Cerebral palsy student in Red River alluvial plain goes to university

Giang Van Tan - a student with congenital cerebral palsy - has just officially entered the lecture hall of RMIT University.

Giang Van Tan with his mother and Ms. Skye Maconachie, co-CEO of Blue Dragon, at the scholarship ceremony - Photo: NT

Tan, who studies information technology, is one of eight new students to receive the "Fulfilling Dreams Scholarship" from RMIT University Vietnam in 2024. The scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses and study materials.

Parents are the feet

Giang Van Tan was born in a floating village on the sandbank of the Red River, Hanoi. Tan suffered from cerebral palsy since birth. Despite this, Tan never stopped dreaming of a brighter future.

Cerebral palsy affects Tan’s mobility, forcing him to use a wheelchair. The roads in the middle of the Red River make it even more difficult for Tan to get around. But his parents have been his legs throughout his 12 years of schooling.

"My parents have always been my legs. For 12 years, regardless of rain or shine, they have always carried me on their shoulders through bumpy, dusty roads to school. The sacrifices my parents have made for me are incomparable and are a huge source of motivation that helps me to constantly move forward" - Tan expressed his gratitude to his parents.

Because of this disease, Tan started school later than his peers. However, Tan made rapid progress in his studies, especially in natural and social sciences, literature and history. Tan won many awards, including the third prize in the 12th grade cultural subjects competition, the continuing education program at high school level, Hanoi city.

Tan is determined to show other kids that they can achieve great things no matter what their background is.

Mr. Do Duy Vi

But his journey wasn’t always smooth. In ninth grade, Tan had to take a break due to health issues. “I thought the door to education was closed for me,” Tan said.

With the encouragement of his family and the Blue Dragon Children's Organization, Tan returned to school with a clear understanding of the extremely important role of education in improving his life and that of his family.

Getting to this day has not been an easy journey for Tan. All of his valuable assets, including the laptop that Blue Dragon gave him, were swept away by Typhoon Yagi. Tan and his family are currently living temporarily in a house rented by Blue Dragon.

College dreams are not yours alone

Giang Van Tan received the RMIT University Vietnam Dream Wings Scholarship - Photo: NT

Although he was accepted into several universities after graduating from high school, Tan was unable to continue his studies due to financial constraints. Instead, Tan entered the Will to Live Center to learn how to live independently and hone some useful skills. Tan’s talent for technology caught the attention of the center, which recruited him as a data labeling collaborator.

Talking about the reason for choosing information technology, Tan said his passion for information technology was sparked at the age of 7, when Tan happened to meet an information technology employee for Blue Dragon.

"Working with computers can help me stand on equal feet like other people and sometimes even help me walk faster." The information technology employee's words at that time are still remembered by Tan until now. That was also the motivation for Tan to study this field.

Giang Van Tan

I want to use my knowledge to support the community of people with the same disease as me.

However, although he knew about the RMIT Vietnam Dream Scholarship since graduating from high school, he did not apply at that time. For the past three years, Tan has spent time studying on his own and participating in community activities to make sure that he really likes information technology.

This year, nominated by Blue Dragon, Tan said, "After many years of preparation, I decided to take the opportunity. I want to become a software engineer. But more than that, I want to use my knowledge to support the community of people with the same disease as me."

Tan’s companion over the past few years has been Blue Dragon’s co-CEO, Mr. Do Duy Vi. He has had many compliments for Tan. He said Tan has overcome countless challenges throughout his life and is one of the smartest people he has ever met.

"Tan has been a true team leader during his time with Blue Dragon. Tan is bright, optimistic, and always helpful to new children in the Blue Dragon family. Tan is determined to show other children that they can achieve great things regardless of their background. Thanks to that, Tan was awarded the Good Example Award at Blue Dragon's annual Tet program in 2022" - Mr. Vi added.

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/hoc-sinh-bai-nao-o-bai-boi-song-hong-vao-dai-hoc-20241025105513222.htm