Rosie Nguyen / VNT
With unwavering spirit, these characters overcame physical limitations to not only find their place in the world but also uplift others through employment and community service.
Preserving the traditional beauty of weaving
From a young age, H’Yar Kbour (from Dray Sap Commune, Krong Ana District, Dak Lak Province) has been passionate about the traditional craft of weaving brocade. She eagerly learned from her grandparents and mother. However, misfortune struck when, at the age of 5-6, H’Yar Kbour suffered from a leg pain that did not improve despite seeking treatment everywhere. Soon after, her legs became paralyzed.
“I was sad and ashamed. I thought that was fate, but I couldn’t just sit still and endure it. Therefore, I decided to learn to read and write when I was 10 years old. I stopped feeling sorry for myself and encouraged myself to try harder,” H’Yar Kbour said.
While learning to read and write, H’Yar Kbour also learned weaving. H’Yar Kbour quickly became known for her skill and dedication. They came to learn the craft and buy her products. “I really want to preserve and develop the traditional beauty of my people, so I persuade the sisters in the village to do the same profession,” H’Yar Kbour said.
The harsh sun and wind of the highland cannot stop the determined Ede woman. On every road in the village, the footprints of H’Yar Kbour are deeply imprinted. She goes to every house, encouraging people to maintain the traditional craft. At the age of 60, she is still persistent and determined on her journey.
Along with the efforts of H’Yar Kbour, there is the concern of the Women’s Union of K’La village. H’BLA, head of the Women’s Union said that the K’la village’s brocade weaving cooperative has been established for more than three years. The group leader, H’Yar Kbour, despite her physical limitations, is always enthusiastic about keeping the traditional craft alive. H’Yar Kbour’s small house has become a meeting place for Ede women, helping them become more confident and earn income from their traditional craft.
Developing the art of paper quilling
Born into a poor family, with a physical disability after a severe fever when she was young, Tran Thuy Thuy Vy (Ho Chi Minh City) never felt inferior or insecure. Instead, it became a motivation for her to overcome difficulties, study hard, work, and become a talented artist creating paper quilling paintings. At the age of 30, she started going to university with the mindset that “it’s never too late,” and Thuy Vy has been studying hard and has truly done things that seemed impossible.
Thuy Vy has skillful hands and a talent for aesthetics and painting. While studying, to have more money to support herself, she took on additional painting jobs. She also participated in painting competitions at school and won first prize in a competition with a paper quilling product, which was also the premise for Thuy Vy to start a business later.
From that strength, in 2013, Thuy Vy opened the Alice Quilling paper quilling studio (District 4, Ho Chi Minh City) to teach the craft and create jobs for women with disabilities. “My initial goal was to help women with disabilities, but I realized that everyone deserves meaningful work. Now, my studio offers opportunities to a wider range of individuals,” Vy said.
The meticulous products made from paper quilling demonstrate the dexterity of many people with disabilities, opening up opportunities for them to affirm that physical disabilities are only an inconvenience. Thuy Vy has chosen to serve the community instead of choosing opportunities for herself.
Helping oneself and others
A workplace accident took away Le Van Tuan’s hands (Tao Son Commune, Anh Son mountainous district, Nghe An Province). Borrowing money from relatives, Tuan and his family sought treatment everywhere but his hands did not recover. With debts still lingering and poor health, Tuan once thought of donating his organs to pay off his debts. Feeling inferior and ashamed of his missing hands, but seeing his elderly parents and the outstanding debt, Tuan was determined to live a better life and find a suitable job.
“Luckily, I have a brother who taught me free of charge about information technology and mobile phone repair. Every day at 4 a.m. I took the bus from my hometown to Vinh City, Nghe An to learn,” Tuan said. His hard work paid off, and he opened a mobile phone repair shop in his hometown, earning additional income to support his family and pay off his debts. In addition, Tuan also helps young people with difficult circumstances, giving them job opportunities.
Dao Duy Bach, secretary of the Youth Union of Tao Son Commune, Anh Son District, Nghe An Province said “Tuan is a person who always strives to overcome his circumstances. His spirit and perseverance are an example for everyone. He also helps and teaches many people in the commune.”
After appearing on the “Noi tron yeu thuong” program broadcast on VTV1 channel of Vietnam Television, the determination to create social value of Le Van Tuan, Tran Thuy Thuy Vy, and H’Yar Kbour have inspired the community. Not only have they created income for themselves, but they have also created jobs and opportunities to change the lives of those around them, together honoring the beauty of labor in their own unique way.
Having joined the program since 2019, Tan Hiep Phat Group, aims to honor and spread the stories of individuals with extraordinary willpower and resilience who have overcome adversity to create value for society.
With a business philosophy and development aligned with the core value of social responsibility, over nearly 30 years, Tan Hiep Phat has been involved in social service projects with numerous large-scale and impactful activities including supporting people in the Mekong Delta provinces in trade and economic development, and donating thousands of cows to help thousands of households escape poverty. In addition, Tan Hiep Phat also shows gratitude to war invalids, families of martyrs, and those who have contributed to the revolution.
In particular, Tan Hiep Phat always places children at the center of its social service journey with scholarship programs, long-term sponsorship to enable disadvantaged students to go to school. In 2023, Tan Hiep Phat cooperated with local authorities in four provinces Binh Duong, Hau Giang, Chu Lai, and Ha Nam to organize the program awarding 600 scholarships worth a total of VND1.2 billion (US$47,885) to encourage disadvantaged students to strive for academic excellence. In 2022, Tan Hiep Phat also took on the long-term sponsorship of 50 children orphaned due to Covid-19 until they turned 18, along with visits and encouragement on holidays.
Regarding the “Noi tron yeu thuong” program, a representative of Tan Hiep Phat Group said that they will continue to join hands with Vietnam Television to meet and motivate special individuals, and continuously spread the “nothing is impossible” spirit to the community for a better society.
