Spreading a humane message.

Therefore, the University of Social Sciences and Humanities (Vietnam National University, Hanoi) decided to provide food, supplies, and personal items to its students. Along with volunteers, the teachers themselves became special "delivery drivers." The charitable spirit of the teachers and student volunteers has contributed to spreading a humane message: No one should be left behind!

Principal Pham Quang Minh presents gifts of support to students.

So that children are not left behind.

This humanitarian initiative originated from an open letter by Mr. Hoang Anh Tuan, the Vice Principal of the school, on the 10th day of nationwide social distancing (April 10th). In the letter, Mr. Hoang Anh Tuan expressed: “We understand that some students residing in Hanoi are beginning to face difficulties in their daily lives. To ensure they can focus on disease prevention and effective learning, the school will provide food and supplies to students in need. The school will deliver the gifts directly to them or to a location near their residence so they can receive them conveniently, safely, and as quickly as possible. Students only need to fill out the online registration form, provide their current address, and the school will be there.”

The first food distribution took place on April 11th. Besides the youth union, teachers from the Board of Directors, and leaders of various departments and units of the school also participated. 600 food packages reached the students, providing great encouragement during this difficult time. As one of the special "delivery drivers," Mr. Tran Bach Hieu, Secretary of the School's Youth Union, shared that participating in delivering food directly to the students made the teachers feel warm and reassured knowing their students were no longer lacking anything. Some students received the gifts with tears in their eyes from emotion.

Ly A Nhia (of the Mong ethnic group, from Son La), a second-year student in the Faculty of Tourism Studies, shared: "I live in the Me Tri dormitory and work as a parking attendant there, earning 1.2 to 2 million VND per month. When Hanoi recorded its first case, I couldn't go home because there's no phone signal or internet access for online learning. Since the social distancing requirement was implemented, my work has been disrupted, and my main food source has been instant noodles. On April 11th, receiving gifts from the Principal, I was very moved, and immediately volunteered to distribute gifts to other students. I felt that I shouldn't just receive gifts but also have a responsibility to support other students in similar circumstances."

A message to be delivered

Ms. Dinh Nhat Le (Faculty of Tourism Studies) participated in the gift distribution on April 18th. Believing that "it's not the gift itself, but the way it's given," the teachers decided to personally deliver the gifts to the students. Ms. Le stated that 14 teachers from the faculty participated in this distribution, giving gifts to 50 students in various areas. "We do this with the hope of bridging the gap between teachers and students. Only through closeness, understanding, and empathy can teaching and learning be effective. This work reflects the spirit of our school, which has a rich history of 75 years," Ms. Le emphasized.

Also a "shipper" in the same group as Ms. Le, Mr. Ngo Tuan Thang (Faculty of International Studies) said that all the teachers participating in this round had carefully prepared everything and strictly followed the regulations on epidemic prevention. Before delivering the goods, the teachers sent emails or messages in advance to let the students know. The teachers not only delivered essential supplies but also conveyed the affection of the school and benefactors to the students. "Those students who received support in the first round or received support from their families sent emails or messages saying they would not receive any more. This shows that even though they are facing difficulties, they know how to give others the opportunity to receive gifts. This contributes to spreading the humane message of this activity," Mr. Thang added.

Mr. Pham Quang Minh, the school principal and also a "delivery driver," shared that, considering students as family members, the school decided to take action because they were struggling with meals. The school hopes that this support in terms of food, supplies, and personal items will help alleviate some of the students' hardships, and also encourage them to work together to overcome difficulties during this period.

Regarding the source of the donations, the school's leadership stated that they had called upon faculty and staff to participate in supporting the cause. Some contributed money, others donated in kind; everyone wanted to contribute to helping the students. Some faculty members even appealed to alumni, individuals, and external organizations to join hands with the school. With this spirit, many benefactors have joined in, ensuring the program continues in the coming days.

According to Hanoi Moi