Redirecting Fate: How Disabled Vietnamese Improve Their Lives Through Hard Work
	Story of "Swimmer" Nguyen Thi Sa Ri's Will to Live

“Sowing Seeds” Class Brings Literacy to Children in Need

A decade ago, Hoang Thi Diu was an ordinary girl working at Dong Hung District General Hospital in Thai Binh. Over time, her health deteriorated, and she experienced an event that resulted in the loss of her ability to walk independently, confining her life to a wheelchair and leading to her breakdown.

Hoang Thi Diu confided: “The best time of my life was in my twenties. At the age of 18-19, I realized that my body was not developing like those of my peers. After consulting a doctor, I was diagnosed with Kallmann syndrome, a genetic disorder that impedes the onset of puberty and is associated with a diminished sense of smell. After battling the disease for a decade, my declining health compelled me to resign from my position at the hospital.”

Hoang Thi Diu and the "Sowing Seeds" class in Ha Giang commune, Dong Hung district, Thai Binh province.

At 27, Hoang Thi Diu experienced swelling in her leg and arm joints, and her legs became so weak that she was unable to walk, necessitating the use of a wheelchair. Her pain intensified whenever the weather changed. "Seeing my elderly and frail parents care for me daily made me feel like a burden. There were moments when I wanted to flee from that life. However, upon reflection, I motivated myself to keep living, to live well for my parents' sake. Despite my weak legs, I still possessed knowledge. I contemplated starting a class to offer free lessons to the children in my commune," she recounted.

The "Sowing Seeds" class transitioned from concept to reality in 2022, originating in a 10-square-meter room within Diu's family home in Ha Giang commune, Dong Hung district, Thai Binh province. Elementary students attending the class receive free instruction in mathematics and Vietnamese, courtesy of her efforts.

Chu Hieu Lam, a student from Ha Giang commune in Dong Hung, Thai Binh, expressed: "Vietnamese is my favorite subject. Diu teaches me how to write elegantly. Whenever there's a lesson at school that I don't understand, I come here and she helps me grasp it."

The eagerness of the children to learn and their daily advancements bring joy and motivate Hoang Thi Diu to persist in her battle against illness. In addition to teaching, Diu has established a free library boasting over 2,000 books catering to various age groups. This library serves not only the children in her classes but also the wider community of Ha Giang commune (Dong Hung, Thai Binh), who are welcome to borrow books and learn.

Teacher Hoang Thi Diu exemplifies unwavering determination, serving as an inspiration to many youths. Embodying the belief that "nothing is impossible," she continues to contribute significantly to society from her wheelchair, imparting knowledge to children facing challenging situations.

Free bookshelf motivates disadvantaged students to study

The first impression of Huynh Thanh Thao (born in 1986, Lap Thuong commune, Cu Chi district, Ho Chi Minh City) is optimism, love of life, and positivism. Despite living with brittle bone disease, a condition resulting from Agent Orange since her childhood, Thao has always relied on a wheelchair and needed her parents' assistance for daily tasks. Yet, she remains joyful, embracing the belief that "happiness is a journey, a journey of courage."

Thao didn't attend school daily but pursued self-study and writing. She conveyed her thoughts through her writing and contributed articles to various newspapers and radio stations. Unconcerned with others' mockery, Thao held the belief that she could accomplish anything others could; much like others enjoyed music and dance, she too could revel in music and dance while lying down, delighting in her unique world.

Huynh Thanh Thao and the bookshelf bringing the big world to children in Cu Chi district, Ho Chi Minh City

Huynh Van Ru, the father of Thao, stated: "I was affected by Agent Orange, which my father encountered during his time on the Tay Ninh battlefield. Despite life's challenges, I strive to live well."

Thao understands the importance of living well to honor her parents' dedication to her upbringing. She relishes social activities and has conceived the idea of establishing a bookshelf, a place where local youth can gather, exchange ideas, and engage in various activities. With the backing of numerous supporters, Thao has also initiated a scholarship fund to aid children facing hardships. During special events, Thao and her team celebrate Children's Day, and the Mid-Autumn Festival, distribute white shirts for the new school year, and host Christmas festivities for the children.

Receiving gifts from the "White Shirt to School" program implemented by Huynh Thanh Thao, little Tran Nguyen Bao Thy (Cu Chi, Ho Chi Minh City) emotionally shared: "I am very grateful to Thao for helping me have a new uniform this school year. The stories Thao tells help me have more motivation in studying and in life."

Thao's bookshelf, boasting over 5,000 books, provides numerous children with valuable resources for their education. "Many thought I was insane to open a book library instead of a profitable gaming business," Thanh Thao shared. "Yet, witnessing the children's enthusiasm for the library and their eagerness to learn fills me with immense joy. That is the true essence of happiness."

The young girl has unveiled a vast and vibrant world for the children. Thao, in her commitment to community service, has earned numerous accolades. She wishes to dedicate these honors to her parents, to fill them with pride for their daughter who, despite her fragile condition, continues to endeavor tirelessly to contribute positively to society.

The "5 No" class is consistently brimming with love

In Nam Dinh, a special class was established through the determination and affection of teacher Nguyen Thi Ngoc Tam from Yen Quang commune, Y Yen district. Known affectionately as Ngoc Tam Thuy Tinh, she was born with brittle bone disease and could not attend school until the age of eight. Despite her fragile health and reliance on a wheelchair, her aspiration to teach drove her to start a special class for tutoring students in her native Y Yen, Nam Dinh. Over the last 16 years, Ngoc Tam Thuy Tinh's class has nurtured hundreds of students.

Nguyen Thi Ngoc Tam offers free classes for children in Yen Quang commune, Y Yen district, Nam Dinh province.

"I established a '5 no' class - no chalk, no blackboard, no podium, no lesson plans, and no tuition. As long as I can speak and the children continue to love me, I will carry on," Ngoc Tam expressed.

The endeavors of Hoang Thi Dieu, Huynh Thanh Thao, and Nguyen Thi Ngoc Tam in spreading love and imparting knowledge have profoundly impacted the community. During the 'Connecting Love' program, Vu Phuong Thanh, a representative from Tan Hiep Phat Company, conveyed her admiration for these women who demonstrate remarkable determination and embody the belief that "nothing is impossible," despite their physical limitations. Beyond presenting gifts for encouragement, the company's representative pledged ongoing support for the program, aiming to encounter more individuals and disseminate their inspiring spirit and resilience throughout the community.

Motivated by a commitment to serve society and uplift the lives facing hardship throughout Vietnam, Tan Hiep Phat has partnered with Nhan Dao Television Channel on the program "Connecting Love" since 2019. This collaboration celebrates individuals with remarkable resolve and bravery to surmount challenges and contribute positively to society. The broadcasted episodes share unique stories from the protagonists, disseminating significant values to the community and aiding in the development of an increasingly improved society.

Driven by a spirit of service, love, and support for those facing hardships, Tan Hiep Phat consistently endeavors to add value to community care and assistance activities. This includes sponsoring 50 children orphaned by Covid-19 until they reach 18 years of age, as well as caring for and aiding Vietnamese heroic mothers from policy families. In 2023, Tan Hiep Phat collaborated with local authorities in the provinces of Binh Duong, Hau Giang, Chu Lai, and Ha Nam to launch the "Connecting Love - Stepping Up to School" program, which awarded 600 scholarships worth a total of 1.2 billion VND, aimed at motivating students in challenging situations to excel academically.

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