Ms. Ngan (L) is preparing gifts for disadvantaged children. (Photo: VOV5)

In early June, Ms. Nguyen Thi Thuy Ngan and her association members were busy preparing gifts for local children with disabilities. 

“Ms. Ngan is so thoughtful and cares about other people. She organizes many activities for disabled people on occasions such as International Women’s Day, Children’s Day, and War Invalids' and Martyrs' Day,” said one member. 

“Ms. Ngan often visits and gives support to disadvantaged families in the area,” said another member.

Ngan got involved in social work by chance. In 1985, after witnessing the problems of war veterans in the northern province of Yen Bai, she set up a War Invalids Club to help them. As a literature teacher and head of the club, Ngan did her best to support the war invalids.

“Many war invalids still struggle with difficulties. Some now have even more difficulties because their children are infected with Agent Orange/dioxin. I feel I have to do something to help my comrades. Support from the society is a great encouragement to them,” she said.

Ngan has contributed a lot to eradicating illiteracy among disabled people in Hanoi. In Thanh Xuan district, she has opened classes and encouraged disabled people to join. Ngan says when disabled people learn how to read and write, they become more self-confident.

“It’s important to understand disabled people’s feelings in order to teach them well. Handicapped children need care and encouragement. I often write poems for them. After attending the class, many disabled children can read magazines and newspapers. I’m so happy,” said Ngan.

Every year 20 to 30 disabled people attend classes in cooking, bartending, motorbike repairing, and electronic engineering at Thanh Xuan district’s Vocational Training Center with support from donors. Ms. Nguyen Thi Phuong, Head of Thanh Xuan district’s Club for Handicapped Children, said: “Ms. Ngan cares for and supports disadvantaged people, particularly handicapped children. We are so moved by her help. Every year she organizes trips to mountainous areas to distribute blankets, wheelchairs, school bags, and other gifts to the disadvantaged.”