Nurturing University Dreams through “Pairs of Loving Leaves”

In the journey of nurturing knowledge and creating educational opportunities for disadvantaged children, the “Pairs of Loving Leaves” program, produced by Vietnam Television, has become a compassionate bridge connecting generous donors with underprivileged yet academically talented students across the country. In Dong Nai Province, the program has helped inspire and support the remarkable story of Nguyen Le Tan Phat, a student from Trang Dai Ward, whose determination and resilience continue to fuel his dream of pursuing higher education. Through the encouragement and assistance provided by the program, Phat is being given renewed hope and opportunities to continue his educational journey and turn his university aspirations into reality.

Nguyen Le Tan Phat poses for a graduation photo with his grandmother at Le Hong Phong High School

Currently, Phat is a 12th-grade student at Le Hong Phong High School in Long Binh Ward. Born into difficult circumstances, he and his older sister were separated from their parents when he was only two months old. The two siblings were raised by their paternal grandparents, who struggled to support the family with limited financial resources. Their livelihood depended on small-scale home-based handicraft work, generating only a modest and unstable income sufficient to cover basic daily expenses.

Understanding his situation, the Trade Union of the VBSP Dong Nai Branch has provided Phat with regular financial support since 2020, helping him continue his education. Although modest in monetary value, this assistance has carried profound emotional significance, giving him the confidence and motivation to overcome adversity and pursue his dreams.

Living up to the expectations of those who have supported him, Phat has consistently achieved excellent academic results throughout his 12 years of schooling. In addition to being an outstanding student, he is also a devoted and caring grandson. After school, he diligently helps his grandparents fold votive paper products to earn additional income for the family. Long nights of work often bring only a few tens of thousands of dong in earnings, but they reflect the determination and perseverance of a young student striving alongside his family to overcome hardship.

Phat’s family is currently classified as a poor household under local government standards. His grandparents are elderly, in fragile health, and frequently suffer from illness, while their access to social welfare programs remains limited. The burden of making a living weighs heavily on their shoulders, making Phat’s educational journey even more challenging and uncertain.

After school, Tan Phat helps his grandparents with home-based handicraft work to supplement the family’s income

Ahead of Phat lies the National High School Graduation Examination, a pivotal milestone that will shape his future. His dream is to gain admission to Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Education, where he hopes to study Mechanical Engineering and, in the future, secure stable employment, support his grandparents, and help his family overcome poverty.

To help turn aspirations like Phat’s into reality, the VBSP Dong Nai Branch is actively implementing the student loan program for disadvantaged students. According to Mr. Vo Trong Hoa, Deputy Director of the branch, during the first four months of 2026 alone, the branch disbursed more than VND 37.8 billion (approximately USD 1.5 million) under the program, benefiting 1,775 students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Total outstanding loans under the program currently exceed VND 1,672 billion (approximately USD 65.7 million), demonstrating its significant role in supporting students on their educational and career journeys.

These impressive figures reflect not only VBSP’s ongoing commitment but also the collective care and support of society for future generations. For Tan Phat, the road ahead remains challenging, yet through the “Pairs of Loving Leaves” program, he has gained a source of encouragement and support to continue pursuing his aspirations.

Amid life's many hardships, the light of education and the spirit of compassion continue to inspire hope. With determination, perseverance, and the timely support of the community, dreams like Phat’s will not be left unfinished. Instead, they will continue to grow and flourish, reflecting the transformative power of education and the enduring aspiration for a better future.

Viet Cuong