Brian Jeffrey
Khai Nguyen Dong, a 12-year-old boy from Bac Ninh Province, bravely faces physical challenges every day, aspiring to become a doctor to assist others.
Khai hails from Phu Village in Ninh Xa Ward, Thuan Thanh Town and is currently a sixth grader at Ninh Xa Secondary School. Unlike his peers, Khai was born without arms, a condition that has brought significant difficulties for both him and his family.
Despite these obstacles, Khai maintains a positive outlook and shows remarkable resilience. He attends school like any other child and has consistently been recognized for his excellent academic performance.
During a visit to his home, Khai welcomed guests with politeness. With his grandmother’s assistance, he swiftly changed out of his school attire and settled down to do his homework. Using his feet skillfully, he flipped through his notebook and wrote each word with care.
Khai’s grandmother, Phan Thi Tuoi, shared their emotional journey in raising him. “When he was born, we learned about his condition a day later, which was incredibly heart-wrenching for our family,” she recalled.
By the age of three, Khai’s grandfather began teaching him to write using his feet, which initially proved very challenging.
“He would press down on the chalk so hard that it would often break, and his stiff toes struggled to cooperate,” Tuoi reminisced. Khai’s early writing efforts often left his toes sore and bleeding, yet his determination never faltered.
Over time, Khai excelled in writing with his feet, his handwriting becoming neat and organized, showcasing his hard work.
Khai’s dedication has yielded impressive results. By fourth grade, he secured second place in a school competition for neat handwriting and was also a runner-up in an online book introduction contest organized by the Department of Education.
His teacher, Nguyen Thuy Tien, describes him as hardworking and intelligent, saying, “Khai completes every task despite his condition. He’s brilliant and gets along well with his classmates.”
At home, Khai’s father, Nguyen Van Thinh, recalls his son’s significant milestones with pride. “By two years old, Khai was already speaking clearly and could use his feet to play and feed himself. When he entered kindergarten, my only desire was for him to learn and play with other kids, and that wish was fulfilled thanks to devoted teachers,” Thinh shared.
However, raising Khai has not been without challenges. “He often asked, ‘Dad, why don’t I have hands like my friends? Will they grow back?’” Thinh remembered tearfully. Despite the difficult conversations, he embraced honesty, helping Khai understand his situation and concentrate on his abilities.
When discussing his dreams, Khai expressed his ambition to be a doctor. “I want to study hard so I can help people,” he declared with determination.
Local officials, including Ninh Xa Ward Chairman Nguyen Xuan Cu, have recognized Khai’s incredible spirit. “Born into a challenging situation, Khai’s intelligence and determination have led him to achieve so much. His story is truly inspiring,” Cu said.
With the unwavering backing of his family and community, Khai shows that with resilience and hope, no challenge is insurmountable.
