VND 115 million helps ease school burden for orphaned student

On November 17, Dong Nai Newspaper and Radio, Television (DNNRTV), in coordination with the provincial Education Promotion Fund, organized the 124th “Lighting up Dreams” scholarship ceremony for Tran Ngoc Thinh, an 11th-grade student (class 11A5) of Nguyen Binh Khiem High School in Nhon Trach Commune, Dong Nai Province.

The event was attended by representatives of the provincial Sponsoring Association for the Disabled, Orphans and Poor Patients; leaders of Nhon Trach Commune; charity clubs and volunteer groups; and the staff, teachers, and students of Nguyen Binh Khiem High School.

Nguyen Thi Ngoc Dung, Vice Chairwoman of the Dong Nai Education Promotion Association, presents a VND 30 million scholarship. Photo: Phu Quy

In a warm and heartfelt atmosphere, Ngoc Thinh shared the story of his difficult and challenging childhood. When he was 5 years old and his sister Tran Thi Ngoc Han was 2, their parents divorced. Their mother left and has not returned to visit them for 11 years. In 2019, tragedy struck again when their father passed away from a stroke.

Their grandparents, Tran Van Ngoc (67) and Huyen Thi Phet (63), wiped away their tears and brought the two siblings home to raise in their dilapidated wooden house in Xom Ho Hamlet, Nhon Trach Commune. Despite his age, Ngoc still works various labor jobs to earn a little over VND 3 million per month to cover household expenses, while Phet stays home to tend several cows and sell manure to earn a small income.

Understanding their hardship, Thinh helps with all the housework after school, cutting grass, tending the cows, and working part-time in the evenings at a coffee shop or helping vendors pack up. Despite his busy life, Thinh has maintained excellent academic performance, earning the title of outstanding student for 11 consecutive years.

Bui Thi Huong, Vice Chairwoman of the provincial Sponsoring Association for the Disabled, Orphans and Poor Patients, presents a VND 5 million scholarship. Photo: Phu Quy

Teachers and students of Nguyen Binh Khiem High School contribute a total of VND 18 million to support Ngoc Thinh. Photo: Phu Quy

Leaders of Nhon Trach Commune present a scholarship and discuss solutions to support a Great Solidarity House for Thinh’s family. Photo: Phu Quy

Moved by Thinh’s difficult circumstances and extraordinary determination, benefactors at the event offered meaningful scholarships along with heartfelt encouragement.

“From today’s support, we hope Thinh will continue studying and succeed, so he can one day contribute to building his homeland of Dong Nai. A scholarship represents not only financial assistance but also our trust in a promising young generation,” said Nguyen Thi Ngoc Dung, Vice Chairwoman of the Dong Nai Education Promotion Association.

As Thinh received the scholarship, the entire schoolyard erupted in long applause. In total, Thinh received VND 115 million. The amount is allocated as follows: VND 15 million is used to support living and study expenses for the two siblings, and the remaining VND 100 million will be deposited into savings for Thinh’s future university studies.

The Hat Gao Nhan Ai Charity Club and the Criminal Judgment Execution and Judicial Assistance Division of Dong Nai Police present a VND 10 million scholarship to Thinh. Photo: Phu Quy

Overwhelmed with joy, Thinh said: “I will try my best to study well so as not to disappoint those who have helped me. I am determined to pursue my dream of becoming an architectural engineer so I can rebuild a home for my family and build new homes for others who share a fate like mine.” Standing beside him, Phet repeatedly wiped away her tears. She said in a trembling voice: “The worries that weighed heavily on me for so long feel lighter now. Our family’s future is brighter.”

The scholarships are like a warm flame helping ease the hardship and loneliness in the lives of Ngoc Thinh and his grandmother’s family. Photo: Phu Quy

The “Lighting up dreams” program by DNNRTV not only brings hope but also spreads a powerful message to students facing hardship: let’s consider challenges as a launch pad to rise above. Behind every child are compassionate hearts, extending love and timely support to help them stay firm on their journey to knowledge.

By Thu Hien – Translated by Thuc Oanh, Thu Ha