At Hy Vọng Quy Nhơn Special School in Quy Nhơn Ward, Ms. Thảnh has spent 16 years teaching students with disabilities, many of whom see her as a second mother. “Since childhood, I dreamed of becoming a teacher for disadvantaged children”, she said. “In this environment, love must come first”.
After graduating from Quy Nhơn University with a degree in Special Education, Ms. Thảnh began working at the school in 2009. Her early years were filled with challenges as she learned to communicate effectively with hearing-impaired students through sign language. Over time, her patience and care helped students overcome fear and isolation.
Among her former pupils is visually impaired student Võ Thị Kim Chung, who once struggled to communicate but now enjoys a stable career and a happy family. “We don’t expect high positions or awards”, Ms. Thảnh said. “Our happiness comes from seeing our students live confidently and meaningfully”.
The Hy Vọng Quy Nhơn Special School currently enrolls 155 students across 18 classes, taught by 25 teachers specializing in Special Education. “For children with disabilities, almost everything depends on the teachers”, said Principal Trần Thị Thúy Nga. “They not only teach but also nurture love, patience, and perseverance”.
Similarly, at Tuy Phước Secondary School in Tuy Phước Commune, teacher Nguyễn Anh Nhật has spent 20 years supporting underprivileged students. Beginning his career in flood-prone Phước Thuận Commune in 2003, Mr. Nhật often visited students’ homes, persuading parents to keep their children in school and connecting with donors to provide clothes and supplies.
“I want to give disadvantaged students love, faith, and motivation so they can hope for a brighter future”, he said.
In 2017, after transferring to Tuy Phước Secondary School, Mr. Nhật continued to tailor his teaching to meet each student’s needs. His efforts, together with the school’s scholarship fund, supported by alumni and benefactors, have helped many students stay in school and improve academically.
Principal Đặng Thị Thu Hương praised him: “Mr. Nhật is not only dedicated to teaching but also stands by and supports disadvantaged students, helping them remain confident”.
In recognition of his contributions, Mr. Nhật has received multiple certificates of merit from the Ministry of Education and Training. In 2023, he was awarded a certificate of merit by the Prime Minister. In 2024, he was honored to attend meetings with General Secretary Tô Lâm and Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính on Vietnamese Teachers’ Day, November 20.
These educators, through their quiet devotion, continue to “sow the seeds” of love and opportunity, nurturing generations of students to overcome hardship and build meaningful lives.