Nguyen Nam Thang, an employee with the Tam Thuan Ward authorities in Da Nang’s Thanh Khe District, has more than 10 years of experience in social work.

In response to the city’s community-based drug rehabilitation programme, the Tam Thuan Ward Rehab Club managed by Thang was established in July 2015.  His club and 13 other similar ones have been trialled across the city. 

The 49-year-old social activist has helped numerous addicts in his ward to stop using drugs and become responsible citizens and good people.  He has inspired them to change their lives in positive ways and encouraged them to pursue their dreams and hopes for a better life through finding suitable jobs to support their families and helping other addicts.

Thang (first right) giving free meals to poor patients in the Lien Chieu District Medical Centre

Thang always shows kindness, a sense of caring, and a willingness to help addicts and treat them like his family members.  In addition, he is patient with them as he convinces them to stop taking drugs.  He also helps them to understand their responsibilities and contributions to their families, most of them being poor.

Apart from his helpful activities, Thang has frequently encouraged his club members to help local kind-hearted women bring free meals to poor patients in the Lien Chieu District Medical Centre and the city’s care centre for people with mental illnesses.  This meaningful activity has assisted the addicts to have more motivation and high aspirations in life.  This has inspired them to show their strong determination to totally stop using drugs. 

Thang’s club now has 8 members and 7 of them have stopped using drugs altogether thanks to the kind help and great care he has given them and their families.  At present, he is continuing his efforts to give a helping hand to more addicts and to help them become useful citizens.