh district (HCMC) to receive a scholarship, Pham Quach Bao Loc, a new student at the School of Labor and Social Affairs, said he was not tired, but even very happy - Photo: TU TRUNG
Pham Quach Bao Loc, a new student at the School of Labor and Social Affairs (Ho Chi Minh City campus), spent more than an hour driving from his home in Binh Chanh District to the scholarship awarding location. Despite the long journey, Loc said he was not tired and was even very happy.
Lộc is an orphan, his father having passed away. His mother, Quách Ngọc Thu, is now 62 years old. The two rely on each other in a damp house tucked away in an alley in Vĩnh Lộc B commune, Bình Chánh district, Ho Chi Minh City. The bright spot in that makeshift house, constructed from old wooden planks, is the collection of certificates and awards bearing the name Phạm Quách Bảo Lộc for his achievements in academic competitions.
At the end of August, Tuoi Tre newspaper decided to advance the scholarship (15 million VND) so that Loc could complete the enrollment procedures in time.
"Because I was awarded the scholarship in advance, I felt compelled to attend today's ceremony. I wanted to meet and thank the benefactors and the organizers for their timely assistance. Even though I've been scrambling everywhere and working as much as I could, if I hadn't been awarded the scholarship in advance, I probably would have had to drop out of school," Loc said emotionally.
The initial support made Loc full of confidence. Loc said that he has stopped doing heavy work, working late at night (carrying rice, selling goods, baking...) like before. Instead, Loc applied to be a tutor, teaching because it is more convenient.
Just entered university and already working too much, hearing about the scholarship 'wondering if someone is cheating me'
Nguyen Duong Quat Tuan, a new student at the University of Information Technology, Ho Chi Minh City National University, happily called his mother before receiving his scholarship. Tuan's mother is working as a worker in Quang Ngai. Tuan's mother has to shoulder the burden of raising two brothers to study - Photo: DUYEN PHAN
Nguyen Duong Quat Tuan - a freshman at the University of Information Technology, Ho Chi Minh City National University - took the bus at noon from Thu Duc City to Binh Thanh District, where the scholarship award ceremony took place very early. Tuan stood on the stage, sweating profusely after having to walk a long distance.
Even seeing his name on the scholarship list this time, Tuan said he was still very surprised and couldn't believe it. "I was told over the phone that I had been accepted and would receive the scholarship on November 17th, which was a huge surprise. I thought I had been tricked. For me and my mother, this scholarship is incredibly valuable and can help us do so much," Tuan said.
Tuan said he has no father, his mother is a garment worker in Quang Ngai. The small salary is the source of living for his mother and three children (after Tuan, he has a younger sister in 8th grade). Growing up in hardship, Tuan matured very early.
The first time Tuan came to Ho Chi Minh City was to enroll in school, he went alone. Tuan knew he would have to work a lot so he took the initiative to rent a room. Living with four other students in a rented room, cooking for himself or eating free school meals (lunch) helped Tuan save the most on expenses.
"I just got a part-time job editing videos for a company and get paid about 2 million/month. I save that money to pay for accommodation and food. It's hard to have any left over, but if possible, I will save it to pay for tuition," Tuan said.
Associate Professor, Dr. Vu Hai Quan - Member of the Party Central Committee, Party Secretary, Director of Ho Chi Minh City National University: Scholarships are precious gifts, conveying trust to students
Associate Professor Dr. Vu Hai Quan - Member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, Secretary of the Party Committee, and Director of the Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City - Photo: DUYEN PHAN
Associate Professor Vu Hai Quan stated that the Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City has hundreds of thousands of students, many of whom have received scholarships from the "Supporting Students to School" program in the past, and many have found stable jobs and further developed their lives after graduation.
The scholarship demonstrates the community's concern for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. What's even more valuable is that the scholarship instills confidence in these students. Coming from remote rural areas to Ho Chi Minh City, they are not simply feeling lost; the scholarship also strengthens their belief system, giving them the confidence to move forward.
"In addition to the Support to School scholarship, we also introduce and award other scholarships to students, creating conditions for them to stay in the dormitory...
"I hope and expect that despite difficulties, students will join hands towards the future and meet the expectations and concerns of the community," he said.
Associate Professor, Dr. Vu Hai Quan - member of the Party Central Committee, Party Secretary, Director of Ho Chi Minh City National University - said that in recent years, many students of Ho Chi Minh City National University have received support from the Tuoi Tre newspaper's scholarship fund - Implemented by: NHA CHAN - HAI TRIEU - MAI HUYEN
Editor-in-chief of Tuoi Tre newspaper, Le The Chu: Readers look at you and see the future; we look at you and see the need for us to act!
