Willpower of disabled students

(Baonghean)- Every day, people in the countryside of Thanh Giang commune still see the image of a boy with an old wheelchair, diligently going to school, regardless of rain or shine. That familiar image has left an impression in the hearts of teachers, friends and people here about a studious spirit, a will to live, a determination to overcome fate...

That is Tran Trong Phuc, 18 years old, a student at Thanh Giang Secondary School, Thanh Chuong District. Although 18 years old, Phuc's body is much smaller than his age, his feet are small, his hands are cramped, and his mouth is crooked.

Phuc's mother recalled that when she was pregnant with Phuc, due to difficult circumstances, Ms. Bui Thi Oanh did not have enough money to go for a check-up or an ultrasound. On the day of delivery, she was taken to the commune health station and was shocked when the doctors told her that she was pregnant with twins and one fetus had died 3 months before. She had to be transferred to the provincial hospital for emergency care or else her life would be in danger. Fortunately, the couple's remaining child was saved. But little Phuc was born in a purple-black state, very small. For a while, Phuc showed signs of slow growth, difficulty moving his limbs, and convulsions. The couple took their child to the doctor and were told that Phuc had congenital paralysis.

Although he is disabled and cannot walk, Phuc loves going to school. Every day, Phuc goes to class in an old wheelchair with his younger sister, Tra My. However, the wheelchair can only go as far as the school yard. When going up the steps and entering the classroom, Phuc has to use his hands. In class, he relies on his sister and friends to help him with all his personal activities.

On rainy, windy and cold days, Phuc and his brother still go to school. That image makes teachers and friends moved to tears, but they can only pity him and try to help him in his studies - said teacher Nguyen Van Quang, Phuc's teacher.

For Phuc, getting into class was difficult, but learning with his friends was even more difficult, because his hands were cramped, making it difficult to hold a pen, and his mouth had difficulty pronouncing words. However, with determination to overcome, Phuc was one of the students who was very good at Math, and was recognized as an advanced student in grades 1 and 2.

Mr. Quang added: "Knowing the difficult circumstances of his family, the school has tried to cut costs to encourage him to go to school. On holidays, the school gives him gifts such as books, school bags..."

Phuc’s family is one of the poor households in the commune. Fortunately, the provincial Red Cross recently organized a program to help disabled children, and Phuc was given a new wheelchair. He also receives a monthly allowance of 260,000 VND.

When asked about his future dream, Phuc hesitated for a while and then said, "I...want...to...study...electronics and information technology." As Phuc said, it was so that he could reduce the hardship for his parents. Phuc's grandmother also told us: "He also likes to tinker with electricity and play with electronic devices in the house. The family also hopes that he will learn a suitable job in the future, so that his future will be less difficult..."

Tran Trong Phuc's determination truly moves and admires many people. I hope he has more determination to overcome difficulties and pursue that simple dream.

Nguyen Thi Dinh