“I don’t want to drop out of school as it would let down my family, who have placed their hopes and trust in me and worked so hard for my future.”
Thanh Giàu is a student who has just completed Year 11 in Tiền Giang Province. In 2022, following the outbreak of COVID-19, his family found themselves in increasingly difficult circumstances. Both of the main breadwinners, his mother and stepfather, lost their jobs or saw their income drastically reduced.
“Previously, making ends meet at the end of each month was difficult. We had to calculate every penny to cover many costs, including school expenses for me and my brother, household bills, and daily living. My mum runs a small breakfast food stall in front of our house, and my stepfather works as a construction labourer. And then COVID came and swept everything away.”
Giàu’s case was reviewed through saigonchildren’s family economic assessment, and not long after, he was selected to receive a scholarship. Within just a few weeks of the verification and announcement process, he officially became one of the beneficiaries of our Scholarship Programme.
“To this day, I still remember what my teacher told me when I found out I had received the scholarship: ‘I believe you’ll make the most of this opportunity and keep moving forward.’ Since then, I’ve promised myself that I will try my best in my studies not to disappoint the expectations of my teachers, my family, and the donors. I understand that education is the only path to changing my future. When my family works so hard and sacrifices so much to keep my education from being interrupted, I have no excuse not to give it my all.”
And Giàu has kept that promise. He recently completed the academic year with strong results, especially in Literature, History, and Geography.
“My dream is to become a teacher and help children back home – those whose circumstances are even more difficult than mine.”
Since first joining school and being taught by enthusiastic teachers, Giàu has dreamed of one day becoming a teacher himself, one who is responsible and contributes meaningfully to society. That dream has grown stronger day by day, especially thanks to the inspiration of a former teacher, whom Giàu once described as someone who not only taught academic knowledge, but also taught students how to be good people. His passion for the job, shown through his care and dedication, left a lasting impression on him.
“I want to give my best to passing on knowledge and positive values to children. I hope that when that day comes, I won’t just be the one standing at the front of the classroom, but also a friend, a reliable presence. I want to keep the heart of an enthusiast, and the ability to listen with empathy, so that every student feels safe to share their worries, to be empowered, to believe in brighter futures, and to be happy.”
Giàu will enter his final school year in a few months. He’s determined to make the most of it, especially in the subjects required for the university entrance exam in pedagogy – his next step towards realising his long-held dream. He also plans to improve his soft skills, such as communication and teamwork, through school activities. On top of that, he’s thinking carefully about how to balance study with rest, continue helping his family, and maintain his wellbeing before entering what he calls “the final race.”
For me, being able to go to school is a privilege, and something I’m truly grateful for. It’s not just a chance to gain knowledge; it’s a way for me to grow in how I think, behave, and solve problems. If I ever had to stop going to school, I’d feel lost and anxious about the future. I’ve always known that knowledge and education are the foundation. Being able to continue my studies is the most crucial stepping stone for building both my career and the life I want to lead.
PROVIDE STUDENTS LIKE GIÀU WITH SCHOLARSHIP SO THAT EVERY YOUNG DREAM HAS A CHANCE TO SOAR