Journalist Le The Chu - Editor-in-Chief of Tuoi Tre newspaper - Photo: TU TRUNG
Speaking at the scholarship awarding ceremony, journalist Le The Chu affirmed that the 231 faces gathered here today have 231 different life stories, but have one thing in common: they have overcome difficulties and adversities, with their will and aspirations, and together walked through the doors of the lecture hall.
"Many examples of studious and determined new university students have touched the hearts of our readers. Tears have been shed by the community, but they were tears of admiration. One reader told Tuoi Tre newspaper : 'Looking at the examples of the "Supporting Students to School" program, we see the future, hope, and also what we need to improve ourselves on.' We, Tuoi Tre newspaper, philanthropists, and readers, admire and are proud of the achievements of these students."
"It can be said that the stories of overcoming difficulties and the resilience of these new students have spread positive energy, like cool water for flowers to bloom in barren land. The energy from these students has made the community, including philanthropists, readers near and far, and our team of journalists, feel the need to act, to be a friend, a brother, and a sister to them," journalist Le The Chu shared.
He stated that the Tuoi Tre newspaper team hopes to provide timely support to ensure that the students' academic aspirations are not left behind. Tuoi Tre newspaper hopes to continue playing the role of a close bridge connecting loving hearts, holding hands with struggling new students, igniting hope, and turning dreams into reality.
Journalist Le The Chu said that today's award ceremony in Ho Chi Minh City is the final milestone of the "Support to School" season in 2024, completing the awarding of 1,334 scholarships to poor new students from 63 provinces and cities with a total amount of funding mobilized over 27.5 billion VND contributed from social resources accompanying Tuoi Tre newspaper.
"This is also a milestone for 22 scholarship seasons with an impressive number of 25,931 poor new students receiving scholarships with a total sponsorship amount of 239 billion VND. We would like to send our deep thanks to all sponsors, philanthropists, and readers near and far for loving the students and trusting us, together turning difficulties into easier tasks, turning dreams into reality", journalist Le The Chu confided.
Addressing the new students who overcame difficulties and received scholarships today, the Editor-in-Chief of Tuoi Tre newspaper, Le The Chu, affirmed that the scholarships awarded today are a recognition of their great efforts. No matter how difficult and challenging the path ahead may be, the new students should never surrender to fate or give up.
"You yourselves will open the door to your future with your own willpower, effort, and great aspirations. Society will always have compassionate arms to support you and always have expectations of you. The country is entering a new era, an era of national progress that needs your contributions. Be worthy of that affection and expectation, and strive continuously to become good citizens, making positive contributions to the development of your homeland and country," he said.
A film about people who dropped out of school to make a living but still 'resist' with resilience
Two new students, Nguyen Ngoc Nhu Uyen and Le Huu Vinh - Performed by: HAI TRIEU - NHA CHAN - MAI HUYEN - TON VU
The entire audience fell into a moving silence as they watched the film depicting the lives of two young people whose lives were intertwined with adversity and hardship. Witnessing their journey of overcoming adversity and their strong will to pursue their academic dreams moved many to tears.
Not only did he help his blind parents see, he also shouldered the 'country' and entered university.
As Uyen shared during the Q&A session of the program - Photo: TU TRUNG
Both parents of the new student of Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry Nguyen Ngoc Nhu Uyen are blind in both eyes. Life is full of hardship and poverty, and Uyen has almost gotten used to it. Until COVID-19 struck, Uyen will always remember it because that is when all the difficulties were at their peak.
In their rented room in Go Vap district, Uyen's father, already frail, developed spinal osteoarthritis and was bedridden. All the burdens of providing food, clothing, and rent fell on the shoulders of this young, weak woman. Uyen single-handedly took on various jobs to support and help her parents.
It seemed that a difficult life had overwhelmed the girl Nguyen Ngoc Nhu Uyen when she decided to drop out of school in grade 11. But then, the will to rise up and the desire to pursue knowledge, and further, the dream of changing her life through writing never faded, as if pulling Uyen back.
After so much hardship from starting out early to make a living, Nhu Uyen can now smile and stride forward as a new marketing student at the Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry. For Mrs. Nguyen Thi Minh Xuan, the time when her daughter Nhu Uyen had to drop out of school to work was a time of despair.
"When my child decided to go back to school and said, 'Mom, I have enough points to pass the university entrance exam,' I was really happy. But then he told me about the tuition fee, I just said 'yes' for fear that he would be sad. Mom and Dad would try to take care of it, but I honestly didn't know how to manage it," Ms. Xuan said, crying.
No words can describe Mr. Phung's utter helplessness because he gave birth to a child but could not provide for him a single day of peace. To try to take care of his child, Mr. Phung is gritting his teeth to endure the pain of his spinal spurs, groping in the dark to make a living by selling goods and cotton swabs.
