Since the early days of the current COVID-19 crisis, a large number of out-of-town and international students stranded in Da Nang have received thoughtful attention and all-kind support from their schools, local authorities, and other organizations, the support has partly help these young people overcome their difficulties amid the strict practice of the stay-at-home mandate in the city.

Students of the University of Education, the University of Da Nang (UD) are seen receiving bread in support from Hoa Khanh Nam Ward Women's Union chapter at their dormitory. Photo: NGOC HA

Recently, via Zalo and Facebook, 338 students of the University of Science and Technology (DUT), a member school of the Da Nang University, has received timely support from their school during this tough time.

The DUT Youth Union and Students’ associations have coordinated with other units in this tertiary establihsment to appeal for donations from teachers, alumni and businesses for students struggling financially during the ‘shelter-in-place’ period.

Since July 3, the school has supported three times with a total of more than 600 gifts comprising essential food for its students as well as two times for extremely poor students. At the same time, the faculties of the school also presented cash for their students in a prompt fashion.

In a similar vein, DUT has joined forces with the Lien Chieu District authorities to hand over gifts to 101 students living in rented accommodations.

Besides, representatives of the authorities of residential groups have actively been involved in doing shopping and home delivery for students.

Similarly, the dormitory complex of the University of Economics (DUE), another member school of the University of Da Nang currently houses 63 Vietnamese and 137 Laotian students. Also, there is students’ hall of residence at 14 Doan Uan in Ngu Hanh Son District to the east of the city accommodating 65 students for the time being.

Since the beginning of August, the DUE’s Youth Union organisation has partnered with the school’s managing board to organise 3 rounds of support for students at these 2 dormitories with the total funding of nearly VND80 million.

Furthermore, financial grants have been given to extremely poor students staying in the city with each receiving VND500,000.

Similarly, the dormitory of the University of Education (UED), also a member school of the Da Nang University, is currently home to 236 out-of-town Vietnamese and Laotian students. So far, this university has granted essential support worth of more than VND60 million for their students.

Over the past time, thanks to the school’s regular contact with the local government and the dormitory to properly assess the actual situation, its students have been received sentimental support in tandem with adequate necessities by Hoa Khanh Nam Ward, Lien Chieu District in an attempt to help them stabilise their lives amid the COVID-19 resurgence

“We are very surprised to receive many thoughtful and practical gifts at this time. Everything is still fine, so my family is also at ease," said female student Ho Thi Thanh Dieu living in the UED dormitory.

“During days living far away from family in light of the prolonged pandemic, we really feel worried. However, practical gifts from my school and the local government make me feel incredibly secure" said Senlamphanh Poupe, a Laotian student living in the DUE dormitory.

Although the COVID-19 pandemic has caused many difficulties to the lives of students, and all city dwellers in general, the sentimental and timely support of schools and authorities have warmed hearts of those in difficult circumstances.

Reporting by NGOC HA-Translating by T.VY