Volunteer journey in the flood-stricken area of Nhon Mai
Fifteen days have passed since they were stranded in Nhon Mai commune due to floods, but the students from Vinh University continue to persevere in staying in the village after completing their main mission, helping the local people overcome the consequences of the natural disaster. They are part of a team of 24 volunteers participating in the "Green Summer" campaign, which was launched in mid-July in this area.
15 days spent in the heart of the flood.
As of the morning of August 6th, in Nhon Mai commune, 9 students from volunteer team number 2517 – Vinh University are still stationed in the area, continuing to support local people in overcoming the consequences of the recent floods.
According to Tran Thi Xuan Mai, a student in class 64B of Educational Management at the Faculty of Education, Vinh University, and also the team leader of the volunteer group, these are 9 out of 24 members who volunteered to stay after completing the main activity period to continue supporting the local people in overcoming difficulties after the floods.
Tran Thi Xuan Mai said that the team's journey began on July 13th, when all 24 young people set off for Nhon Mai commune to participate in the "Green Summer" campaign. For nearly the first two weeks, the students organized many beneficial activities for children, such as teaching literacy, martial arts, and summer activities for the children in the village. Although the activities only lasted nearly two weeks, the bond between the volunteer team and the children and local people has become very close.
On the evening of July 21st, the volunteer team prepared their personal belongings to leave Nhon Mai the following day. However, during the night, heavy and prolonged rain unexpectedly poured down. In the early morning of July 22nd, water from the Hy stream rose rapidly, flooding the area. The overflow bridge was swept away, many roads were broken, and mud and debris inundated the village. Nhon Mai was completely isolated.
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When our village was isolated by the flood, we were initially worried. However, that moment passed quickly. We checked and reinforced our shelters together. At the same time, we quickly contacted the border guard station, the police, and the local authorities to understand what we needed to do next. After things stabilized, we coordinated with these forces to help evacuate people and property to safe areas.
Tran Thi Xuan Mai - Team Leader of Volunteer Team 2517 – Vinh University
During the rainy season and floods, the students divided up the tasks: some carried rice, others hauled rice from low-lying areas to higher ground, some carried small children, and others helped elderly people to temporary shelters. When the water receded, they rolled up their sleeves to clean up the mud, wipe down desks and chairs, clean the school, and clear the drainage ditches…
Despite being students who have never experienced severe natural disasters, they are not afraid of difficulties or hardships in order to provide maximum support to the people.
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On July 27th, after traffic was temporarily restored, 15 members of the team were assisted by the local authorities in leaving the area and were picked up by the school; the remaining 9 students voluntarily stayed behind.
These days, the students are not only assisting the people in Nhon Mai village but also traveling to Mai Son and Huoi Xa villages to help residents clear mud from their homes after the floods. Despite the difficult living conditions, they have decided to continue supporting Nhon Mai until the people there can truly return to a stable life.
An unforgettable journey
Sharing about his extraordinary journey, Truong Trong Sang – a student from class 63K1, Civil Engineering, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Vinh University, and Deputy Team Leader of the volunteer team – recounted: “There are moments we will remember forever. Like the time when the whole team, together with the villagers, pulled an entire wooden house out of a landslide area. The house was located in a dangerous position, with the soil and rocks beneath cracking after several days of heavy rain. Just one more rain could cause it to collapse. Dozens of people worked hard, tying ropes, bracing wood, and using their strength to move the house to a safe location. Everyone was breathless, their clothes soaked, their hands swollen and red, but seeing the house saved in time, we felt so relieved.”
During their stay in Nhon Mai after the flood, Truong Trong Sang and his teammates were constantly present at families severely affected by the flooding, helping to clear away the thick, muddy layers, some dozens of centimeters deep. Sang shared: “Many houses were flooded up to the beds. Tables, chairs, blankets, books, and school supplies were all dirty and damaged. We wore gloves, shovels, and brooms, cleaning every corner of the house and carrying out buckets of mud. Some days we worked until late at night, everyone was exhausted, but no one gave up.”
On August 5th, the Nghe An Provincial Youth Union transported essential supplies and necessities to support the people of Nhon Mai commune, as well as the volunteer students from Vinh University who are stationed in the area.
“The commune authorities have provided financial support for the children to buy daily food. At the same time, they maintain constant contact and ensure the children's safety. During their stay, the children have been very active in helping the local people overcome the consequences of the natural disaster. It is expected that this afternoon (August 6th) or tomorrow morning, the authorities will coordinate with the border guards to assist the children in returning to their hometowns.”
Mr. Mac Van Nguyen - Secretary of the Party Committee of Nhon Mai Commune
Speaking further about the students' volunteer journey, the Secretary of the Vinh University Youth Union, Nguyen Thai Dung, said that immediately after receiving forecasts about the serious impact of Typhoon No. 3 on Nghe An province, the Youth Union and Student Association of Vinh University promptly directed 22 volunteer teams with more than 700 students participating in the "Summer Youth Volunteer Campaign" in 2025 in heavily affected localities such as Nhon Mai, Quy Chau, Que Phong, Ky Son, Con Cuong, Tuong Duong… to provide emergency support to people in responding to floods, relocating property, cleaning up after the natural disaster, and stabilizing their lives.
Particularly in Nhon Mai, as soon as phone signal was available, school leaders called to check on and encourage the students to remain steadfast. At the same time, they continued to spread the spirit of volunteerism, helping the people overcome the most difficult times.
Nine student volunteers are expected to finish their mission and return to their hometowns this afternoon (August 6th).
This is not just a simple volunteer activity, but also an opportunity for students to mature through practical experience, develop their character, civic spirit, and sense of social responsibility – qualities that are especially necessary for young people in today's context.
Nguyen Thai Dung - Secretary of the Youth Union of Vinh University