Thinking about the days ahead, when she has to go to school more, can no longer work extra hours, or make deliveries as much as before… also makes Uyen worried. But Uyen has to make arrangements to seize the opportunity to study - for her, it is also an opportunity to change her life.
Students felt empathy when they saw inspiring stories of overcoming adversity shown at the program - Photo: TU TRUNG
Nguyen Ngoc Nhu Uyen - a new student at Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry - shared her thoughts at the scholarship awarding ceremony - Photo: DUYEN PHAN
Sharing her story on stage, Nguyen Ngoc Nhu Uyen (a new student at Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry) said that over the past 21 years, she has faced three of the biggest challenges in her life. During her school years, Uyen felt inferior because she had to face teasing and ridicule from her friends because her parents were blind.
"But as I gradually got used to it and overcame it, I felt sorry for and proud of my parents. I felt I had to study harder so that I could work and earn money to take care of my parents and younger brother," Uyen said.
The second difficulty was having to choose to drop out of school at the beginning of 11th grade to work at a time when the whole family had lost all income. She then worked at various jobs, from helping out at cafes and bubble tea shops to being a delivery driver for ride-hailing services. After earning some income, Uyen went back to school, graduated from high school, and entered university.
Driven by a thirst for knowledge, the girl knew that only education could help her overcome the darkness that already loomed large within her family. But then, Uyen faced a third difficulty: where would the money come from for her education, as university tuition was an unaffordable sum for her family.
Now receiving a scholarship from philanthropists, Uyen has more motivation to go to school to change her own fate.
"My biggest dream is to be able to finish my studies to take care of my parents and younger brother, then come back to help people in the same situation as me," Uyen confided.
Freshman at Ho Chi Minh City University of Economics - lost both parents, had to work as a worker for 3 years and then study again
Le Huu Vinh - a new student at the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City - Photo: DUYEN PHAN
The life of Le Huu Vinh - an auditing student at the University of Economics, Ho Chi Minh City - is a typical story of determination and perseverance. Orphaned at a young age, Vinh had to stop studying to work as a factory worker for 3 consecutive years.
It seemed as though his dream of pursuing an education had ended, but with strong willpower, Vinh decided to return to school and pursue knowledge. The hope of opening new doors for himself was the driving force behind Vinh's progress.
Despite taking three years off from school to work as a factory worker, Vinh was in no way inferior to his classmates when he returned to teaching. As an orphan, doing all the household chores himself was almost a normal part of Vinh's life.
Seeing Vinh lost in life, Ms. Nguyen Hue Thu (Vinh's older sister) moved to Ho Chi Minh City to live and earn a living by doing all kinds of jobs, conveniently taking care of her younger brother.
"Currently, both sisters do not have a home and rely on family outside. But we will try to make sure Vinh does not have to drop out of school. It is too difficult for him to drop out of school," said Hue Thu's older sister.
Despite facing hardship, a lack of affection, and emotional support, everyone in the audience was surprised by Le Huu Vinh's perseverance. Perhaps his early maturity and self-reliance from a young age made Vinh very understanding and insightful, viewing difficulties as motivation.
"It's better to have both parents, without parents it's like a broken string," but with all his determination, Huu Vinh wanted to fix the "string" of his life. And the way for Vinh to fix his life was nothing other than to study.
On stage, Le Huu Vinh (Ho Chi Minh City University of Economics) shyly recounted the time he had to drop out of school due to financial difficulties. However, for Vinh, that time spent working as a factory worker was incredibly meaningful. It allowed him to better understand his strengths and passions.
It was these perspectives that gave Vinh the motivation to return to the lecture hall, and now he is confidently walking into the lecture halls of a university.
The audience was moved to tears when Vinh's older sister, who had worked tirelessly to raise him, unexpectedly appeared. The embrace between Le Huu Vinh and his sister Nguyen Hue Thu, along with the reunion created by the special program, brought the entire audience to tears.
"Vinh's ability to come to school today is a result of so much effort. No matter what, as a sister, I will try harder so that Vinh can go to school and study like his friends," said his sister Nguyen Hue Thu.
The two sisters, new university students Le Huu Vinh, were moved to tears during the scholarship award ceremony - Photo: TU TRUNG
Listening to the stories shared by the two speakers on stage, Do Thi Xuan Mai, a new student at Ho Chi Minh City University of Education from Dong Nai province, shared with tears in her eyes: "Hearing your story, I saw myself in it, and I couldn't hold back my emotions. I also lost my father when I was 6 months old. My mother sells vegetables to support my brother and me through school. My older brother is currently in his fourth year."
I went to Ho Chi Minh City to study and live in a rented house. Every month, no matter how frugal I was, I still spent about 1.6 million VND on the rent. As for food, I brought food and vegetables from home to share with my roommates to help my mother save money.
