Over 251 million VND helps lottery-selling student pursue his dream

On October 16, Dong Nai Newspaper and Radio, Television and the Dong Nai Association for Promoting Education co-organized the 135th edition of the “Giving Wings to Dreams” program at Binh Long High School for the Gifted in Binh Long Ward, bringing a happy ending to Tran Do Dang Quang, a literature-gifted student in Class 11V.

A representative of the Dong Nai Association for Promoting Education presents a scholarship worth 30 million VND to Dang Quang to support his education. Photo: Khanh Dan

Dang Quang's story was featured in an article titled "Literature-Gifted Student Helps His Mother Sell Lottery Tickets," published by Dong Nai Newspaper Online on October 10, 2026, which deeply moved readers. Despite winning third prize in the provincial competition for excellent students in Technology for two consecutive years, Dang Quang faces an uncertain future due to his family's severe financial hardship.

Seven years ago, a family crisis struck when his parents separated, forcing them to sell their only house in Dong Thap to repay debts. His father left without providing any financial support, leaving his mother, Do Hong Nhung, 50, to struggle alone. Despite her grief, she took her son to Loc Ninh, where they rented a room, and began selling lottery tickets on the streets to make ends meet.

Further misfortune struck in 2025 when Nhung was involved in a serious traffic accident. Weakness in her legs, compounded by osteoarthritis, a vestibular disorder, and kidney stones, left her physically exhausted. Overwhelmed by hardship and despair, she tearfully urged her son to leave school and take up manual labor to help ease the family's financial burden.

Staff, teachers, parents and students of Binh Long High School for the Gifted jointly contribute 119 million VND, which is presented to the disadvantaged yet determined student. Photo: Khanh Dan

Gifts of compassion from readers and audiences of Dong Nai Newspaper and Radio, Television provide encouragement for the young lottery ticket seller to pursue his dream of becoming a teacher. Photo: Khanh Dan

Nguyen Thi Lan Huong, a retired official, expresses her affection and confidence in Dang Quang. Photo: Khanh Dan

However, Quang refused to abandon his education. He understood that giving up would mean losing his opportunity to escape poverty. He said, "If I stop now, my mother and I will forever be trapped in the dark cycle of poverty." Determined to remain in school, Quang carefully saved every small sum of money he could. While his classmates rested on weekends, the literature-gifted student roamed the streets selling lottery tickets and collecting discarded bottles to earn money, determined to fulfill his dream of becoming a literature teacher.

Quang's determination to overcome adversity deeply moved teachers, benefactors, and members of the community, inspiring widespread support. Do Manh Toan, Principal of Binh Long High School for the Gifted, said, "From teachers and parents to every student, all came together in a spirit of compassion, and shared what they could to help Dang Quang overcome adversity. This also marks the program’s sixth visit to our school, mobilizing more than 1.6 billion VND in scholarships and paving the way for numerous underprivileged students to enter universities."

Thanks to this collective support, Dang Quang received financial assistance totaling more than 251 million VND to pursue his education. Of the total, more than 21 million VND was provided directly to cover his immediate educational expenses and his mother's medical examinations. The remaining 230 million VND was deposited into a savings account under Tran Do Dang Quang's name, jointly managed with the school to ensure funding for his education in the coming years.

In addition to the financial assistance presented at the event, the school's Youth Union coordinated with Tran Thi Quynh Hoa, a student's parent, to provide Quang with 500,000 VND per month until he completes Grade 12. The Youth Union Chapter of the Binh Long Ward Public Security was also committed to providing him with 1 million VND per month throughout his time at the school.

Timely assistance from volunteer clubs, teams, and groups brings renewed hope to Dang Quang as he continues his educational journey. Photo: Khanh Dan

Overcome with emotion upon receiving the scholarship, Dang Quang said, "This amount means far more than financial assistance for my education. To me, it is a lifeline that eases my fear of having to abandon my studies. It is also proof that I am not alone and that my efforts to hold on to my dream have been recognized and supported. I promise to study even harder so as not to disappoint everyone who has placed their trust in me and shown me such kindness. One day, when I stand at the lectern as I have always dreamed, I will continue to pass on the kindness that I have been fortunate to receive today."

By Thu Hien – Translated by Minh Hong, Thu Ha