With only one month left until the new academic year, the officers and soldiers of the Da Nang Border Guard are organising numerous activities to support underprivileged pupils in the coastal border area, helping them continue to pursue their dreams of education.

Leaders of the Da Nang Border Guard presenting gifts to pupils as part of the “Supporting Pupils to School - Children of Border Guard Stations” programme. Photo: DOAN QUANG

The family of Le Viet Bao Han in residential group 40, Thanh Binh Ward, Hai Chau District, is in a very unfortunate situation. His father passed away early, and his mother suffers from a severe illness, frequently requiring hospital treatment. Knowing of this hardship, the Command of the Da Nang Port's Border Guard has facilitated Bao Han to participate in the “Supporting Students to School - Children of Border Guard Stations” programme since 2017, when he was still a junior high school pupil.

Not feeling ashamed or inferior about his family’s situation, Han constantly reminds himself to strive to overcome adversity. Along with this, the Da Nang Port Border Guard officers and soldiers have provided both material and spiritual support, helping him excel in his studies and life.

As a result, he has consistently achieved excellent academic results in recent school years and is currently a student at the University of Science and Technology - University of Da Nang. Bao Han shared, “With the continuous care and support of the border guards, I feel very touched and more confident to overcome difficulties. The soldiers often visit my home to encourage and help me continue on my journey to realise my dreams.”

Similarly, Nguyen Doan Ky, living in residential group No.46, Thanh Khe Tay Ward, is currently a 10th-grade pupil at the Thanh Khe Senior High School and is one of the recent beneficiaries of support.

Orphaned at a young age, with a mother who lacked a stable income, she received support from the officers and soldiers of Phu Loc Border Guard Station. In the past school year, she achieved the title of excellent pupil. She shares her simple dream of passing the university entrance exam and securing a stable job to help her mother alleviate some of the difficulties in life.

In just the first six months of 2024, the Da Nang Border Guard supported 41 pupils with a total support amount of VND 123 million. In addition, on such special occasions as the opening ceremony of new school year, Tet holiday, and Mid-Autumn Festival, units under the Border Guard coordinate with local authorities and benefactors to present dozens of gifts such as bicycles, clothes, and school supplies to the needy children.

Especially, to fully realise the humanitarian significance of the programme, the Da Nang Border Guard Command has instructed all units to ensure that every officer and soldier understands the purpose and meaning of the programme; as well as assign specific tasks and responsibilities for each officer in mentoring, assisting, and regularly coordinating with families and schools to monitor and track the children’s academic performance and conduct. This timely encouragement and recognition have resulted in 100% of the children achieving excellent conduct scores, with many recognised for their excellent academic performance.

Colonel Do Van Dong, Secretary of the Party Committee and Political Commissar of the Da Nang Border Guard, stated that after several years of implementing the “Supporting Students to School - Children of Border Guard Posts” programme, the children have shown remarkable progress in their studies, with many gaining admission to universities and colleges. This brings joy not only to their families and schools but also to the officers and soldiers of the Border Guard in Da Nang. The programme helps strengthen the bond between the military and the people while enhancing public awareness to support the border guards in their mission to protect the sovereignty of the nation’s borders and seas.

Reporting by DOAN QUANG - Translating by TRUC VY