On weekends, I take the bus home to help my mother sell vegetables, and on the other days, I bring vegetables and some food back to school. There are many students who have it harder than me, so I will try to overcome all difficulties."
Dr. Tang Ha Nam Anh (Viet Orthopedic Clinic) - sponsor: Tuition fees are getting increasingly high, which saddens me, because poor students might drop out.
Dr. Tang Ha Nam Anh - Vietnam Orthopedic Clinic - Photo: DUYEN PHAN
Dr. Nam Anh said that due to his busy work schedule, he previously had little opportunity to participate in social activities, especially helping poor new university students. However, the continuous increase in tuition fees by universities has troubled him, because with tuition fees at many schools reaching nearly 100 million VND per year, he fears that many young people, no matter how academically gifted, will find it difficult to afford to attend.
"I accidentally read an article about a new student who was very good at studying, had high scores, and was admitted to a quality school, but because of poverty, he thought about dropping out of school. From then on, I became more interested in the program, and gradually accompanied and contributed a little to help them get started," said Dr. Nam Anh.
Dr. Tang Ha Nam Anh said he was more concerned, because after all, all the help and value of the scholarship was limited. From there, he hoped that new students would need to clearly define their own learning path, strive, and work carefully.
A new student from Cu Chi went to Van Thanh to receive a scholarship but was afraid of getting lost, so a kind neighbor escorted his mother, children, aunt, and niece for free...
Ngo Thi Kieu Vy (standing in the middle), a new student at Saigon University, receives her scholarship with her family - Photo: DUYEN PHAN
One of the first students to receive the scholarship was Ngo Thi Kieu Vy, a freshman from Cu Chi District, Ho Chi Minh City, at Saigon University.
Vy lost her father during the days preparing for her 12th grade graduation exam. The burden of making a living fell on her hard-working mother, a worker for a shoe factory.
"My mother's salary supports the whole family. I feel so sorry for her. When I get a scholarship, I will save it to pay for tuition, to help my mother ease some of her worries," Vy confided.
Vy's mother took her to receive the scholarship, along with her aunt and two cousins. A local driver offered to give them a free ride. "I saw how difficult their situation was, and how hard Vy was trying to get into university, so I helped drive them to receive the scholarship and encouraged her, telling her that no matter how difficult things get, she will have people by her side," Mr. Trong said.
Known as a resident of Ho Chi Minh City, Ngo Thi Kieu Vy (a 12th grader at An Nhon Tay High School, Cu Chi District) rarely gets to go to the city center. Now she knows all the bus routes to get from her accommodation in Binh Chanh District to school and return to Cu Chi District on weekends to visit her family.
Ms. Tong Thi Thanh Tuyen, the homeroom teacher of Ngo Thi Kieu Vy's 12th grade class, informed us by phone that Vy achieved a GPA of 9.0 in her 12th grade year, earning her the title of excellent student, and also received good conduct. Despite facing a family tragedy, with her father passing away in the final days of her 12th grade year, she persevered and continued her studies, achieving excellent results and gaining admission to Saigon University.
Dr. Nguyen Xuan Hong - Vice Rector of Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry - the sponsoring unit: It is an honor to be part of Tuoi Tre 's talent nurturing program.
Dr. Nguyen Xuan Hong - Vice Rector of the University of Industry - Photo: DUYEN PHAN
Sharing at the scholarship awarding ceremony, Dr. Nguyen Xuan Hong said that in addition to training and scientific research, community service is also a task that Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry focuses on.
"The school's motto is not to let students drop out of school due to lack of funds. Therefore, we are honored to join Tuoi Tre newspaper in contributing our efforts to the journey of nurturing the future of the country.
I was also a student, so I understand the value of being helped when you are not able to go to school. And I see that students also appreciate that," said Dr. Hong.
The older sister acts as a 'parent' for her younger sister who lacks affection, rejoicing that her sister is receiving support.
Ms. Thanh Nhon works as a factory worker in Dong Nai province. Today, she happily carried her child and brought Lai Thi Thanh Ngan to receive a scholarship. Ms. Nhon shared: "Thanh Ngan has lived with me since she was born, so when we received the good news about her receiving a scholarship, my sister and I, along with her, participated in the Tuoi Tre Newspaper's 2024 'Supporting Students to School' program." - Photo: TU TRUNG
Attending the scholarship award ceremony with her older sister from Thong Nhat district (Dong Nai province), Lai Thi Thanh Ngan (a new student in the multimedia communication major at the College of Radio and Television II) said that this scholarship is extremely meaningful to her, as it can help cover and repay the money her sister borrowed earlier to pay her tuition fees at the beginning of the year.
Ngân confided that her father passed away before she was born, and her mother later remarried. Since childhood, Ngân and her sister have relied on each other to grow up.
