By Niem Dinh | Fundraising Officer
A. was born in a poor village in Hai Duong Province. The breadwinner, his father relocated to HCMC to be a builder and only visited home on Lunar New Year. A greengrocer, his mother moonlighted as a scrap dealer during off-time.
When A. was born, his family was frazzled. Diagnosed with mobility impairments, he visited centres to find rare disease treatments. His parents then changed their jobs to have more time for him.
When he was 6, he applied to primary school. However, with movement and speaking difficulties, he wasn’t accepted. Having a small circle of friends, his childhood was spent playing alone at home. At 13, he studied in social protection centre. His mother’s death came as a great shock a year later.
In 2020, A. knew REACH through Facebook and was inspired by a 2D Graphic Design Facilitator at Hanoi Center, also a disabled REACH alumnus. Immediately felt attracted, he graduated from the social protection centre and registered for 2D Graphic Design course - batch 51. His family was afraid that he couldn’t get along in Hanoi and didn’t approve, but he was determined to prove himself and travelled about 100km for training.
He thought at first REACH was an ordinary training centre, and friendliness changed his mind. COVID-19 extended his training duration for 2 more months. He encountered 2 difficulties: finance and homesickness. Warm support from Facilitators and students made him sociable. “Leave no one behind” is the motto that Facilitators and students have conformed to.
After graduating, A. had a new difficulty: job looking in Hanoi. Dauntless optimist, he asked Facilitators to study the course again at Hai Duong Centre and found his new passion in graphic design. “A special student to study at both centres, I’m thankful that REACH gave me a chance to explore my potential. Transforming into an intern, I’m dedicated, hard-working and credible. REACH changed me so much.” – he said.
On the occasion of Teachers’ Day, A. visited REACH to send his warmest gratitude to the Facilitators. He’s working as a graphic designer in a printing shop in his hometown and can maintain himself. After REACH’s course, he’s proficient in designing and has self-confidence. In the future, he wants to contribute his skills, be REACH’s business partner, and support the next generations of students.
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