Nay Djrueng, 32, from Dak Doa, Gia Lai, was born with physical disabilities due to Agent Orange. From an infant nearly buried alive according to ancient customs, he crawled on his bare knees to seek education. Today, he stands firm with unique startup projects, extending a helping hand to thousands facing despair.

Nay Djrueng, 32, from Dak Doa, Gia Lai, was born with physical disabilities due to Agent Orange. Photo: Tan Hiep Phat

Nay Djrueng, 32, from Dak Doa, Gia Lai, was born with physical disabilities due to Agent Orange. Photo: Tan Hiep Phat

Growing up amidst adversity

Nay Djrueng's parents, from Gia Lai, served as local guerrillas during the war. They returned hoping for a peaceful life, unaware that the war's legacy silently persisted, passed on to the next generation. When Nay Djrueng was born, the couple was stunned by their child's atrophied, twisted limbs. At that time, understanding of chemical defoliant effects in remote areas was limited. Fear of congenital deformities led many to view children with differences as bad omens or divine punishment, fueled by existing customs in the community.

Nay Djrueng's birth with deformities caused panic within his family and village. Whispers and rumors spread, with some even suggesting burying the child. In that critical moment, his eldest uncle intervened, determined to save the baby. This marked the first turning point in Nay Djrueng's life.

The boy survived, but life as a disabled child in a poor rural area meant days of confinement. Unable to walk independently, his world revolved around four cramped walls. Peeking through the cracks, he saw his peers running, playing, and going to school, igniting a fervent desire to learn. Without functional hands to hold a pen, Djrueng awkwardly gripped it between his disabled arms. Muscles cramped, the pen dropped, and he would bend down to pick it up again. His first scribbled letters were written not just with ink, but also with bleeding scratches from his skin's friction.

The path from his home to school stretched over one km. In his early school years, without a wheelchair or assistive devices, Nay Djrueng moved by crawling on the red dirt road. His knees were constantly scraped, bleeding, and scarring from his journeys under the harsh sun. His efforts to attend class eventually came to the attention of the provincial Red Cross, which provided him with a pair of prosthetic legs. Mobility improved, but the challenges in his educational journey and self-affirmation still lay ahead.

Nay Djrueng is currently responsible for communications at the Ho Chi Minh City Association of Agent Orange/Dioxin Victims. Photo: NVCC

Nay Djrueng is currently responsible for communications at the Ho Chi Minh City Association of Agent Orange/Dioxin Victims. Photo: NVCC

A journey to overcome fate

Rejecting pity, Djrueng strived through education. He completed high school and earned a Bachelor's degree in Information Technology. Leaving his hometown of Dak Doa, he moved alone to Ho Chi Minh City to start his career. Overcoming numerous rejections due to physical barriers, Djrueng currently manages communications for the Ho Chi Minh City Association of Agent Orange/Dioxin Victims. Additionally, he works part-time as a designer and data entry clerk for a company to support himself.

However, Djrueng's most meaningful "project" is not his bachelor's degree. It is a special startup model called "Di qua mua ray" (Passing Through the Harvest Season). Deeply understanding the poverty of highland children, he has personally carried out this project for the past 12 years. The disabled young man sells goods on the street, carefully saving every small coin to buy books, bicycles, and provide scholarships, helping keep poor students in school.

In 10/2024, thanks to these efforts, Djrueng received the "Toa sang nghi luc Viet" (Shining Vietnamese Resilience) award. On International Day of Persons with Disabilities (3/12/2024), he and his friends launched a second project: the "Thien Nga" (Swan) scholarship fund.

After over one decade of charity work, Djrueng recognized a significant gap: many young people with disabilities yearn to contribute and volunteer but are hindered by financial hardship and invisible prejudices. The "Thien Nga" Fund was established to support students and serve as a launchpad for disabled volunteers. The fund's name embodies the philosophy that "any ugly duckling bearing nature's imperfections, with a strong foundation, can transform into a swan spreading its wings".

Djrueng on his relentless journey to provide scholarships, helping keep poor students in school. Photo: NVCC

Djrueng on his relentless journey to provide scholarships, helping keep poor students in school. Photo: NVCC

A reunion of "iron spirits"

Djrueng's story captured public attention. Within the framework of VTV1's "Noi tron yeu thuong" (Connecting Full Love) program, Djrueng met Vu Phuong Thanh, the 2022 Swiss Ultra endurance race world champion and brand ambassador for Number 1 Tan Hiep Phat Group.

It was a meeting of two "iron spirits." One is a female athlete who trained to the limits of physical endurance to conquer the planet's harshest deserts. The other is a young man with physical disabilities who bravely overcame prejudice and congenital adversity. Standing before Djrueng, "steel rose" Vu Phuong Thanh could not hide her emotion.

"Life has given you many challenges. There were times when even your closest relatives lacked full faith, yet you continued to rise with a miraculous strength. You are truly an example, a living testament that nothing is impossible," Phuong Thanh said.

Representing Tan Hiep Phat Group, Vu Phuong Thanh presented Nay Djrueng with a gift that was not merely material support, but also a gesture of companionship, spreading the spirit of "nothing is impossible"—a core philosophy Tan Hiep Phat always pursues. This encouragement empowers the J'rai young man to move forward on his philanthropic path.

"I can do it, you can do it and we can do it," Djrueng shared his life motto.

Vu Phuong Thanh, Number 1 brand ambassador, presents a token and gift from the "Noi tron yeu thuong" program to Nay Djrueng. Photo: Tan Hiep Phat

Vu Phuong Thanh, Number 1 brand ambassador, presents a token and gift from the "Noi tron yeu thuong" program to Nay Djrueng. Photo: Tan Hiep Phat

With a spirit focused on positive community values, Tan Hiep Phat Group has accompanied the "Noi tron yeu thuong" program of Nhan Dao Television (broadcast on VTV1 - Vietnam Television) since its early days. To date, the program has featured nearly 60 individuals, inspiring the community with their spirit of overcoming adversity, while honoring collective efforts to help those in difficult circumstances.

Hai My