Every Step Forward Is for Someone Else
Vinh does not wait for opportunities to come easily. He builds them.
A third-year Information Systems Management student at the University of Economics, University of Danang, Vinh recently developed Danang Go, a mobile application designed to help people report road hazards and damaged infrastructure more easily after storms, landslides, or fallen trees.
The idea came after Vinh saw how severe weather could leave roads unsafe, while people often did not know where or how to report the danger. Through a student micro-grant project supported by Children of Vietnam’s Bright Scholars Program, Vinh turned that concern into action.
In a small rented room
Vinh, working late into the night to build his app
Creating the app was not simple. Working largely on his own, Vinh taught himself new programming skills, designed the interface, collected data, and tested the application step by step.
“There were many moments when I wasn’t sure if I could finish,” Vinh shared. “But I kept learning, fixing problems one by one, because I wanted people to have an app that truly works.”
Today, Danang Go has completed its core functions and is in the process of being published on mobile app stores. For Vinh, the project is more than a university achievement. It is proof that with the right support, young people can create solutions that serve their communities.
DanaGo App: A Quick Guide
Through the Bright Scholars program, Vinh receives a scholarship, monthly living support, and opportunities to join learning activities and develop his own project. This support has helped ease part of his financial burden, giving him more space to focus on his studies and pursue his ideas.
Coming from a household facing financial hardship, Vinh has worked throughout his university journey, even after receiving support from Children of Vietnam. He currently works in housekeeping at hotels along Danang’s coastline, often during early mornings, late nights, holidays, and school breaks. Even during Lunar New Year or summer vacation, he may only return home, nearly 50 kilometers away, long enough to share a meal with his family before going back to work.
“I want my younger brother to have more opportunities than I did,” Vinh said.
Vinh (far right) with his family.
Vinh did not have a laptop until his second year of university, when a lecturer who learned about his situation gave him a used computer. That kindness stayed with him. Now, he hopes that when his younger brother begins university, he can buy him a laptop before classes start.
“My brother studies better than I do,” Vinh said with a smile. “I want him to have everything he needs.”
Vinh (center) participating in the Global Competence Training in Da Nang
With every step forward, Vinh is not only building his own future. He is opening the way for his brother, his family, and his community.
Join Children of Vietnam in building brighter futures for students like Vinh, who turn opportunity into hope for others.
