Disadvantaged freshman receives scholarship worth over VND 221 million

"This sum is so huge that I would never have dared to imagine it. Beginning tomorrow, I will be able to pay my tuition fees and enter the lecture halls of the University of Transport Ho Chi Minh City (UTH). I sincerely commit to studying diligently and envisioning a brighter future, with the desire to return in the future to support this program and assist others who are currently in the same situation," Tran Nguyen Duong Quang said emotionally at the 133rd "Wings for Dreams" scholarship award ceremony on August 18.

Nguyen Thi Ngoc Dung, Vice Chairwoman of the Dong Nai City Study Promotion Association, presents a VND 30 million scholarship to Tran Nguyen Duong Quang. Photo: Thu Hien

Quang's parents divorced when he was just 7 years old. His father started a new family, provided no financial support, and passed away several years ago. His mother suffers from varicose veins and is in poor health, leaving her unable to perform heavy labor. She works as a domestic helper, earning about VND 4 million per month. Quang also bears a heavier burden as his 80-year-old maternal grandfather, who suffers from severe gout and has had one leg amputated, requires constant medical care, resulting in ongoing expenses.

Without a single full day of rest during the summer, Quang has spent the past several months working at a restaurant, earning a meager salary of just over VND 5 million per month in the hope of covering part of his future study expenses. However, after receiving his acceptance letter for his first-choice major, electronics and telecommunications engineering, he faced tuition fees of over VND 30 million per year. Together with the costs of textbooks, food, and rent, the amount was astronomical and far beyond the means of his perpetually struggling family.

Lam Tan Khai, Standing Deputy Secretary of the Tran Bien Ward Party Committee, presents a compassionate scholarship to Tran Nguyen Duong Quang, helping him pursue his university studies with greater confidence. Photo: Thu Hien

Staff members, teachers, and students of Nam Ha High School join hands to raise more than VND 134 million in support of Tran Nguyen Duong Quang. Photo: Thu Hien

Immediately after conducting a field assessment, the "Wings for Dreams" program took swift action, turning empathy into urgent efforts to promptly secure Quang's dreams.

As the small, cramped house where Quang lives, at 4 Trinh Hoai Duc Street, Trung Dung Quarter, Tran Bien Ward, was too crowded to accommodate benefactors, the administration of Nam Ha High School facilitated the organization of the ceremony on campus. In addition to providing the venue, the school's teachers and staff raised over VND 134 million for Quang.

"At first, we were distressed because it was summer break. However, as soon as we started, we found a solution. From the school's website to the Youth Union's information channels, every teacher found their own way to spread love and increase the amount of assistance. What resonates most deeply is ensuring that Quang fully understands the message: Even though he has graduated from the school, his teachers are still behind him, following his progress, accompanying him, and ready to assist him on his future path," said Cao Thi Xuyen, Vice Principal of Nam Ha High School.

After traveling hundreds of kilometers from Bom Bo Commune, Dong Nai City, members of the Vuon Uom Volunteer Group join the program and personally present a meaningful gift of support to the disadvantaged freshman. Photo: Thu Hien

Through close coordination among the program, the Dong Nai City Study Promotion Association, leaders of Tran Bien Ward, organizations, individuals, volunteer teams, and benefactors, compassion was quickly translated into practical action. The total value of scholarships and gifts presented to Tran Nguyen Duong Quang reached over VND 220 million.

To maximize the value of these charitable resources, the program organizers, together with Quang's family and school, developed a detailed distribution plan: VND 20 million for first-semester tuition fees according to UTH's list; VND 20 million to purchase a laptop, meeting the most essential requirement for his engineering studies; VND 11 million for food, accommodation, and travel expenses during the initial period before he can find part-time work; and VND 170 million placed in a savings account, specifically a term deposit in the name of Tran Nguyen Duong Quang and co-managed by Nam Ha High School. This arrangement is intended to ensure that the funds are used safely and effectively for their intended purpose and are disbursed steadily throughout Quang's university years.

A radiant smile reflects the power of compassion in brightening the future of a disadvantaged, studious freshman. Photo: Thu Hien

The conclusion of the 133rd scholarship ceremony also marked the 12-year milestone of the "Wings for Dreams" journey. Each destination of the program will continue to write beautiful stories of resilience in the face of hardship, the miracles of everyday compassion, and the fulfillment of the responsible commitment to "leave no disadvantaged student behind” in the pursuit of education.

By Thu Hien – Translated by Minh Hong, Minho