Cerebral palsy (CP) affected his mobility, requiring him to use a wheelchair. The rural roads in his neighbourhood made this a challenging task.
“My parents have always been my legs,” Tan shared, expressing gratitude for his parents’ tireless support.
“For 12 years, rain or shine, my parents would carry me through the bumpy, dirty roads to school.
“Their sacrifices have been immeasurable and a great source of strength that has kept me in the quest for better education.”
Starting school later than most of his peers as education for children with his condition was not considered as a priority, Tan’s innate intelligence and drive quickly became transparent. He excelled in his studies, particularly in natural and social sciences, literature, and history. His academic ability led to numerous awards, including a third place in a city-wide excellent student exam for subjects in the continuing education program at the high school level.
Tan’s journey was not without challenges. In 9th grade, he faced health issues that forced him to take a year off from school. “I thought the door to my education had closed,” he recalled. But with encouragement from his family and the Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation, he returned to school, realising that education was essential for improving his life and that of his family.
His passion for IT ignited at age seven when he met an IT officer at Blue Dragon, sparking countless questions about technology. The officer’s words inspired Tan: “Working with computers could put you on equal footing with others.” This passion led him to vocational training and self-study in IT.
Co-CEO of the Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation, Do Duy Vi, praised Tan for his resilience, intelligence, and leadership, which make him qualified for the scholarship.
“Tan has overcome a wall of challenges throughout his life,” said Mr Vi. "Tan is one of the smartest people I’ve ever met. He picked up IT skills naturally during an accounting course he took alongside his school studies, and then improved his abilities through years of self-study.
“Tan has become a real leader during his time at Blue Dragon. He is a bright and positive person who always helps new kids. He is determined to show other children that they can achieve great things no matter their background. As a result, he was awarded the ‘Guong Sang’ (Leadership) award at Blue Dragon’s annual Tet Award event in 2022.”
Although he qualified for several universities after high school, financial constraints held him back. Instead, he attended the Will to Live Centre, where he learned to live independently and honed valuable skills. His talent for technology caught the attention of the centre, and he now works there as a data labelling staff member. Aware of RMIT Vietnam’s Opportunity Scholarship since graduation, Tan dedicated three years to self-study and community engagement, reaffirming his commitment to IT and his advocacy for the disabled and CP communities.
Nominated by Blue Dragon, applying for the scholarship was a significant step for Tan.
“After those years of preparation, I decided to take a chance,” Tan said.
Tan’s acceptance into RMIT Vietnam’s Bachelor of Information Technology program marked the realisation of his deep-seated aspiration.
“I still can’t believe it is real,” Tan said, his voice filled with emotion.
“When we heard the news, my parents and I cried tears of joy.”
The journey to this point wasn’t easy. All his valuable assets, including his laptop gifted by Blue Dragon and his house, were swept away by Typhoon Yagi. Tan is now living in a temporary rental provided by Blue Dragon. He attended the scholarship interview wearing one of the two decent outfits that has been left.
As Tan prepares to embark on his journey at RMIT, starting with a year-long of English language classes, he has clear goals in mind.
“I want to become a software engineer,” Tan said.
“But more than that, I want to use my knowledge to give back to the CP community.”
His plan extends beyond his personal aspirations. “Scholarships like this can truly change lives. I want to help kindle that spark of ambition in others.”
His first visit to RMIT left a lasting impression.
“I felt a mix of excitement and nervousness,” Tan said.
“But I was touched by the support in place for students with special needs. It made me feel welcome and capable.”
As RMIT Vietnam welcomes Giang Van Tan, it is clear that his journey is far from over. With his determination and compassion, Tan is poised to make significant contributions both in the field of IT and in the lives of other facing similar challenges. His story serves as an inspiration to us all, reminding us that with perseverance, support and opportunity, no dream is too big to achieve. The boy from the floating house is aiming high, and there is no doubt that his impact will ripple far beyond the banks of the Red River.
Story: Ha Hoang
About RMIT Opportunity Scholarships
RMIT Vietnam’s Opportunity Scholarships empower deserving students who demonstrate remarkable merit and potential, particularly those facing financial barriers or personal challenges. Recognising both academic excellence and resilience, these scholarships provide essential financial support and resources, opening doors for talented individuals who might otherwise be unable to pursue tertiary education. Committed to fostering an inclusive learning environment, RMIT ensures that every student has the opportunity to realise their dreams and contribute meaningfully to society, ultimately enriching the community by nurturing a diverse and dynamic student body.
