Dream still shines in a poor boarding house

Amid the innocent laughter and vibrant dreams of school life, there are still students who must quietly overcome countless hardships to continue their studies. One such student is Ngo Dinh Phu An, a grader from class 12A4 at Thong Nhat A High School in Trang Bom Commune, Dong Nai Province.

Having lost his father at an early age and with his mother remarried, Phu An has no close relatives to rely on. In a small rented room, he lives alone, taking care of himself while balancing part-time work and study to move closer to his dream of becoming an engineer.

Phu An was born into a poor family. His mother is from Dak Lak Province, and his father originally came from Quang Nam. Both moved to Dong Nai in search of work, making a living through various odd jobs. Life was unstable without a home or household registration. When Phu An was in second grade, his parents separated, and he went to live with his father in a rented room in Quang Bien Hamlet, Trang Bom Commune. His father worked as a freelance labourer, struggling to make ends meet. Meanwhile, his younger sister, who suffers from a neurological disorder and requires special care, went to live with their mother.

Without his parents by his side, An still pursues his studies on his own, holding on to his dreams. Photo: Thu Hien

Later, his mother remarried to stabilize her life and managed to complete the household registration paperwork, making it easier for her two children to attend school. However, her new life remained difficult; she had to care for her ailing daughter while working as a seamstress.

Tragedy struck again in 2024, when An’s father suddenly passed away from a stroke. After his father’s death, not wanting to become a burden to his mother, An decided to stay alone in the old rented room. Occasionally, his mother visits to check on and encourage him, but for the most part, An manages his daily life entirely on his own.

To cover living expenses, rent, and school fees, An takes on part-time jobs outside school hours. His meals are often modest, sometimes consisting of a lunchbox from his mother, a few vegetables shared by the landlord, or just a pack of instant noodles before he rushes to class. “There are times when I feel tired and lonely, wishing I could have a real home again. But then I wipe away my tears and continue studying. I must try harder so that I can have a better life and take care of my sick sister,” An said tearfully.

An studies by himself in his rented room. Photo: Thu Hien

Neighbours in the boarding area often share vegetables or noodles with him so he can get by. Photo: Thu Hien

Though the road ahead remains full of challenges, the faith and dreams in Phu An’s heart has never dimmed. For the past 11 years, he has consistently maintained good academic results. Now in his final school year, he is even more determined to pursue his dream of becoming an engineer or entering the logistics field.

The “Chap canh uoc mo” (“Wings of Dreams”) programme calls on kind-hearted people to give Ngo Dinh Phu An the opportunity to continue his education, nurturing his thirst for knowledge and continuing his youthful journey with perseverance and belief in kindness.

For donations, please send your contributions to:

• Programme “Chap canh uoc mo”, Public Relations and Archives Department under Dong Nai Newspaper and Radio, Television.
• Tel: 0911212126 (Editor Thu Hien)
• Bank Account: 197073599999 – Nguyen Thi Thu Hien, VietinBank. Please specify: “Support for student Phu An” in the transfer note.

The “Chap canh uoc mo” scholarship-granting ceremony (Session 123) will take place at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at Thong Nhat A High School, Trang Bom Commune, Dong Nai Province.

By Thu Hien – Translated by My Le, Thu Ha