Blind female student illuminates the beauty of digital knowledge.

Student Vu Thi Hai Anh receives a Certificate of Commendation from the Minister of Education and Training for her outstanding academic achievements and perseverance in overcoming challenges. Photo: Viet Ha

Female journalism students adapt to digital transformation.

Attending the seminar "Who is a journalist? Where is journalism headed when everyone is becoming increasingly skilled at creating content?" organized by the Institute of Journalism and Communication Training - Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, VNU Hanoi in collaboration with the Digital Cafe Club (CFS) provided visually impaired student Vu Thi Hai Anh, a second-year student in Public Relations at the Institute of Journalism and Communication Training, with insights into the opportunities and challenges facing journalists in the era of artificial intelligence (AI), especially for people with disabilities.

Student Vu Thi Hai Anh believes that artificial intelligence (AI) is truly a gateway to the world. Tools such as text-to-speech, image recognition, reading content from phone cameras, and talking maps all help the disabled community in general, and the visually impaired in particular, to no longer be on the sidelines of the information flow. It can be said that AI is an invisible yet powerful pair of eyes, helping people with disabilities "see" the world in a different way – not through light, but through data, sound, and connectivity.

However, along with the opportunities come significant challenges, as not all people with disabilities have access to new technologies. Furthermore, without proper training, the use of AI in journalism can easily lead to over-reliance on the tool, neglecting critical thinking, professional ethics, and the depth of content.

According to Vu Thi Hai Anh, journalists, especially those with disabilities, in the digital age need to equip themselves not only with technological skills but also with professional integrity and a spirit of continuous learning. Because AI can assist in news reporting, but only humans can tell stories from the heart. And it is this that creates lasting value in media.

In the future, Vu Thi Hai Anh hopes to continue pursuing a career in communications, becoming a bridge to bring the voices of disadvantaged people closer to the community. Currently, she is developing communications projects that combine technology to support people with disabilities, especially AI-powered platforms that help them access knowledge, news, and public services equally.

In 2024, Vu Thi Hai Anh, Deputy Head of the Network of Visually Impaired Students, was responsible for coordinating the project and actively participated in supporting the implementation of the "Online Public Administration for People with Disabilities" project, organized by the Vietnam Association of the Blind in collaboration with the Abilis Foundation of Finland. This included implementing solutions to improve public administrative services for people with disabilities and the visually impaired, such as installing headsets and screen reader applications at service support points for the visually impaired.

Vu Thi Hai Anh shared that the project includes specific activities: organizing training courses on using public administrative services for people with disabilities of various types; organizing the "Online Public Administration: Vision of the Future" competition to encourage creativity and raise awareness among people with disabilities about the benefits of online public administrative services; a "Fun Public Administration Day" program for disabled children in schools in Hanoi, helping students and parents better understand the importance of public administrative services in daily life; conducting scientific research on the current state of using public administrative services by people with disabilities, thereby proposing solutions to improve this situation; and organizing a workshop on "Perspectives of People with Disabilities on Digital Transformation in the Field of Online Public Administration" with the participation of many agencies and experts in this field.

In addition to her role as a mentor, Vu Thi Hai Anh drafted a set of instructional materials on using online public administrative services specifically for people with disabilities of various types.

Following the project, Vu Thi Hai Anh received much feedback from people with disabilities who had received support from the training, enabling them to register for temporary residence, temporary absence, and passports on digital platforms. This was a great source of encouragement for those implementing the community project, contributing to Vietnam's national digital transformation goals by 2030.

Vu Thi Hai Anh actively participates in volunteer activities for the community. Photo: Moc Mien

Illuminating the beauty of digital knowledge

Born with congenital blindness due to cataracts, and coming from a poor family with her father affected by Agent Orange and her older brother suffering from hypothyroidism requiring regular treatment at a central hospital, Vu Thi Hai Anh underwent numerous eye surgeries from a young age, but her vision gradually deteriorated. Unable to see, Vu Thi Hai Anh relies on her ears and heart for all aspects of her daily life.

Living alone in Hanoi, Vu Thi Hai Anh balances studying, working part-time, and supporting herself without ever asking for special privileges or preferential treatment. On the contrary, she demonstrates her ability and willpower through steady steps – with a strong belief that: “Light comes not only from the eyes but also from a courageous heart that faces difficulties and challenges.”

Over the years, Vu Thi Hai Anh has been a role model of young people who have made many contributions to meaningful community projects. This journalism student actively participates in the project "Promoting inclusive education and leadership skills for all," is the Vice President of the "Humanities Stone Flower" Club, and is a member of the Hanoi Sports Club for the Visually Impaired, actively participating in meaningful community running events.

This second-year student consistently maintains an excellent academic record with outstanding grades and conduct. In recognition of her outstanding academic efforts, Vu Thi Hai Anh was honored with a Certificate of Commendation from the Minister of Education and Training.

At the same time, for her many contributions to the community, Vu Thi Hai Anh was honored with the "Youth Living Beautifully 2024" award presented by the Central Committee of the Vietnam Youth Union and also received the "Contribution to the Community" award.

From a shy, visually impaired girl stepping out into life, Vu Thi Hai Anh has become a beacon of light illuminating the beauty of knowledge. Above all, she is living proof that living beautifully is a choice, and living to contribute is the most worthwhile journey of youth, a path that anyone, regardless of their disability, can pursue.

Law and Society Newspaper: Blind female student illuminates the beauty of digital knowledge.