Helping a young boy with congenital heart defect pursue the dream of becoming an IT professional

Luck smiled upon Dinh Dat, a 15-year-old young boy with congenital heart defect from Dak Lak province, when he was discovered by VinaCapital Foundation (VCF) through a free heart examination for disadvantaged children at the Central Highlands Regional General Hospital. With timely support from VCF’s Heartbeat Vietnam program, Dinh Dat underwent a life-saving surgery to heal heart, as well as received a very special gift to help him pursue his dreams.

Dinh Dat recovering from his surgery at Tam Duc Heart Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City

Meeting Dinh Dat and his mother after the successful surgery, the boy always wore a smile on his face despite still being in pain from the surgery. Talking with Dinh Dat, we were surprised to learn that he had an interest in information technology ever since he was young, and dreamt of pursuing IT to alleviate his mother’s burden. Despite only being in the 10th grade, he showed determination to learn programming by borrowing his cousin’s laptop. Impressed by his enthusiasm and eagerness to learn, VCF arranged another meeting with Dinh Dat to present him with a laptop to help him transform his dreams into reality. The boy finally got his first laptop when visiting VCF’s office on the occasion of his follow-up visit to Ho Chi Minh City on August 3.

Dinh Dat and his mother received the new laptop at VCF’s office on August 3, 2023

Receiving the long-awaited gift, the boy couldn’t contain his excitement as he eagerly unboxed the laptop to explore the software within. In addition, the VCF volunteers also presented Dinh Dat with various books, igniting his passion for knowledge and expanding his horizons. Overwhelmed by the love and care shown by the VCF staff towards Dinh Dat, his mother couldn’t help but shed tears of gratitude.

Tears of joy streamed down the face of Dinh Dat’s mother

Born in 2007 into a disadvantaged family in Dak Lak province, Dinh Dat was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect. After his father passed away from cancer when he was only 4 years old, Dinh Dat’s mother worked tirelessly as a laborer to support her children’s education and livelihood. The challenging circumstances made it impossible for Dinh Dat’s mother to afford the surgical expenses for her son.

Now, with a healthy heart and his own brand-new computer, Dinh Dat can continue to study and assist his mother in striving towards a brighter future for both himself and the family.

Dinh Dat excitedly testing out his new laptop

Just like Dinh Dat’s case, the support provided by VCF extends beyond free congenital heart defect surgeries. Our ultimate goal is to improve the lives of disadvantaged children and women across Vietnam through healthcare and education solutions. And we still need a lot of joint efforts from the community to timely support and bring hope to many more disadvantaged children.