LookAtVietnam – We look at the tales of two Vietnamese people both convinced that investing in education always pays off.

Nguyen Huu Thuong and students of Tan Phu A Primary School

Eighty six year old farmer Nguyen Huu Thuong in Chau Thanh District in the southern province of Ben Tre, describes himself having “one foot in the grave”.

Thuong tells how he was born into a poor family and did not have the opportunities to learn. Therefore, since he was old enough to earn money, he has wanted to assist children to keep on learning.

Not all of his nine children, because of the family’s financial condition, could go on to higher education, instead they could only finish third or fourth grades.

Those who did, however, blossomed. His daughter, Nguyen Thi Dam Thuy, is now a famous painter, while another child is a doctor.

However, all of his children have done well in their own chosen fields.

Several years ago, when his wife died, Thuong promised her he would give what he could to help others.

The sum of 65 million dong people gave to his family on the funeral of his wife was spent on building a school in the commune. Tan Phu Kindergarten was established and has become a second home to many local children.

Thuong also spent money on upgrading classrooms at Tan Phu Primary School. He invested in the school yard and rebuilding the car park. Now, every year, the old farmer gives money to poor students, so that they can pay tuition. He also delivers textbooks to students, so they can keep going to school.

The man who worked as motorbike taxi driver to pay for children’s schooling

Truong Quang Tuy

Previously he was a teacher but lost his job. He says: “I had no idea about what I should do to earn aliving and feed my five children. But, I purchased a motorbike and I have been working as motorbike taxi (xe om) driver which gives me only several thousands dong per day.”

Thuy is poor. There is nothing valuable in his house, except a small bed, a wardrobe and a table for his children to learn at. His house has had no electricity for eight years because he has no money to pay bills.

However, despite the poor conditions, his children are all doing well. All are now students at universities and junior colleges in HCM City and Quang Nam Province. His daughter Truong Thi Phi Anh is now following a postgraduate training course at medical school.

The high achievements of the children, he said, are his biggest reward.

Meanwhile his future remains uncertain. His motorbike the tool that has helped school his children has been stolen.

In addition the years of hard work have taken their toll and he is currently hospitalised.

Even in hospital, Tuy still thinks about what he needs to do to earn money to feed his children and support their schooling.

VietNamNet/Dan tri