From Australian scholarship to humanitarian journey

Empowered by a scholarship sponsored by the Australian Government, disabled girl Nguyen Thi Van found her mission and turned the opportunity into a humanitarian bridge between the two countries.

From a special opportunity to study abroad, Ms. Nguyen Thi Van - a small disabled girl - wrote an inspirational story about determination, equality and strong friendship between the two countries.

- Having just finished grade 12, not fluent in English, and having health limitations, what was the secret that helped you win the Australia Awards Fellowships scholarship from the Australian Government ?

I received this prestigious scholarship in 2014, the first time I went to Australia. When I received the scholarship, I was really facing many difficulties because firstly, I did not have a university degree, I had only finished grade 12, while normally those who received the scholarship already had a university degree.

Not only that, although the program gives priority to disabled candidates, I am a special case, always needing a support person. In addition, at that time, my English was not very good, only at the basic communication level, and my specialized English was not yet achieved, so personal difficulties became a big challenge.

What is particularly interesting about the scholarship program is that it does not focus too much on those factors but rather on the candidate's future contributions, focusing on what the individual candidate can do and how they can contribute after completing their studies.

Receiving this scholarship made me very happy, then I tried to get closer to the requirements that a scholarship candidate needs to prepare before going abroad. Initially, after submitting the application, I did not think I would win, but thanks to the great support from the Australian Government, I tried hard, went to school and made many changes after that.

In fact, getting a scholarship and studying abroad has helped me become a completely different person than before, with a broader perspective, reducing previous worries about the future of a disabled person, increasing experience and knowing more about projects, jobs and creativity, as well as learning and employment opportunities for disabled people.

I have access to a lot of information and opportunities to broaden my horizons, learn and participate in many programs and projects around the world, which gives me more confidence and aspiration in my vision and career, and changes me to become more confident, dream more and bigger.

After returning from studying abroad, I knew my direction clearly, started and carried out plans, turned ideas into reality, organized programs, focused more on projects that could be implemented immediately for the disadvantaged, disabled or victims of violence, and disadvantaged women in society.

- You are one of the people who returned to Vietnam right after graduating in Australia. How did your study abroad journey support you in your subsequent work?

I took a course with a major in supporting women and children. The course focused on topics of supporting victims of domestic violence, human trafficking, and soft skills for people with disabilities were integrated into the program. The most important thing about the course was to give me ideas and practical experience, knowledge in the field of supporting people with disabilities.

When studying this field, I realized that very few people with disabilities go to vocational training (only about 30%) and it is mainly male disabled students. From there, I observed and asked why there is such a big difference.

Through the working process, I realized that gender inequality, even for people with disabilities, there are differences between men and women. Families with 2 disabled people will prioritize men over women.

After returning from studying abroad, I gained knowledge and experience in supporting women in Australia, so I quickly organized the "Will to Live" program and encouraged women with disabilities to participate in vocational training.

The programs we design are balanced, with a ratio of 50/50 or 49/51% to promote greater access to vocational training and integration for women. Many women have changed greatly after participating in our programs: There were periods when women accounted for up to 70%, laying a great foundation for many women to learn a trade and then go to work, even becoming leaders and business owners.

After getting into the actual work, I found that people with disabilities, with diverse levels and subjects, can completely self-study to start their lives independently.

Can do many jobs, such as photo editing, video editing, doing each step in computer-related work categories, providing data for AI, depending on the type of work there will be different requirements, basically disabled people only need 2 flexible hands, even now, when technology has developed, only one hand can do it. Knowing how to read and write, good eyesight is enough to work.

- What inspiration does winning the 2025 Alumni Awards from the Australian Embassy in Vietnam bring to your future work?

I was very surprised to hear that I received this award because in the Australian alumni community there are many people who are excellent at their work and they are also people who can greatly inspire the community.

Being nominated in two categories and winning the "Alumni in the field of economic engagement" category is not only a joy for the individual and the organization, but also a great joy that spreads throughout the disabled community.

The award recognizes the contributions of our individuals and organizations, helps the community know us better, and is a good foundation to support our work in the present and future.

Winning the award for me personally is a great honor. When a disabled person is honored nationally or internationally, it is also a great way to inspire other disabled people.

- As an Australian alumni, what specific contributions have you personally made to promoting cooperation between the two countries?

Returning after studying in Australia in 2014, also to connect more relationships between Vietnamese and Australian alumni, I organized the fashion show “I am beautiful, you too” in Australia, as a thank you to Australia, the great cradle that created the conditions for me to study and maintain that program in Vietnam. Fortunately, this program can be held up to the 7th year.

Fashion Show held in Australia in 2014.

Having experienced and grown through the experiential activities and the excellent education there, with the great support of the scholarship program, I have sent out many promotional messages through my personal image as well as professional activities since graduating. That has been increasingly promoted in projects as well as vocational training programs.

In terms of business, I have had Australian customers, providing services to your country, and the trade between the two sides is very convenient and close.

What's more special is that after studying abroad and deeply connecting myself with the country and people of Australia, I also had a sweet relationship with my Australian husband.

Ms. Van and teachers and classmates during a visit to the Australian Parliament.

- After many years of studying and continuing to work with Australian friends and customers, you must have had many special memories?

I have many memorable memories of the beautiful country of Australia, from the climate to the nature. During my studies, I visited many farms in Australia, and met many people with similar circumstances as me. They were also wonderful, friendly and hard-working in their studies and work.

In addition, the relationship between teachers and students in Australia is also very wonderful. For example, when I told her that I wanted to organize a fashion show here but I only had an idea, nothing in hand, did not know where to start, and needed a lot of resources to be able to implement that idea.

She encouraged me to share my idea with the teachers at school. From there, I received a lot of wholehearted support, everyone pitching in to make the show idea a reality. One teacher introduced her daughter as a makeup artist to do the models’ hair. Another sister introduced the band and MC and sponsored the sound and lighting.

Ms. Van participated in the experience program in Australia.

During my studies in Australia, I had the opportunity to do a lot of field trips, visit models in other countries, how they operate and develop, and from there I can apply them to my future work. I also really like the models they support for women, children, people with disabilities, victims of violence...

Before, I thought domestic violence was only about beatings, but when I went to school there, I learned that violence is not just physical, but also financial, mental, and other aspects.

From there, we can identify forms of violence, whether physical, mental or sexual, for example, and from there we can gain more knowledge to support our work and students in the future.

- As a disabled person, what advice do you have for people in similar situations to achieve success and experience what is possible?

Through the Australia Awards Fellowships, I have connected with many people and also helped them succeed in their scholarship journey.

Because usually, when you hear about the scholarship, you think you won't win. Or you are facing barriers like I did before, such as poor English and poor health, it will be difficult to be selected to go.

Therefore, I advise you that if you have a dream, a desire to experience learning and bring that knowledge back to contribute to society, then boldly register your profile, share so that the program side knows your wishes. Then the advisory board as well as alumni will advise you further to complete the profile and roadmap well.

I am a very practical person, so I often advise people around me to be practical. Prove yourself through actions, no need to talk much, just do it and wait for the results.

For me, I just like to work and participate in activities. If I can help someone, I will do it wholeheartedly. I am also a bold person. When I have an idea or a desire to do something, I will do it immediately, without fear or hesitation. If I like it, I will do it and try every way. The important thing is that I think the idea is good and meaningful, then I will do it. When I do it, I am not afraid of difficulties or failure.

Thank you!

Bao Chau

Source: https://vtcnews.vn/tu-hoc-bong-australia-den-hanh-trinh-nhan-ai-ar986528.html