Nguyễn Huy Đạt, pictured with poor students receiving his team's Tết donations. — Photo suckhoedoisong.vn

HÀ TĨNH — Outside of his duty as a teacher, teacher Nguyễn Huy Đạt also contributes to society with his good deeds.

Đạt, Vice Principal of Trà Linh Secondary School in Can Lộc District, Hà Tĩnh Province, has been active in charity by raising funds to help the disadvantaged.

Born into a studious family, Đạt followed his dream of becoming a teacher. He witnessed many people in difficult circumstances, so he enlisted the help of his family, friends and students to support the less fortunate.

After successfully calling for gifts to poor students in 2016, Đạt said that the students' joy in receiving gifts became a motivation for him to expand his work.

"On my business trips to mountainous areas, I saw many people lacking food and clothing. From then on, I hoped to use my efforts to connect with other benefactors to help alleviate their difficulties," said Đạt.

"At first, it was no easy task," said Đạt. "I was not familiar with the task, and our projects were not very appealing."

After more than a year, Đạt's work has become well known, and his posts on his Facebook page calling for support have reached many people.

When asked if he remembers how many times he has helped others, Đạt just smiled and shook his head. But after more than 10 years of charity work, there is a memory he will never forget.

"Nearly a year ago, I received information about Nguyễn Văn Trung of Đồng Thịnh village," said Đạt. "Trung had a cystectomy, so he had to wear a bag. Despite his illness, he had to take care of his 80-year-old mother and a younger sister with mental illness."

"When I gave him some gifts, he hugged me and cried and said that he had to spend the money first to buy a coffin for his mother no matter how difficult it was. I will never forget his words and tears."

Despite being busy at school, Đạt always takes his time to connect with benefactors. During the last 10 years, his team have mobilised support for hundreds of cases.

He has also travelled to other remote mountainous areas to help local people in difficulty.

Although his work is tiring and stressful at times, his family, friends, and loved ones encourage and comfort him to continue his journey.

Đạt believes that volunteering and charity cannot be done alone and needs the cooperation and contribution of many people.

"I hope that there will be more benefactors in society to contribute to making life more beautiful," he said.

"To live is to give. This is also a way for me to educate my children. I believe that what comes from the heart will reach other hearts." — VNS