Despite being born without arms, Nguyen Dinh Nhan has defied the odds, earning a degree in information technology and successfully supporting himself and his family in Vietnam.

In 2016, Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper published an article titled 'Nhan's Resilience in the Face of Challenges,' casting light on his remarkable journey.

Growing up as the fifth of six children in a poor family in Nghi Kim Commune, Nghe An Province, north-central Vietnam, Nhan faced adversity early in life.

At just three years old, he lost his father in a traffic accident, leaving his mother, Nguyen Thi Vinh, to raise the children on her own.

Despite being born with a congenital disability and growing up in poverty, Nhan never gave up on his dream of education.

He learned to write with his feet and became self-sufficient, managing daily tasks like brushing his teeth, washing his face, and eating with a spoon -- all accomplished using his feet.

With support from friends who helped him get to class, Nhan also contributed to household chores such as sweeping, cooking, and caring for livestock with his remarkable foot skills.

As he approached 18, he was determined not to let his circumstances defeat him and aspired to earn a bachelor's degree in information technology.

Inspired by the success of Nguyen Cong Hung, locally dubbed 'IT Knight,' Nhan dreamed of working to support himself.

The impact of the Backing Students on Their Way to School scholarship fund

For twelve consecutive years, Nhan excelled academically and was accepted into the Industrial University of Vinh in Nghe An.

He received a 'Tiep Suc Den Truong' (Backing Students on Their Way to School) scholarship in 2016 which covered his admission fees and eased the financial burden on his mother.

After four years of hard work, Nhan graduated with good grades in information technology.

His university education equipped him with the confidence to communicate effectively and secure a stable job.

Currently employed in graphic design and digital content creation for a local company that produces material for social media platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok, Nhan skillfully navigates the computer with his feet on the keyboard and mouse.

He earns a monthly income of approximately VND6-7 million (US$250-300) and provides for himself and his mother.

"The Tiep Suc Den Truong scholarship from Tuoi Tre was a tremendous motivation for me to pursue my education," he admitted.

"Even after eight years, I vividly remember receiving the scholarship and the encouragement from donors not to succumb to fate."

He hopes that this year's scholarship recipients will view their awards as motivation to excel academically and contribute positively to their families and the community in the future.

The Tiep Suc Den Truong scholarships offer crucial financial aid to underprivileged students starting university, while also giving them hope and stimulation for a better future.

The donors behind the program hope that over time the recipients will pay it forward by helping younger students facing similar hardships, just as they were once supported.

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