Trần Đặng Văn Tài taking test samples in early August. — Photo tienphong.vn

HCM CITY — Trần Đặng Văn Tài has been contributing to the community since he was a child. In the hardest times of the pandemic, the young man has been on the frontline in HCM City.

Now he has been awarded the HCM City’s Model Young Citizen 2021. 

Tài wanted to help fight the pandemic as soon as the fourth wave started, but his parents did not consent as they feared it might be risky to his elderly grandmother. 

However, after his high school graduation exams ended in July 2021, Tài convinced his parents and volunteered to serve at his local checkpoint in Phước Long B Ward.

“People murmured that I might bring the disease back home and infect others. There was a lot of pressure," said Tài. “However, I have made my decision and I have always taken precautionary methods to protect myself and those around me”.

When the situation eased in his area, Tài continued to support vaccination sites in Hiệp Phú Ward, helping citizens and students inside lockdown areas, as well as taking test samples in Tân Phú Ward.

“The fourth coronavirus wave has greatly impacted our lives,” said Tài. “It made me want to contribute more to my hometown.”

Before volunteering in the frontline, Tài has a long history of community work. In his high school years, he participated in school and local volunteer programmes. 

“I am looking forward to continuing to contribute to society in my new university as well,” said Tài, who is now in his first year of studies at Thủ Đức Technical College.

In his quest for knowledge, Tài always aims for the best and is eager to learn more. 

“I always share what I’ve learned with others, it’s how I review my knowledge. It’s also a good way to help my friends. In return, sometimes my friends help me with other subjects as well.”

It is the learning attitude that helped Tài get a place at Thủ Đức Technical College with a top score. 

For his contributions to society and his academic performance, Trần Đặng Văn Tài has been awarded the Hồ Chí Minh City Model Young Citizen Award of 2021. — VNS