Ms. Lai Thi Thanh Nhon (Ngan's older sister) was overjoyed that her sister had been accepted into college to pursue her dream. Ms. Nhon and her husband are factory workers and have young children to raise. Due to their difficult circumstances, Ms. Nhon had considered having her sister drop out of school many times, fearing they wouldn't be able to afford it. But seeing her sister cry and beg her to let her continue her studies, Ms. Nhon tried her best to save her meager salary so that her sister could have the opportunity to fulfill her dream.
Recently, when her younger sister needed money for tuition at the beginning of the school year, in addition to deducting from their salaries, Ms. Nhon and her husband had to borrow money from everywhere, and even pawn a phone for 2 million dong just to make ends meet.
"Now, every time I receive my salary, I set aside a portion for Ngan to cover her food and living expenses. She's also working part-time during holidays to earn extra money for her studies; every penny counts. The scholarship from Tuoi Tre newspaper today has truly given my sister a lot of support," Ms. Nhon expressed.
Lai Thi Thanh Ngan, along with her sister and niece, attended the scholarship award ceremony - Photo by: HAI TRIEU - CHI KIEN - NHA CHAN - MAI HUYEN
Mr. Pham Nam Huong, coordinator of the German-Vietnamese Mutual Assistance and Cooperation Association, sponsor: We trust Tuoi Tre newspaper because of this truly humane program.
Mr. Pham Nam Huong, coordinator of the German-Vietnamese Mutual Assistance and Cooperation Association - Photo: DUYEN PHAN
Mr. Nam Huong stated that the Association has been a partner in the social programs and activities of Tuoi Tre newspaper since the early years of the "For a Developed Tomorrow" program. All of the Association's contributions to social programs are based on trust in Tuoi Tre newspaper.
As soon as they learned about the "Supporting Students to School" scholarship program, the association members felt compelled to participate. "Simply because the program's goal is very humane. Choosing students to support and empower them to pursue their dreams of acquiring knowledge is a sustainable approach; knowledge is the power of society. This is also what we are striving for," shared Mr. Pham Nam Huong.
A mother borrowed 20 million VND at a high interest rate for her child's tuition, and now receives a 15 million VND scholarship: "I'm so happy!"
Tran Hong Ngoc, a new student at Saigon University, traveled with her mother, Huynh Thi Hong Nga, from Dong Nai to receive her scholarship. The family has seven siblings, and Ngoc is the third child. The mother and daughter left Dong Nai at 1 PM because they were afraid of being late. - Photo: DUYEN PHAN
Tran Hong Ngoc, a new student at Saigon University, traveled with her mother, Huynh Thi Hong Nga, from Dong Nai to receive her scholarship. The family has seven siblings, and Ngoc is the third child. The two of them left Dong Nai at 1 PM because they were afraid of being late.
"Ngoc was an excellent student for all 12 years, so I'm very proud. When we heard that our daughter got into university, the whole family was both happy and worried, because we are very poor. We don't own any land; my wife and I work as laborers in the dragon fruit plantation for others. Despite being poor, my wife and I tried our best to support our daughter's education because she is so bright."
When we heard that our daughter had received a scholarship, our whole family was overjoyed, so happy that we couldn't sleep.
Today, I took a day off work to take my daughter to school. With this money, my wife and I can ease the financial burden of the school year for her. The road ahead is long, but we won't let her drop out of school halfway through."
Mr. Nguyen Van Duong, M.Sc. - Deputy Head of the Standing Committee, Student Care Board, University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City - the sponsoring unit: Admiring the students' perseverance, the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City is always ready to help.
MSc. Nguyen Van Duong - Deputy Head of the Standing Committee of the Student Care Board, University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City - Photo: DUYEN PHAN
According to Mr. Nguyen Van Duong, M.Sc., he greatly admires the "Supporting Students to School" program of Tuoi Tre newspaper, because its noble purpose is to help students who lack the resources to complete their studies. Therefore, this year, the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City continues to participate and contribute to helping disadvantaged students study with peace of mind, enabling them to serve themselves, their families, and contribute to society.
"The school hopes that this support will empower students to learn better," said Ms. Duong.
Through scholarship awards in previous years, he noticed that new students greatly valued the scholarships they received.
"The students also promised to try their best in their studies and develop themselves physically to serve the country and support those in similar circumstances, which is wonderful," he said.
Dr. Nguyen Xuan Hong - Vice Rector of Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry and MSc. Nguyen Van Duong - Deputy Head of the Standing Committee of the Student Care Board, Ho Chi Minh City University of Economics, shared their thoughts at the "Supporting Students to School" scholarship award ceremony. (Photos by: Nha Chan - Hai Trieu - Chi Kien - Quang Vinh - Mai Huyen)
With family ties fading away, the girl lives with her grandfather and excels academically.
