Buzz
Seated on a charming cub car, Le Anh Thuy Trang (18 years old) ventures through Gia Lai's villages, spreading heartfelt gifts to the elderly, children, and those facing adversity.
Hailing from the humble countryside, Le Anh Thuy Trang (18 years old, residing in Blo village, A Dok commune, Dak Doa district, Gia Lai province) has always harbored a deep-seated desire to assist those in challenging circumstances. Commencing her volunteering journey in 9th grade, Thuy Trang, aboard the cub car gifted by her father, wanders through villages, sharing the gift of love with those experiencing hardships. Her impactful deeds have earned her the nickname 'Po Lang flower' amidst the Gia Lai mountains.
Fueled by the dream of crafting a world brimming with laughter, this marks the commencement of an altruistic journey
Fulfilling her lifelong aspiration, Thuy Trang expresses her passion for volunteering and making a positive impact on people's lives. According to Trang, her journey into volunteering sprouted from the dream of 'building a world filled with laughter' and a profound love for her village.
In my youth, I harbored a seemingly silly dream—to 'create a world full of laughter'. Volunteering, engaging in activities that aid those facing difficulties, is my way of breathing life into this dream. Presently, I find immense joy and honor in declaring that I am a tiny grain of sand in the vast ocean of this dream,' shared Thuy Trang.
For the past four years, Thuy Trang has traversed villages on a cub car. She can't recall all the villages she's visited, but on each journey, her luggage is filled with clothing for the elderly and candies for the children. Beyond material gifts, Trang also extends her visits to offer encouragement and heartfelt conversations, fostering a sense of familiarity.
As a student with limited finances, Trang used to forgo breakfast to save money, allocating those savings to purchase gifts for those in challenging circumstances.
Three years after embarking on her initial volunteer journey in 11th grade, Thuy Trang established the Flowers Volunteer Group. With additional contributions from donors, the group aims to extend the reach and impact of their charitable endeavors.
The driving force behind Trang's consistent volunteer trips over the past four years is the joy and happiness reflected in the eyes of the village residents upon receiving gifts. Trang expressed, “The smiles and expressive eyes of the children and villagers motivate me to continue these volunteer trips. Their happiness is palpable when they receive the gifts. Many express gratitude upon my arrival, and some are moved to tears, repeatedly expressing thanks and expressing hope for future reunions.
Meet the dedicated volunteers of Trang's Flowers Volunteer Group.
In four years of volunteering, Thuy Trang has explored various locations and encountered diverse situations. “Having witnessed challenging circumstances, where many children lack basic necessities, I aspire to contribute youthful energy to bring joy and laughter to their lives. This is especially crucial for the underprivileged in remote villages,” added Trang.
Despite dedicating extensive time and enthusiasm to her volunteering endeavors, Thuy Trang maintains an impressive academic record. Over 11 years, she has consistently excelled academically, securing a consolation prize in the 2022 'Elegant Female Student' contest and the 'I and the Volunteer Project' competition organized by the Provincial Youth Union in collaboration with the Gia Lai Department of Education and Training.
Where hearts connect
Throughout her volunteering journey, Thuy Trang faced numerous challenges, from enduring rain on the way to deliver clothes to dealing with a car running out of gas or breaking down on deserted roads. Undeterred, she shared: “Difficulties are not barriers for me; they cannot make me waver. Because my heart is always inclined towards bringing positivity to people. Truly, the immense love for the village and the less fortunate resides deeply within me… Even on days when fatigue sets in, the thought of everyone's joyous moments dissolves everything,' she expressed.
Despite four years of consistent charity work in the villages, each trip evokes a mix of excitement and a hint of anxiety for Trang. “The night before volunteering, I often worry and pray for favorable weather to ease people's movements; sometimes, sleep eludes me. As I sit in the car, anticipation and eagerness to meet everyone fill me. It may be exhausting at times, but it's incredibly fulfilling. Every trip brings immense joy, and I am forever grateful to the sponsors for their trust and the enchantment they sow,” Thuy Trang added.
Expressing her aspirations in charity projects, Trang shares her friend's wish to radiate positive energy and love, offering solace and support to those facing adversity. “Heart touching heart. I have faith and optimism that my current efforts will spread positivity to all. Flowers and I will strive harder to contribute meaningfully to the community,” said Thuy Trang.
Published by: Quyen Thao
Keywords: The expedition of 18-year-old schoolgirls wandering through villages for volunteer work
