The situation of Nguyen Ba Cuong

• Nguyen Ba Cuong (born in 2007)
• Tan Quoi High School, Binh Tan District, Vinh Long Province
• Major in Control Engineering and Automation, Industrial University of Ho Chi Minh City.

Nguyen Ba Cuong grew up in a family where the burden of making ends meet and caring for loved ones rested heavily on his mother’s shoulders. His father suffered a stroke, lost the ability to work, and now relies entirely on a wheelchair and the care of his family. Cuong’s mother, now 62 years old, is the sole breadwinner. Every day, she sells vegetables at the market to cover all household expenses and support Cuong’s education. While her income of around VND 10 million per month (around USD 380) is considered relatively stable under this circumstance, the dual burden of caring for an ill husband and raising a child, compounded by her advancing age, has significantly affected her health and filled her with worries about her son’s future.

Understanding his mother’s sacrifice, Cuong matured early, becoming a compassionate and deeply filial person. Throughout high school, he consistently achieved excellent academic results and took on the role of caregiver at home, helping his mother look after his father. With his strong academic performance, Cuong once dreamed of becoming a doctor. But beyond personal ambition, he came to realize that his most urgent goal was to ease his mother’s burden and become the pillar of his family.

In his own heartfelt words, he shared: “To me, success means being able to take care of my parents, so that they no longer have to endure hardship then contributing to society and the country.”

With this unwavering sense of purpose, Cuong chose a more practical path: pursuing a degree in Control and Automation Engineering Technology at the Industrial University of Ho Chi Minh City. It was a decision shaped by both intellect and filial devotion that brings him closer to becoming the strong support and greatest source of pride for his parents.

• Sponsorship covering 50% of tuition fees for vocational, college, or university education.
• Career counseling, job orientation support, assistance with part-time employment, and participation in the Mentorship program – designed to provide education and mindset guidance for life readiness.
• Conditions for Continued Support
  • Students must demonstrate consistent effort in their studies and in improving their personal circumstances.
  • The Be Better Foundation will conduct an annual review for the renewal of the “Change the Future” scholarship. This review aims to closely monitor and evaluate improvements in students’ personal, financial, and academic conditions. Continued support is contingent upon students showing measurable progress in their studies and personal lives, while also meeting the Foundation’s criteria.