Pham Thi Kieu Trinh (a new student at the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City) and other disadvantaged new students receive the "Supporting Students to School" scholarship from Tuoi Tre newspaper - Photo: TU TRUNG
Pham Thi Kieu Trinh, from Son Loc village, Cu Hue commune, Ea Kar district, Dak Lak province - a new student at the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City, lost her father at a young age, and her mother remarried, so she currently lives with her maternal grandparents. Her grandparents raise chickens and grow a few vegetables to support their granddaughter's education.
Trinh's maternal grandmother was like a mother, always taking care of her, but then she fell ill and passed away when Trinh was in 12th grade. Before Trinh could recover from the pain of losing her beloved grandmother, she received news that her maternal grandfather had cancer and had to go to Ho Chi Minh City for treatment.
Despite her difficult circumstances, she always remained optimistic. Trinh said, "I can't change my fate or what has happened. Only optimism will help me have a future. After graduation, I hope to find a job so I can take care of my grandfather and my loved ones."
Despite living in a remote district, Trinh's academic achievements are truly remarkable. She has consistently been an outstanding student throughout her 12 years of schooling and holds an IELTS score of 6.0. As an official representative of Vietnam at the Access Summit 2022 in Quang Binh and the Access Summit 2023 in Lao Cai – where she interacted with outstanding students from Laos, Cambodia, and the United States – Trinh also won third prize in the Indochina regional English letter writing competition organized by the Indochina Regional English Office of the U.S. Embassy.
In particular, Trinh had the honor of being one of the outstanding students admitted to the Party last June at Ngo Gia Tu High School.
Before her death, the couple relied on her social welfare allowance, as they had no farmland. Now, Mr. Trinh and her husband have to rely on the money from the chickens and pigs he raises. Trinh said she really hopes to receive this scholarship so she can continue her dream of attending university. She said, "Since the organizers informed me that I received the 'Supporting Students to School' scholarship, I've been incredibly happy and less worried about the tuition fees for the next semester. I'm grateful for the timely support from those who have helped me during this difficult time."
Mr. Truong Ngoc Dung, Deputy General Director of Phat Dat Real Estate Development Joint Stock Company - the sponsor: We are impressed with the students' passion for learning.
Mr. Truong Ngoc Dung, Deputy General Director of Phat Dat Real Estate Development Joint Stock Company - Photo: DUYEN PHAN
Mr. Truong Ngoc Dung said he was deeply moved by the inspiring stories of the new university students overcoming difficulties and striving for success, as published in Tuoi Tre newspaper. After witnessing the hardships faced by these new students, he was deeply impressed by their passion for learning and their unwavering determination to pursue and conquer knowledge. This is also the basis for Mr. Dung's belief in a bright, dynamic, and developing Vietnam in the future, a belief placed in a young generation full of knowledge and determination.
Mr. Vu Duy Hai - Chairman of the Board of Directors and General Director of Vinacam Group Joint Stock Company - attended the scholarship awarding ceremony on November 17th. The Vinacam Scholarship Fund - Vinacam Group Joint Stock Company - sponsored money and gifts worth 3.1 billion VND for the "Supporting Students to School 2024" program. - Photo: DUYEN PHAN
Mr. Vu Duy Hai - General Director of Vinacam Group Joint Stock Company and Mr. Truong Ngoc Dung - Deputy General Director of Phat Dat Real Estate Development Joint Stock Company shared some words of advice with the new students - Reported by: Nha Chan - Hai Trieu - Chi Kien - Quang Vinh - Mai Huyen
Watching the documentary about 22 seasons of "Supporting Students to School," many new students, accompanying parents, and guests were moved to tears by the archival footage.
Those were tears of empathy and understanding between the new students. Those tears also reflected the heartache and helplessness of parents who couldn't provide enough care and resources for their beloved children to have a stable life, and the concern of sponsors who knew that scholarships alone weren't enough to alleviate the uncertainty faced by these new students.
22 Seasons of "Supporting Students to School" - Performed by: Nha Chan - Mai Huyen - Cong Tuan
Former student Dong Van Hieu An, a radiation safety engineer at Xuyen A General Hospital (Cu Chi District, Ho Chi Minh City), who received support to return to school, said: "I am very happy to be back."
Mr. Dong Van Hieu An attends the back-to-school support ceremony - Photo: DUYEN PHAN
Dong Van Hieu An expressed his happiness at returning to attend today's ceremony. It brought back many fond memories of the time he received that valuable scholarship. He quoted President Ho Chi Minh's poem, " Hearing the Sound of Rice Pounding ," which his grandfather had read to him, as a way to convey a message to the new students: "Rice is pounded with much pain / Once pounded, it becomes white like cotton / Life is the same / Only through hardship and training can one achieve success."
"I want to tell you all that life always has its difficulties. Therefore, you must always remain steadfast because success can only be achieved through overcoming hardships," said Hieu An.
