Learn to do everything from the eyes
In the countryside of Thoai Son district, An Giang province, there is a young man named Le Tan Phat (20 years old) who is known to the online community for his talent in turning scrap into unique works of art. From seemingly discarded materials, Phat has created a "world" of vivid and sophisticated model cars.
However, when people learned about Phat's situation, they were even more impressed and moved, because this young man was born deaf and mute and could not communicate verbally. Even more pitiful, Phat's parents divorced, Phat lived with his grandmother, and only the two of them relied on each other to survive.
Holding the model cars in her hands, Mrs. Nguyen Thi Le Hoa (67 years old, Phat's grandmother) emotionally said: "Phat is disabled, illiterate, not trained by teachers, can only use his eyes to observe. Many times I wonder why he can make these model cars."
Although he did not go to school, Phat tried every day, observed carefully and then researched and searched for old materials such as plastic pipes, wood, car tires, etc. to assemble and manufacture a variety of miniature model cars with his skillful hands and creative mind.
The Cup 50, Cup 70, Dream, Honda 67, large displacement motorcycles... are carefully crafted by Phat in every small detail, from the frame, cushion, wheel, engine to the lighting system. The model cars have a variety of designs and can move the wheels flexibly.
Phat has a habit of making a series of many similar bikes. After creating the frame and frame, Phat attaches the saddle and small details together, then paints the bike to his liking and finally attaches the license plate to complete the product. Each bike is completed by Phat in about 4 days, even a week for bikes with many complex details.
Make money from passion
According to Ms. Hoa, at first, Phat mainly made handmade models, so he could only create simple cars made of wood. Later, when Phat's story became known to many people, benefactors supported and helped Phat buy more equipment and machinery and create more modern cars.
Not only does Phat have a passion for breathing life into model cars, he can also earn money to help his grandmother cover living expenses from the products he makes himself. At the same time, Phat also learns how to repair bicycles at home to earn extra income every day.
Currently, Phat accepts making model cars according to customers' requests. Customers just need to send a sample for Phat to look at and observe and he will make it. Each model car is sold for 300,000 - 500,000 VND/car.
In particular, Phat's project of making model cars from recycled materials has just won the Encouragement Prize at the 8th An Giang Province Creative Startup Ideas Competition in 2024. This not only motivates Phat to continue with his passion, but also inspires the will and determination of many people.
"Feeling sorry for my grandchild who doesn't have parents by his side, I always try to make up for his feelings and create conditions for him to develop according to his abilities, especially supporting his love and passion for making models," Ms. Hoa added.
