 Le Quang Toan (first from right) presents gifts to disadvantaged people. (Photo courtesy of Le Quang Toan) |
Sam Thi Ha of Quang Tri province and her husband, disabled and unemployed, have seen many changes in their life thanks to Toan’s support.
“Mr. Toan collaborated with local organizations to provide us with a house. Then he helped us earn a living. Thanks to his support, our lives have become much easier,” said Ha.
Hoang Thi Kim Thuy is another disadvantaged person in Quang Tri, whose life changed after meeting Toan. Thuy lost her father when she was in 11th grade, while her mother was pregnant. Thuy was on the verge of dropping out of school to help her mother make a living. Toan connected Thuy with a charity group that provided her with a scholarship, so she could continue her studies. Thuy has graduated with honors from the Faculty of Primary and Preschool Education at Quang Binh University.
“Mr. Toan put me in touch with social work groups that supported me with a scholarship for six years. I learned from him how to strive and rise above hardships. I want to participate in volunteer work in the future,” Thuy said.
Born in 1979 in a poor rural area of Quang Tri, Toan weighed just 1kg at birth. He didn’t start school until he was 10 years old and didn’t learn to write until the age of 14. His speech and writing difficulties made it hard for him to express himself, but he never gave up his dream of going to school. After completing high school at the age of 24, Toan pursued IT studies at Quang Binh Agricultural and Industrial Vocational School, and later continued a part-time IT program at Vietnam National University in Hanoi. It was the volunteer movements at schools and life experiences that nurtured his passion for humanitarian work.
“As a person with a disability, I deeply understand the struggles of others in similar situations. Some people with less serious disabilities than mine still cannot integrate into society. I want to help them overcome their circumstances,” said Toan.
Toan has participated in charitable activities organized by many community groups. He is also a member of websites like vicongdong.vn, chatdocdacam.vn, and several other volunteer clubs.
 Le Quang Toan delivers hand cycles to disabled pupils. (Photo courtesy of Le Quang Toan) |
In 2012, Toan was one of five individuals who were honored with the National Volunteer Award. He also received the Swallow Volunteer Award from FPT Corporation and a Certificate of Merit by the Prime Minister, and was recognized as an Outstanding Citizen of Dong Hoi city in 2014. In 2015, Toan was elected Head of the Disabled Youth Club of Quang Binh province. He has encouraged and supported many disabled individuals, helping them integrate into society.
“I feel my life is more meaningful when I take part in a volunteer club. I no longer feel like a burden to my family or society,” said a club member.
“I’ve been a member of the club for five years. Everyone here is respectful and empathetic. Mr. Toan is a role model we all look up to,” said another member.
Toan not only creates plans for charitable projects but also takes an active role in connecting and implementing them.
“For large-scale programs, I work with organizations and businesses. For smaller initiatives, I collaborate with social work groups or individuals to assist those in need. My goal is to ensure that donors can give directly to the people they’re supporting,” said Toan.
Two years ago, Toan helped to deliver 20 hand cycles to disabled youths in Quang Tri province, matched three couples with disabilities, helped them find stable jobs, and connected them with livestock raising training centers.
Last year, at the age of 45, he was once again awarded a Certificate of Merit by the Vietnam Youth Federation for his outstanding work with youth and community programs. But Toan said his greatest reward is the love and gratitude of orphans, poor people, and people with disabilities across Vietnam.