Master's degree holder Dong Van Hieu An - Radiation Safety Engineer at Xuyen A General Hospital, former scholarship recipient - Interview by: Nha Chan - Chi Kien - Hai Trieu - Quang Vinh - Mai Huyen
231 scholarships for underprivileged new students.
A total of 128 scholarships from 7 provinces and cities in the Southeast region, worth over 2 billion VND (including 124 scholarships worth 15 million VND each for new students and 4 special scholarships worth 50 million VND for the entire 4 years of study for new students from extremely disadvantaged backgrounds).
Funding for new students from 7 provinces and cities in the Southeast region is provided by the German-Vietnamese Mutual Assistance and Cooperation Association, Professor Phan Luong Cam - wife of the late Prime Minister Vo Van Kiet, Mr. Duong Thai Son and his friends, Vinacam Scholarship Fund - Vinacam Group Joint Stock Company, "Accompanying Farmers" Fund - Binh Dien Fertilizer Joint Stock Company, Dai-ichi Life Vietnam Company, Ho Chi Minh City Commercial Cooperative Union (Saigon Co.op), Hoang Kim Joint Stock Company, Ho Chi Minh City University of Economics, Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry, Ho Chi Minh City University of Trade and Industry, Ho Chi Minh City University of Law, University of Economics and Law (Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City), University of Finance - Marketing, Saigon University, Van Lang University, Ho Chi Minh City University of Education, University of Information Technology (Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City) and readers of Tuoi Tre newspaper.
In addition, Nestlé Vietnam Co., Ltd. sponsored backpacks as gifts for new students, and the Vinacam Scholarship Fund - Vinacam Group Joint Stock Company sponsored 13 laptops for new students facing particular difficulties and lacking learning equipment. The Viet My English Language Center provided 20 free IELTS preparation courses for new students studying in Ho Chi Minh City.
This is the 12th and final scholarship awarding ceremony in the 2024 "Supporting Students to School" scholarship program for new students under the 601st "For a Developed Tomorrow" program of Tuoi Tre newspaper. In 2024, the program awarded scholarships to 1,334 disadvantaged new students across 63 provinces and cities nationwide with a total budget of over 21 billion VND (15 million VND per scholarship and 20 special scholarships of 50 million VND/4 years).
In addition to the 128 disadvantaged new students from 7 provinces and cities in the Southeast region, the "Supporting Students to School" program of Tuoi Tre newspaper for new students is also organized to provide assistance in other regions: Central Vietnam, the Central Highlands, 11 provinces and cities in the Mekong Delta, provinces and cities in the North, Northwest and North Central Vietnam.
Students enthusiastically attended the ceremony - Photo: DUYEN PHAN
Associate Professor Vu Hai Quan - member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, Secretary of the Party Committee, and Director of the Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City (on the left) and Mr. Nguyen Ho Hai - Permanent Deputy Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee, present scholarships to new students.
Mr. Ngo Minh Hai, Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Youth Union and President of the Vietnam Youth Union of Ho Chi Minh City (left), and journalist Le The Chu, Editor-in-Chief of Tuoi Tre newspaper, present scholarships to new university students - Photo: DUYEN PHAN
Mr. Lam Dinh Thang - member of the City Party Committee, Director of the Department of Information and Communications of Ho Chi Minh City (left) and Mr. Tang Huu Phong - Deputy Head of the Propaganda Department of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee, present scholarships to support students' education - Photo: TU TRUNG
Mr. Le Thanh Phuong from Binh Duong province (on the left) presents scholarships to new students.
Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Thien Tong (left) and Dr. Le Truong Son - Rector of Ho Chi Minh City University of Law (right)
Dr. Nguyen Xuan Hong - Vice Rector of Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry - presents the "Supporting Students to School" scholarship to new students.
Mr. Huynh Ky Tran - Chairman of the Ben Tre Business Club in Ho Chi Minh City (on the right) - Photo: DUYEN PHAN
MSc. Nguyen Van Toan (left) - Head of Student Affairs Department, University of Information Technology (Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City) - presents the "Supporting Students to School" scholarship to students - Photo: DUYEN PHAN
Associate Professor Vu Hai Quan - Member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, Secretary of the Party Committee, and Director of the Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City; Mr. Nguyen Ho Hai - Permanent Deputy Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee, along with city leaders, the Ho Chi Minh City Youth Union, and the Editor-in-Chief of Tuoi Tre newspaper, presented scholarships to support students' education - Photo: DUYEN PHAN
Mr. Tang Quy - Chief Accountant of Binh Dien Mekong Joint Stock Company and Ms. Ly Thi Minh Nguyet - General Director of Minh Nguyet Automobile Co., Ltd., Vice President of Ben Tre Business Association in Ho Chi Minh City (on the right) - Photo: TU TRUNG
Doctor Tang Ha Nam Anh and representatives from Nestle Company present scholarships to support students' education - Photo: TU TRUNG
Dr. Nguyen Van Dau (left) presents scholarships to support students' education - Photo: TU TRUNG
Lawyer Vo Xuan Tan - Deputy Head of the Tien Giang - Ben Tre School Support Club (on the left) and Mr. Duong Minh Thang - Director of Viettel Post Ho Chi Minh City branch.
