Huoi Han, a border village in Bum To commune in northern Vietnam’s Lai Chau province, continues to face significant socioeconomic challenges. For Vang Thi Mai, her family’s financial circumstances were the biggest obstacle to pursuing her education.

Mai recalled that after finishing 12th grade, she considered putting her education on hold because her father was ill and her mother had to shoulder the financial burden for the entire family. Encouraged by her parents, however, Mai decided to continue on to university.

After moving to Hanoi, Mai studied while working part-time to cover her living expenses. She was determined to do well so that her family’s sacrifices would not be in vain.

For Thang Ga Lo, one of the biggest challenges when she first arrived in Hanoi was learning how to use a computer and other tools needed for her studies.

“Even very simple things like turning on a computer, typing a document, saving a file or sending an email left me confused,” Lo recalled.

Those early difficulties made her worry that she would struggle to keep up with her classmates. She began actively seeking help from lecturers and friends, while teaching herself how to use technology step by step.

Friends helping each other move forward

During their four years studying far from home, Lo and Mai regularly supported each other both academically and in their daily lives. Coming from similar circumstances, they both took part-time jobs to ease the financial burden on their families and shared the challenges they encountered along the way.

Dr. Nguyen Thi Bich Thu, deputy head in charge of the Training Department at the Vietnam Academy for Ethnic Minorities, still remembers seeing the two students frequently together. When the academy was based at its former campus in Tay Mo, Hanoi, Ga Lo and Vang Thi Mai would often arrive early.

“They were quiet and rather shy whenever they met me, but they were serious about their studies. You could describe them as a pair of friends who helped each other progress throughout their time at the academy,” Thu said.

According to Thu, alongside the students’ own efforts, the academy implemented government policies and programs designed to support students facing financial hardship.

After the academy moved to its new campus, students were provided with free dormitory accommodation, reducing the cost of rent, electricity and water. The school also advised and assisted students in finding part-time work and warned them about the risks associated with online credit.

“I did it”

When Mai learned that she had graduated at the top of her class, she called home to tell her parents. For her family, their daughter’s academic achievement brought joy after years of studying far from home.

Mai said the moment she remembers most clearly was being able to tell her family: “I did it.”

News of Lo and Mai’s academic success also spread through Huoi Han village. Some younger children in the community approached the two women for advice on preparing for entrance exams and applying to university in Hanoi.

Lo often encourages them: “Don’t think that living in the highlands means you have fewer opportunities than other people. What matters is having the courage to dream and being willing to work hard at your studies.”

According to Thu, Lo and Mai’s achievements show that ethnic minority students facing difficult circumstances can succeed academically when they have appropriate learning conditions and support. Their story, she said, could also encourage students from Vietnam’s mountainous regions who are pursuing their education.

After graduating, Ga Lo took a sales position at Viettel Group. Her new job requires her to communicate regularly with customers, something she had previously been hesitant about. She said she is continuing to develop her communication skills and learn from experience on the job.

For Lo and Mai, graduating at the top of their class marked a milestone after four years at university. From the challenges they faced when they first left their village for Hanoi, the two La Hu women completed their degrees and are now embarking on new jobs and plans for the future.

Tuan Ninh-Minh Phuong