At Ho Chi Minh City Open University, there is a special lecturer who always impresses others by her bright smile, warm voice, and positive attitude. Students remember her for her engaging and lively lectures; colleagues admire her for her musical talent, and somehow, they forget a pair of crutches accompanying her every day. During the interview with Dr Vo Thi Hoang Yen, there were lyrics echoing in the author’s mind: “A teacher, like the Sun shedding unconditional light”!
Dr Vo Thi Hoang Yen and her musical talent
Gaining strength from her mother
Hoang Yen was born as an ordinary child, but a polio fever caused muscular weakness in her legs, depriving her of the ability to walk as other persons. Instead of being self-deprecating, Hoang Yen has strived her best along the academic path. She graduated with two Bachelor degrees in Economics and English Pedagogy, then received a Master degree in Human Development at the University of Kansas, the United States in 2004. She founded the Disability Resources and Development (DRD) in 2005. Hoang Yen has completed a PhD program with an Australia Awards Scholarship and returned to Vietnam last month. She realized her academic dream and proved that with equal opportunities, people with disabilities are not burdens on their family or the society; on the contrary, they can pursue higher education and contribute to their community’s development.
Dr Vo Thi Hoang Yen and her mentor at La Trobe University
“Above all I always received support from my mother. I remember clearly that once she told me: You are not as wealthy as your sisters, and I don’t need your money. I am proud of you and what you are doing,” Hoang Yen said emotionally, when being asked who had provided her with mental strength in such a long and tough journey, that her mother’s pride has brought enormous strength to her.
In addition, disabled young people have also long been her motivation to keep moving forward. When she sees these young people change their minds, then their lives, she knows that she should continue moving forward. In the community, there are many people who have been supporting what she is doing. Their trust and support have provided additional strength to Hoang Yen in her chosen path.
“On air” to support Rights of People with Disabilities
“Once, I told other young people in DRD that DRD might stop its operations, as fundraising activities are increasingly difficult. One person immediately responded “What a pity! Let’s keep this centre. DRD has enabled me and others to change our lives, and I believe that it will help many others to make changes for themselves!”. Another time, when Hoang Yen was very tired with work and life pressures and shared her feelings with a close friend – a respectful businessman who has supported her and DRD, he said: “Anyone can lose their fire, but not you. I will always support you!” “The timely encouragement has strengthened my confidence in my journey” she shared.
In her work, Hoang Yen always observes and learns from others. She said that she had learnt about persistence from her first staff member (this person suffered a severe defect and passed away few months after working at the centre). She learnt about forgiveness from a young architect who suffered an electric shock and lost his hands. She learnt from a story of mature student from Hau Giang province how lucky she was as she did not have to walk two kilometres in a muddy field to school every day as he had to. To her, life is continuing to learn, and she can always learn something from people surrounding her.
“My mother thought you were born with a silver spoon in your mouth”!
Students who selected the Behaviour class with Hoang Yen can be usually divided into two groups. “Most students focus on finishing assignments and getting passing grades. A smaller group usually approaches me at break time to share their personal difficulties and ask for my advice. With the Social Workwh class for people with disability, there is another, smaller group who share with me their concerns about finding life’s meaning,” she said.
“Honestly, it is not easy to inspire students who are surrounded by concerns over material things – especially those from low-income families in poor provinces – about job opportunities after graduation, and about stories of adults who should have been examples for them,” Hoang Yen candidly shared.
Dr Vo Thi Hoang Yen and other students at their graduation ceremony
Given this situation, in her lectures, Hoang Yen usually emphasizes the values of social work, such as equality, respect for diversity, and active listening. Practical case studies are often raised by students for discussion and analysis since they are more relevant to their lives and concerns. She usually uses stories of people with disability to illustrate difficulties for social work implementation, for policies, or individual efforts. Because she would like to send a strong message that: although people with disabilities are considered as the poorest among the poor, the most disadvantageous among disadvantageous people, they can realize their potential strength if they receive positive support and equal opportunities.
When appropriate, she also shares with her students about places she has visited for the purpose of comparison and implicitly heightening their national pride. Once, one student exclaimed: “You are so lucky! You are invited to many places!” Hoang Yen told them: “Being invited with all expenses being covered makes me quite happy. But I will feel truly happy if I can participate in international workshops by local support or if Vietnam can provide financial support for foreigners to come here and join our workshops!”. I don’t know clearly their feelings, but there was one student (currently he is working as Provincial Youth Delegation officer) who told me: “When you shared your views about other countries, I was annoyed because I thought you were bragging. Now, I can understand!”
Hoang Yen shared: It is not easy to be an example because people do not know my family background and my suffering. One disabled student (who received DRD’s scholarship) told me: “I saw you on television and told my mother that I wanted to go to university, and to work like you. Then my mother said our family is not as wealthy as yours! My mother thought you must be born with a silver spoon in your mouth (Smile)”.
According to Hoang Yen, what makes it difficult to work with young people is that each person has his/her own dream. Some are beset by material concerns and could not identify their dreams. She can only inspire them with examples related to their lives, their relatives, and surroundings. Hoang Yen usually advises them that dreams should be realistic. With those who would like to devote themselves to the community, she suggested they share their aspirations with other people, if they can find “like-minded persons” and together, they can work and realize their dreams.
“My story and that of DRD is the most practical example to all of you” said Hoang Yen, the Sun who has been shedding light and positive attitude by her own life to all students!
(Translation of an article on Education and Times Newspaper)
