In the poor corner of the boarding house, dreams are still bright

Father died early, mother remarried, no relatives to rely on, in a small rented house alone, I still quietly take care of myself, study and work part-time to get closer to my dream of becoming a future engineer.

Phu An was born into a poor family. His mother was from Dak Lak, his father was from Quang Nam , both of them went to Dong Nai to earn a living by doing various jobs. Life was unstable, no house, no household registration. When An was in 2nd grade, his parents separated, he followed his father to live in a rented house in Quang Bien hamlet, Trang Bom commune. An's father was a freelance worker, so life was already difficult and even more deprived. An's younger sister unfortunately suffered from a mental illness and needed special care, so she came to live with her mother.

Without a father or mother, An still goes to school alone to nurture her dream. Photo: Thu Hien

Some time later, An's mother remarried to stabilize her life and complete the household registration procedures so that her two children could go to school easily. Her new life was also full of difficulties, as she had to take care of her sick daughter and work as a seamstress.

Disaster struck again, in 2024, An's father suddenly passed away due to a stroke. After his father's death, An decided to stay in the old rented house alone, not wanting to be a burden to her mother. Occasionally, her mother would come to visit and encourage her, but most of the time An managed everything in her daily life by herself.

To cover living expenses, rent, tuition, etc., outside of class time, An finds many part-time jobs. Her meals are sometimes a lunch box her mother brings over, sometimes just a bunch of vegetables given by the landlord, or a makeshift package of noodles to make it on time for class. “There are times when I feel tired, sad, and long to have a real home again, but then I wipe my tears and get up to continue studying. I have to try so that I can have a better life in the future, and take care of my sick sister” - An shared with tears in her eyes.

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

Neighbors often give An vegetables and a pack of noodles to get through his meals. Photo: Thu Hien

Although the road ahead is still full of hardships, Phu An's faith and dreams have never faded. For the past 11 years, he has always maintained the title of good and excellent student. Entering his final year, he is even more determined to pursue his dream of becoming an engineer or working in Logistics.

Please join the program "Wings of Dreams" to give Ngo Dinh Phu An the opportunity to continue going to school, nurture his desire for knowledge and continue his journey of youth with determination and faith in kind things.

☎ Please send all donations to:

+ "Wings of Dreams" program, Publicity and Documentation Department, Dong Nai Newspaper and Radio and Television.

+ Or phone number: 0911.21.21.26 (Editor Thu Hien).

+ Receiving account: 197073599999 - Nguyen Thi Thu Hien, VietinBank . Please clearly state in the transfer content: Support Phu An.

The "Wings of Dreams" scholarship connection and awarding program (session 123) will take place at 9:30 a.m. on October 15, 2025 (Wednesday), at Thong Nhat A High School (Trang Bom commune, Dong Nai province).

Thu Hien

Source: https://baodongnai.com.vn/xa-hoi/202510/noi-goc-tro-ngheo-uoc-mo-van-sang-4df14ac/