Society

'The Bell' of Happiness

Thanh Quynh • October 9, 2026 15:34

In conversations, Nguyen Khac Cuong (born in 1986) often compares himself to a "bell," because his body sways with each step as he moves. This analogy sometimes touches the listener's heart, but for him, it's a humorous and optimistic way of viewing himself. It is this abundant life energy that helps him find joy in his imperfections and brings happiness to many disadvantaged lives in the province.

Thanh Quynh/Present: Hong Toai •9/10/2026

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In conversations, Nguyen Khac Cuong (born in 1986) often compares himself to a "bell," because his body sways with each step as he moves. This analogy sometimes touches the listener's heart, but for him, it's a humorous and optimistic way of viewing himself. It is this abundant life energy that helps him find joy in his imperfections and strive to bring happiness to many disadvantaged lives in the province.Recently, he became one of 15 young people nationwide selected and honored with the title "Young People Living Beautifully" in 2026 by the Central Committee of the Vietnam Youth Union.

Concluding this year's Summer Youth Volunteer Campaign, the Ben Thuy 1 Youth Union branch and its Secretary, Mr. Nguyen Khac Cuong, were commended and awarded certificates of merit by the Truong Vinh Ward Youth Union for their positive contributions to the Youth Union's work and youth movements. Prior to this, he was also honored with the title of "Advanced Youth Following Uncle Ho's Teachings" at the provincial level in 2026.

For those who have worked alongside Cuong, this recognition seems understandable. In many activities, he was often the first to arrive, readily taking on tasks with dedication and enthusiasm.

The image of the small-statured man with his labored gait, yet always dedicated to charitable work, has become familiar in many community and social programs. And what they cherish most is his rare optimistic spirit.

Accordingly, Nguyen Khac Cuong is a native of Ben Thuy, Vinh City (formerly), now Ben Thuy 1 block, Truong Vinh ward. From birth, he suffered from a congenital deformity in his legs and a flattened spine, severely limiting his height. He cannot squat or do heavy work, making each step much more difficult than for a normal person.

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Throughout my school and work life, many people mocked my body, but I simply thought of it this way: many people are born unable to see the sunlight, some cannot walk on their own.

As for me, even though I have a physical disability, I'm fortunate enough to be able to study and find work. Many times I even receive very enthusiastic help from others. So there's no reason to hate or feel ashamed of my own body. I just live happily, try my best to do what I can, and help whoever I can."

Mr. Cuong shared.

That belief helped him overcome his inferiority complex and strive to maintain his status as an outstanding student throughout all three levels of education. He also graduated from a college in the province with a major in Information Technology.

During his school years, because he came from a large family and was the eldest son, after school he would return home to help his mother sell vegetables at Ben Thuy market. In the evenings, he would brew tea to sell on the Hung Hoa dike. During this time, he also participated in volunteer activities, bringing his singing to patients in hospitals. These encounters and witnessing the many difficult situations of people fighting for their lives deeply troubled him and motivated him to do something more meaningful to help those in need.

Based on that idea, in 2010, he founded the Nghe An 37 Youth Social Activities for the Community. He encouraged students to participate in charitable activities, organized fundraising programs using agricultural products, and mobilized philanthropists to join hands in supporting people and children in disadvantaged areas, especially in mountainous communes.

To raise funds for their activities, Mr. Cuong and his volunteers even had to collect scrap metal, import flowers and incense sticks to sell. All of this allowed their charitable trips to gradually expand, bringing gifts, warm clothes, and sharing to poor children and people in remote areas. From there, more and more young people joined him, because they understood that the meaning of charity lies not only in the gifts given, but also in the spirit of sharing and working together for the community.

Nguyen Khac Cuong's years of dedicated community work have brought him much recognition. He is the only person from Nghe An to receive the "Youth Contribution to the Community" award in 2017, honored by the Vietnam Volunteer Community. In 2025, he was awarded a Certificate of Merit by the Central Committee of the Vietnam Youth Union for his achievements in the Union's work and youth movements. He was also a delegate to the 9th National Congress of the Vietnam Youth Union, for the 2024-2029 term.

Despite his own difficult circumstances, Mr. Cuong has consistently strived to save money to support those in need in remote areas. For example, in Long Tien village, Tien Phong commune, there is Mr. Lo Van Xum (39 years old), who is blind, frail, and unable to work. Not far away, Mrs. Lo Thi Bich Phuong (72 years old) in Long Thang village is also an elderly person living alone. Each month, Mr. Cuong provides them with 500,000 VND each. While not a large sum, the money is given regularly and on time, offering a little extra support to alleviate the hardships of those facing difficulties.

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"Since I lost my sight, my life has become much harder. I can't work, my health is poor, and daily expenses have become a burden. That money helps me buy food and take care of necessities. But what's most precious is Cuong's affection. Even though I'm struggling, there are still people who remember me, care for me, and share with me; it warms my heart!"

Mr. Xum shared.

Currently, as the leader of the Nghe An 37 Youth Social Activities Organization for the Community, Mr. Nguyen Khac Cuong continues to maintain programs connecting with Production Teams 5, 6, and 7 of the Economic-Defense Brigade 4 (Military Region 4), implementing charitable activities in the communes of Tien Phong, Nam Giai, and Thong Thu.

Specifically, the "37 Volunteer Adopted Children" project is supporting two children in Muong Piet and Loc villages, Thong Thu commune, with a total of 800,000 VND per month. The "37 Elderly Shelter" project is also maintained to provide fixed support to three elderly people in difficult circumstances in Tien Phong and Que Phong communes with a total of nearly 1.5 million VND per month.

Besides his volunteer work, Mr. Cuong is also dedicated to teaching and supporting children with special needs, including those with autism, ADHD, and developmental delays. This is no easy task, especially for a disabled person like him, who has to play both the roles of father and mother, feeding the children and providing support to help them improve in their daily lives.

In particular, he waived 50% of tuition fees for children from disadvantaged backgrounds. It was this diligence, meticulousness, and love that allowed him to enter the children's inner world, witnessing their daily changes, even in the smallest things, which brought him immense joy.

Lately, he has also been singing and MCing for events, parties, and weddings. In his free time, he enthusiastically creates free scripts for Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations and charity activities for neighborhoods and communities.

True to his nickname, "a bell," Nguyen Khac Cuong lived a life truly filled with the sound of happiness. He was always brimming with life energy, enthusiasm, and the joy of sharing. And so, that "bell" devoted itself to bringing kindness to those around him...

Recognizing his efforts, on September 29th, at a meeting to express gratitude to charitable groups and philanthropists who have contributed to social welfare work in the province during the 2023-2026 period, organized by the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Nghe An province, Mr. Nguyen Khac Cuong and his charitable group were once again commended and recognized. This is meaningful encouragement for their kind deeds to continue and spread to many disadvantaged people.