MSc. Nguyen Thai Chau - Director of the Library of the University of Finance - Marketing (left) and MSc. Cu Xuan Tien - Head of Admissions and Student Affairs Department of the University of Economics - Law (Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City) award scholarships to new students - Photo: TU TRUNG
Mr. Tran Duc Nhan - Standing member of the Go Cong, Tien Giang Province Compatriots Association in Ho Chi Minh City, and Ms. Le Thi Xuan Lan, representative of the German-Vietnamese Mutual Assistance and Cooperation Association - Photo: TU TRUNG
Mr. Duong Minh Tri - representative of the German-Vietnamese Mutual Aid and Cooperation Association - presented scholarships to support students' education, and Ms. Ngo Ngoc Nga, a former student of the "For a Better Tomorrow" program, received her scholarship for the first time. She is currently the Director of Operations at Shinhan Vietnam Finance Company Limited. - Photo: TU TRUNG
The program awarded four special scholarships worth 50 million VND each for four years of study to Le Huu Vinh - a new student at the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City, Nguyen Ngoc Nhu Uyen - a new student at the University of Industry Ho Chi Minh City, Nguyen Le Ngoc Ha - Tay Nguyen University, and Huynh Thuy Linh - University of Natural Resources and Environment Ho Chi Minh City. - Photo: DUYEN PHAN
Thirteen disadvantaged new university students from seven provinces in the Southeast region received laptops from the Vinacam Scholarship Fund - Vinacam Group Joint Stock Company to provide them with learning equipment. These students include: Nguyen Thanh Trung - Ho Chi Minh City University of Agriculture and Forestry; Pham Quach Bao Loc - University of Labor and Social Affairs; Mai Hoang Tuyet Kieu - Ho Chi Minh City University of Banking; Nguyen Phi Duc Minh - Ton Duc Thang University; Nguyen Thi Hong Nhung - Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology, Vietnam National University; Lai Thi Thanh Ngan - College of Radio and Television II; Do Hoang Tan Thuan - Nguyen Tat Thanh University; Le Ngoc Tai - Ho Chi Minh City University of Agriculture and Forestry; Nguyen Do Nhu Hang - Ho Chi Minh City University of Economics; Nguyen Tan Phat - Ho Chi Minh City University of Technical Education; Luong Thi Nguyet - Ho Chi Minh City University of Technical Education; Tran Thi Bich Van - Ho Chi Minh City University of Social Sciences and Humanities; and Nguyen Tuan Kiet - Ho Chi Minh City University of Agriculture and Forestry.
Guests present laptops to students - Photo: TU TRUNG
Guests present laptops to students - Photo: TU TRUNG
Vinacam Scholarship Fund - Vinacam Group Joint Stock Company sponsored 13 laptops for new university students facing extreme difficulties and lacking learning equipment - Photo: DUYEN PHAN
The Vietnam-America English Language Center is offering 20 free IELTS preparation courses for new university students studying in Ho Chi Minh City - Photo: TU TRUNG
The 2024 " Supporting Students to School" program received contributions and support from the "Farmers' Companion" Fund - Binh Dien Fertilizer Joint Stock Company, the Vinacam Scholarship Fund - Vinacam Group Joint Stock Company, and the "Quang Tri Solidarity" Clubs in Phu Yen; the "Supporting Students to School" Clubs in Thua Thien Hue, Quang Nam - Da Nang, Tien Giang - Ben Tre, and the Tien Giang - Ben Tre Business Clubs in Ho Chi Minh City, Dai-ichi Life Vietnam, Mr. Duong Thai Son and his friends, along with various businesses and numerous readers of Tuoi Tre newspaper…
In addition, Vinacam Group Joint Stock Company also sponsored 50 laptops for new students facing extreme difficulties and lacking learning equipment, worth approximately 600 million VND. Nestlé Vietnam Co., Ltd. sponsored 1,500 backpacks worth approximately 250 million VND. Viet My English Language Center sponsored 50 free foreign language scholarships worth 625 million VND. Bac A Commercial Joint Stock Bank sponsored 1,500 books on financial education and financial management skills for new students...
Source: https://tuoitre.vn/tan-sinh-vien-duoc-ung-truoc-hoc-bong-neu-tuoi-tre-khong-giup-toi-phai-nghi-hoc-roi-20241117150549536.htm
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