Vietnamese doctor couple treats, teaches Vietnamese, guides farming in Angola

Vietnamese couple Nguyen Xuan Quyet and Nguyen Thi Quynh are currently working at a hospital in Cuanza Norte province, Angola (Africa). They are bringing a new "vitality" to a land where is hot and dry all year round.
April 12, 2021 | 11:27
Collectives and individuals in Japan honoured for contributions to community Collectives and individuals in Japan honoured for contributions to community
Vietnamese community in Russia unites to surmount difficulties caused by Covid-19 Vietnamese community in Russia unites to surmount difficulties caused by Covid-19
Vietnamese in Poland: Sharing spirit in the ranging pandemic Vietnamese in Poland: Sharing spirit in the ranging pandemic

Leaving 10-month-old daughter at home to come to Angola to help residents

After graduating from the faculty of Diagnostic Imaging, Nguyen Xuan Quyet (born in 1990, from Thanh Hoa province) and his wife Nguyen Thi Quynh (born in 1990, from Hai Duong), an ophthalmologist, volunteered to Angola to work under the cooperative program of the Health Ministry. It took them one year to prepare everything such as learning Portuguese as well as survival skills in the geographical environment, extreme weather, and epidemics, etc.

Vietnamese doctor couple treats, teaches Vietnamese, guides farming in Angola
The couple Quyet, Quynh and Cuban doctor. Photo courtesy of Quyet

In Angola, the couple along with doctors from Cuba, Russia treat the locals. They have received a lot of affection from Angolan people.

Doctor Quyet said that the biggest gift that he received was the love and trust of patients and the Vietnamese community in the host country. That is also his great joy and happiness.

Vietnamese doctor couple treats, teaches Vietnamese, guides farming in Angola
Dr. Quyet (R) and his colleagues at the hospital. Photo courtesy of Quyet

In 2017, after 3 years of working, Dr. Quyet and his wife returned to Vietnam and decided not to come back to Angola. However, they missed Angola and returned to the nation for the second time in December 2019. When they left, their daughter was only 10-month-old and had just started weaning.

“Despite missing my daughter, my family, we decided to come to Angola again because of our love for this country and the people here. When I meet the Angolan children, I feel like that I am playing and talking with my child”, Dr. Quyet told to VietnamTimes’ reporter.

Promoting Vietnamese cultural identity to Africa

Apart from treating patients, Quyet and Quynh have brought Vietnamese culture closer to the Angolan people.

The hot and arid weather in Africa has been almost “subdued” under the young couple’s hands. With the farming experience in Vietnam, they grow various types of vegetables.

In addition, the couple teaches Math and Vietnamese for children here.

Vietnamese doctor couple treats, teaches Vietnamese, guides farming in Angola
Quynh teaches children Math and Vietnamese. Photo courtesy of Quyet

“Children here are really interested in studying, especially Vietnamese. In my neighborhood, there is a person who used to be an international student at the University of Agriculture, so when hearing I talk with that person in Vietnamese, children are more excited,” Quyet said.

Quyet added that most of the children in Angola are obedient and adore foreigners. Residents are hospitable and gentle. After a while, everyone can speak some simple Vietnamese sentences.

Vietnamese doctor couple treats, teaches Vietnamese, guides farming in Angola
Quynh next to her vegetable garden. Photo courtesy of Quyet

“Promoting the Vietnamese cultural identity to the African people has always been our desire”, Quyet shared.

Quyet and his wife have also guided the local people on how to raise and cultivate scientifically for high productivity.

“We help the locals with farming methods and seeds to improve the productivity and quality”, he said.

Vietnamese doctor couple treats, teaches Vietnamese, guides farming in Angola
Quyet takes a photo with children in Angola. Photo courtesy of Quyet

Taking advantage of free time, Nguyen Xuan Quyet and his wife also make videos featuring life in Angola and post them on a YouTube channel called “Ahihi - life in Africa”. Their channel has garnered huge attention from viewers.

Over 3,600 Vietnamese stranded in Asian destinations to repatriate

Over 3,600 Vietnamese stranded in Asian destinations to repatriate

The government has given permission to carriers to operate flights in the next few weeks to bring home 3,640 Vietnamese stuck in Japan, South Korea, ...

Vietnamese community make efforts to integrate into life in Japan

Vietnamese community make efforts to integrate into life in Japan

In spite of facing some challenges, the Vietnamese community in Japan has made efforts to integrate into life in the host country.

Memorable experience of Vietnamese tourists in the deepest lake of the world

Memorable experience of Vietnamese tourists in the deepest lake of the world

Vietnamese tourists have experienced unforgettable memories when visiting Lake Baikal, the deepest one in its kind of the world.

Malie Nguyen
Phiên bản di động