Overcoming adversity, continuing to pursue dreams.

Despite being orphans and living in poverty, the students at Yen Bai Vocational College in Lao Cai province diligently work in workshops and classrooms with determination: to learn a trade to change their destiny. On this journey, they are not alone, always supported by their teachers and embraced by the kindness of the community. Meaningful Tet gifts serve as a source of encouragement, helping them confidently pursue their dreams of building a career.

The shock of losing his mother in 2022 was a huge blow to Doan Hoang Quan, a young man from Chan Thinh commune. Orphaned by his mother's death, Quan went to live with his uncle to find support while continuing his studies. Currently a first-year student in Automotive Technology and Machine Operation, independent life in the city is not easy for a freshman, especially without his mother's care. Instead of being sad or insecure, he maintains a positive attitude, diligently studying and honing his skills.

Student Doan Hoang Quan (in the blue shirt) during a practical lesson.

Choosing automotive technology as his major, Hoang Quan shared that it's not just a passion, but also a plan for the future. Quan understands that in the modern era, this profession offers broad job opportunities and stable income, allowing him to become independent and help his family early on.

Commenting on his student, teacher Hoang Manh Quan couldn't hide his pride: "Hoang Quan is a very diligent and well-behaved student. Despite his particularly difficult family circumstances, he has the willpower, determination, and resolve to study and change his destiny, always striving his best in both theoretical and practical classes."

Teacher Hoang Manh Quan always wholeheartedly guided and taught his determined student.

Not far away, at the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, Giang A Khoa, a young man of the Mong ethnic group, harbors the aspiration to become wealthy in his homeland. Coming from De Sua – one of the particularly disadvantaged villages in Lao Chai commune – and from a poor family, Khoa understands that only through vocational training can he and his family escape their difficult lives.

Khoa is currently in his first year of a Veterinary Animal Husbandry college program. This decision stems from the local reality: In his village, no one has received formal training in veterinary medicine, leading to frequent risks to livestock farming due to disease outbreaks.

The student Giàng A Khoá was diligently studying in the classroom.

"I'm studying so I can go back and help my family and relatives in the village. With knowledge, livestock farming will be more efficient, and that's the shortest path to escaping poverty," Khoa confided.

Similar to Hoang Quan and Giang A Khoa, Nguyen Long Giang – a student in the CN1-K1 Electronics College Transfer Program – also faces a very difficult situation. Both his parents have passed away, and Giang currently lives with his older sister in Yen Binh commune. This early loss has forced Giang to mature more than his peers.

Nguyen Long Giang (in the blue shirt) during a class session.

After graduating from a vocational school (combining general education and vocational training), Giang quickly demonstrated her capabilities by working while continuing her studies to obtain a college degree. Currently, she is a machine operator at the FILL MASTER plastic factory (Southern Industrial Zone of the province) with an income of 10 million VND/month. However, she clearly understands that to achieve a higher position and better income in a competitive industrial environment, qualifications and in-depth professional skills are essential.

Long Giang confided, "I don't want to be just a simple machine operator forever. I want to work in a higher management or technical position. Although it's hard to balance work and study, I will try my best to have a stable future and a better income later." During the day, she works, and in the evenings or on her days off, she diligently studies electronics. Giang's perseverance is a strong affirmation of her will to succeed and not surrender to fate.

Because he was working while studying, Nguyen Long Giang always took advantage of opportunities to learn more.

The tireless efforts of these determined young men have touched the hearts of many, filling the loneliness of their journey to make a living with the love and sharing of the community. In the days leading up to Tet (Lunar New Year), the joy of the three boys was multiplied when they received warm gifts from generous donors. These gifts, of immense spiritual value, are a recognition of their tireless efforts over the past time, helping them forget their hardships and losses and giving them more confidence on their path to building a life and career.

Giàng A Khóa (first from the right), followed by Nguyễn Long Giang and Doãn Hoàng Quân, receive Tet gifts from benefactors.

Bidding farewell to these determined young men at Yen Bai Vocational College, I will always remember their resolute gazes as they looked towards the workshops and lecture halls. Adversity may have deprived them of emotional fulfillment, but it cannot take away their right to dream and strive.

With the fields of study they have chosen, we believe that in the future, Hoang Quan will become a skilled mechanic, Giang A Khoa will help his village change its livestock farming methods, and Long Giang will go further in the modern industrial environment. These "stone flowers" are sprouting day by day from hardship, spreading their fragrance through the value of their labor and their unwavering will to succeed.

Source: https://baolaocai.vn/vuot-len-nghich-canh-viet-tiep-uoc-mo-post893650.html