The journey of volunteering from small things
Born into a family of 4 brothers, with a father who is also a teacher, Mr. Nam (Long Thanh Secondary School) followed his father's footsteps, passed the entrance exam to Can Tho Pedagogical Trade Union in 2004 and started his career as a "people's caregiver" in 2007.
In 2015, Mr. Nam began his volunteer journey by connecting and helping students in the school through scholarship giving activities, bicycles and used clothes. Initially, benefactors were relatives, relatives, or neighbors.
Gradually, his noble gestures spread, attracting more and more Golden hearts to accompany him. The scope of help is also expanded, not only for students but also for lonely elderly people, sick people, and even support for free housebuilding and burials.
It is worth appreciating that with a salary of less than 10 million VND per month, Mr. Nam still does not hesitate to climb mountains and rivers to reach difficult circumstances.
In times of pity, he did not hesitate to take out his bag to buy some rice, along with an envelope of several hundred thousand dong for timely encouragement. "I don't have money so I work hard, connecting hearts to help the poor. It's all about helping near and far," Mr. Nam modestly shared.
Heart to heart with the last farewells
One of the most meaningful and touching activities that Nam has done is supporting burials for poor families. When he received news of someone's passing but the family could not afford to take care of the funeral, Mr. Nam quickly arrived to help. From preparing coffins, matures to worrying about funeral expenses, he was very dedicated. Thanks to this noble gesture, many families have eased their burden in the most painful and difficult moments.
Mr. Nam has just returned home after a funeral for a stranger in Soc Trang province, feeling relieved to have carefully buried the ghost and comforted the deceased person.
The teacher told me about the case of Mr. Son Ngoc Thai in Chau Thanh district, Soc Trang province, who passed away, leaving behind his wife and two young children. The family lives in a charity house, with unstable income from renting.
"When he passed away, he did not have 5 kg of rice in his house. Because the charity box farm has supported boxes and storage items, I called for more expenses so that the family can take care of the funeral arrangements," said Mr. Nam.
To ensure transparency and efficiency in the use of donations from benefactors, for each difficult case that needs funeral support, Mr. Nam always publicly disclose the amount of donations, images of giving money and detailed support costs on social networks. Over the years, there have been over 100 cases of teachers' support for burial, and about 20 houses have been repaired and rebuilt from the money that teachers have mobilized.
Accompanying the golden hearts
Not only alone, Mr. Nam also received companionship and support from many other people. Mr. Nguyen Hai (residing in Hau Giang province), a parent of Mr. Nam's former student, shared: "I really admire the volunteer work of the teacher, so I have come with support. Whether the elderly or children are in a difficult situation or temporarily separated, the Nam master actively calls for timely support, and does enough ceremony to give a proper farewell".
Mr. Nguyen Thanh Hai - Principal of Long Thanh Secondary School, highly appreciated Mr. Nam's efforts and contributions to charity work, especially helping many students in difficult circumstances go to school.
As a busy teacher, Mr. Nam always divides his time and schedule into specific tasks. After teaching, the teacher took the opportunity to survey the situation. On holidays, Sundays or public holidays, he spends all his time doing charity. In addition, he also received enthusiastic support from colleagues, parents and former students.
Sharing about his upcoming plans, Mr. Nam is cherishing the dream of building a solid house so that lonely elderly people and their children and grandchildren have a place to live in their old age. This dream continues to affirm the tolerance and desire to continuously contribute of the teacher named Nam, the teacher who sows "fate" everywhere.
