Pham Quang Khoat is Vice Chairman of Hanoi’s Disabled People Association and Chairman of Hoang Mai district’s Disabled People Association. (Photo: VOV2)

Pham Quang Khoat was born in Ha Nam province. Since childhood his paralyzed legs have made daily activities and getting around very difficult. Even so, Khoat has never given in to his difficult circumstances.

In 2008 Khoat came to Hanoi for his tertiary education. When Hoang Mai district’s Disabled People Association was established, he joined the Association as a volunteer. In 2018, he was elected Chairman. In 2022, Khoat also became the Vice Chairman of Hanoi’s Disabled People Association. Khoat is said to be a talented, competent, and enthusiastic person.

“Khoat has made significant contributions to the development of our Association. He always cares for other people,” said Dinh Thi Thuy Dung, Vice Chairwoman of Hoang Mai district’s Disabled People Association, who has worked with Khoat for 3 terms.

Khoat has worked with other Association leaders to improve the lives of its 16,000 members and provide vocational training for more than 2,000 young people with disabilities.

He has also mobilized thousands of dollars in donations for vulnerable groups. Khoat and the Association for Young People with Disabilities in Hanoi have worked with Touch The World, an educational non-profit for people with disabilities, to conduct free English classes for people with disabilities.

Pham Quang Khoat has supported people with disabilities over the past 16 years. (Photo: VOV2)

“Khoat is a role model. He devotes most of his time and effort to helping others. He couldn’t do that without a great enthusiasm and devotion,” said Nguyen Thi Kim Chi, a member of Hoang Mai district’s Disabled People Association.

Doan Thi Ngoc Lan, Vice Chairwoman of Hanoi’s Disabled People Association, said that Khoat is a young but competent and creative leader who has improved himself through training. "Difficulties and challenges do not deter him. He is eager to learn new things, friendly, humble, and has always inspired others.”

Pham Quang Khoat received a certificate of merit from the Prime Minister for his outstanding achievements in studying and following President Ho Chi Minh's moral example.

“I’m happy that I can help many people around me. I always keep in mind what President Ho Chi Minh taught: ‘Nothing is difficult as long as you are determined. Digging the mountains and filling the sea, if you have the will, you can do it.’ Young disabled people have always taken the lead in helping their community and other people with disabilities,” he said.