The journey of overcoming difficulties and unfinished dreams
As the Lunar New Year 2025 approaches, unexpected joy has come to Dinh Cong Duc (28 years old), a worker at Minh Dung Packaging Private Enterprise in Lien Phuong Commune, Hung Yen. His difficult life has suddenly been warmed by the care of the community and the trade union.
Born into an ordinary working-class family, Duc has experienced many ups and downs in life. After four years working for a packaging company, he was forced to quit his job to pursue his dream of working abroad, hoping to improve his family's finances.
To prepare for this plan, he borrowed and saved up 30 million VND to pay for the service fee. However, after 5 months of waiting, his dream of going abroad still did not come true, he did not receive the money back and the financial pressure weighed heavily on his shoulders.
Returning to work at the company after a break, Mr. Duc's life has not improved when his 6-year-old daughter has a congenital serious illness. The continuous treatment and hospitalization costs the family 7-8 million VND each time, and if he has to stay in the hospital for a long time, the cost can be up to 15 million VND.
The couple's monthly income is only about 10 million VND, not enough to cover hospital fees and living expenses. Even more heartbreaking, just one month after returning to work, Mr. Duc had an industrial accident that interrupted his work again. The continuing difficulties prevented him from receiving his Tet bonus this year.
Unexpected joy from Tet gifts
Amid mounting difficulties, Mr. Duc suddenly received a notice from the company's Trade Union that he was on the list of people to receive gifts from Minister of Finance Nguyen Van Thang on the occasion of Lunar New Year.
On the afternoon of January 22, 2025, at the gift-giving ceremony, Mr. Duc and 199 other workers received a meaningful gift from Party Central Committee member and Minister Nguyen Van Thang.
Also attending the ceremony were Party Central Committee member, Hung Yen Provincial Party Secretary Nguyen Huu Nghia, leaders of Hung Yen Provincial Labor Federation; Ms. Vu Thi Giang Huong - Member of the Presidium, Head of the Propaganda Department of the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor...
The gift is not only material support but also has great spiritual value, encouraging him to overcome difficulties and continue to move forward in work and life.
"I was really surprised and touched" - Mr. Duc shared. Mr. Duc was surprised that a small worker like him was still cared for. For him, this gift is a motivation for him to try harder, not only for himself but also for his family.
Speaking at the event, Minister Nguyen Van Thang sent words of encouragement to the workers. He acknowledged the silent efforts of workers in contributing to the socio-economic development of Hung Yen province, especially in the difficult context of natural disasters and global economic fluctuations.
"Today's gifts are not only material but also valuable sharing and encouragement. I hope that you will continue to strive to overcome difficulties and join hands to build your homeland Hung Yen to develop more and more" - Minister Nguyen Van Thang said.
Practical care of trade unions
The gift-giving ceremony is part of a series of activities by the Hung Yen Provincial Federation of Labor to care for workers and laborers during the Lunar New Year. According to statistics, in 2025, the Provincial Federation of Labor mobilized tens of billions of VND to support workers, organize meaningful programs such as the "Union Tet Market" and free buses to take workers home for Tet. These activities not only help reduce the economic burden on workers but also spread the spirit of solidarity and sharing in the community.
As for Mr. Duc, although there are still many difficulties ahead, the concern from the community and the trade union is the source of strength that helps him continue his journey to overcome difficulties.
The story of Mr. Dinh Cong Duc is a testament to the solidarity of trade unions and leaders at all levels. Small but loving gifts are the fire that warms the lives of those in difficult circumstances, helping them enter the new year with faith and hope.
