Four Vietnamese educators, with a shared devotion to learning and deep gratitude for their journeys, made a powerful choice: to give away their personal savings - each contributing billions of dong - to support students, schools, and struggling communities. Though retired, they continue to shape lives, believing that the most meaningful tribute to life is to keep the door to education open for others.

In the past year, several veteran educators have donated their retirement savings or mobilized family resources to support the education sector and wider community. No longer standing at the podium, these teachers have not stepped away from their purpose - they’ve simply transformed it into acts of lasting impact.

Among the most notable cases are Professor Le Ngoc Thach donating 1 billion VND to his former high school in Ho Chi Minh City, teacher Khuong Van Hung offering the same amount to disaster-hit residents in Ninh Binh, and Associate Professor Bui Long Bien dedicating 1 billion VND to scholarships for disadvantaged students at Hanoi University of Science and Technology.

A teacher sets up a scholarship fund with his savings

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Professor Le Ngoc Thach and Principal Pham Thi Be Hien of Le Hong Phong High School finalize the transfer of 1 billion VND to establish the prize fund. Photo: NVCC

In early December 2025, Professor Dr. Le Ngoc Thach, a visiting lecturer at the University of Science (Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City), withdrew 1 billion VND (approximately USD 41,600) from his personal savings to donate to Le Hong Phong High School for the Gifted - his alma mater from 1960 to 1967.

The donation established the Le Van Thoi Prize, awarded annually to outstanding students in grades 10, 11, and 12.

Originally, Professor Thach intended to donate the money during the school’s centennial in 2027, but decided to give earlier so the school could start an interest-earning savings account. With an annual interest rate of about 6%, the award fund is expected to yield 45 million VND (nearly USD 1,900) per year, with additional bonuses for students who win national or international competitions. His family has pledged to add more if needed.

Previously, he also donated 1 billion VND to support flood victims in northern Vietnam and contributed to various academic and community initiatives.

A family of educators gives 1 billion VND to disaster-hit villagers

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Teacher Khuong Van Hung and his wife. Photo: Pham Trong Tung

Teacher Khuong Van Hung, 78, of Ninh Binh, alongside his wife and children, donated 1 billion VND to residents of Quy Nhat commune, which was heavily damaged by a tornado on the morning of September 29.

A former principal of Nghia Tan High School, Hung recalled years of poverty when his teaching salary couldn't cover the needs of their four children. He and his wife raised livestock and farmed to make ends meet. Seeing people lose their homes to disaster struck a chord with him, prompting an immediate desire to help.

For years, his family has quietly supported charity work, helped build educational infrastructure, honored war veterans, and assisted areas affected by natural disasters.

One billion VND in scholarships for poor students at HUST

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Associate Professor Dr. Bui Long Bien donates 1 billion VND to support students at Hanoi University of Science and Technology.

In Hanoi, Associate Professor Dr. Bui Long Bien, 88, former lecturer in Analytical Chemistry at Hanoi University of Science and Technology, donated 1 billion VND to establish a scholarship fund for underprivileged students who demonstrate resilience and academic determination.

The scholarship, named in his honor, consists of 100 awards worth 10 million VND each (approximately USD 416), distributed per semester. Students must meet academic and conduct standards to continue receiving support.

Dr. Pham Thanh Huyen, Head of Student Affairs, said this is the first time a former lecturer has donated such a large sum to the school. The gesture reflects Professor Bien’s enduring commitment to education long after retirement.

A 90-year-old professor donates 2 billion VND to his university

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Associate Professor Doan Van Dien, former rector of Nong Lam University, donates 2 billion VND to establish a permanent scholarship fund. Photo: Le Na

In early November 2025, Associate Professor Doan Van Dien, nearly 90 years old, gifted 2 billion VND (about USD 83,200) to Nong Lam University in Ho Chi Minh City to establish a permanent scholarship fund. He described the donation as his way of repaying life, his students, and the teaching profession.

The money was deposited in a bank, with the annual interest used to fund scholarships for financially struggling students and reward outstanding lecturers for contributions in teaching and research.

“My pension is just over 6 million VND a month (about USD 250), but I believe that knowing contentment is the key to living fully. What I have left should be passed on to the next generation,” he shared.

Even after stepping down from the lectern nearly three decades ago, Professor Dien feels his duty to knowledge and youth has never ended.

What unites these four educators is their unwavering dedication to learning - even after retirement. By turning their savings into opportunity, they continue to walk beside students and their communities. Their actions are a powerful testament to compassion, social responsibility, and the enduring influence of teachers.

Hoang Linh