Ta Thi Ngoc Thanh and her devotion to charity work

Ms. Ta Thi Ngoc Thanh was recognized as one of 9 outstanding citizens of Hanoi

Ms. Ta Thi Ngoc Thanh was born into a family with a Confucian tradition. Her mother died when she was 2 years old, and Thanh grew up without a mother’s care. Following her family tradition, Thanh studied hard. After graduating from the Teachers Training College, Thanh taught math, physics, and chemistry at the Thanh Tri secondary school. She eventually became head of the school, and later accepted a position with the Department of Education on the outskirts of Hanoi. 

In 1969, Thanh was sent to Russia to study social psychology. Upon graduating, she returned to Vietnam to work for the Vietnam Institute of Education Sciences. When the SOS Children’s Village was established, Ms. Ta Thi Ngoc Thanh became the Village’s first Director. Ms. Thanh has helped many disadvantaged children: 

“The most important things are your heart, mind and enthusiasm. I want to make my small contribution to society. I’m happy to see many disadvantaged children do well in their study. It is essential to support them materially and spiritually”, said Ms Thanh.  

After retirement, Ms. Thanh continued to do social work in her residential area in Dich Vong Hau ward, Cau Giay district, Hanoi. She still works as head of the ward’s residential area and Vice Chairwoman of the Study Promotion Society. Every year, Ms. Thanh donates VND20 million of her pension to support disadvantaged children. 

Thanks to her help, many have grown up to lead successful lives. Nguyen Minh Phuong of Dich Vong Hau ward who was helped by Ms. Thanh has won a scholarship to study in Spain. 

Ms. Thanh said “I think my greatest success working in study promotion has been seeing the children grow up to be successful. I don’t mind helping those in need”.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Phuong Dung, deputy head of residential area No2, Dich Vong Hau ward, says Ms. Thanh drives the local study promotion movement. More than 80 percent of the children in the ward have achieved excellent academic results. Ms. Thanh has made a great contribution to that achievement. 

“Ms. Thanh has a simple and modest life style, is friendly with people, and has always taken the lead in the study promotion campaign. 

Thanks to her encouragement, many local children have done well in their studies and have won national and international prizes. Despite her age, Ms. Thanh is still very enthusiastic”, said Ms. Dung.   

At the age of 74, Ms. Thanh continues to contribute to society and is acknowledged as an outstanding citizen of the capital.