The Love Station: The Man Who Learned Braille with His Lips

Despite losing both his eyes and hands at the age of 12, Nguyen Van Duc (born in 1970, Hai Duong) has persevered in his way. He learned to read Braille with his lips, passed the university entrance exam, and is currently the Vice Chairman of the Blind Association in Cau Giay District, Hanoi. His inspiring  journey will be recounted in the program Love Station under the theme "The Light of Life."

Nguyen Van Duc is the sixth child in a family of seven. As a child, he was healthy, smart, and active, like any other boy. However, in 1982, when he was just 12 years old, a tragic accident while playing cost him both his hands and his eyesight. His family could not believe the devastating reality and sought medical help everywhere, but a miracle did not happen. From then on, his life took a painful turn, forcing him to leave school and face a harsh reality.

As he grew older, Duc increasingly felt the pain of his disability, became withdrawn and struggled with deep feelings of inferiority. However, in 1999, when he joined the Blind Association of Cau Giay District, he met others who shared his experiences. The empathy and support from those around him helped him open up and become more optimistic. Stories of resilience from other people with disabilities inspired him to realize that he, too, needed to rise above his challenges and live a meaningful life.

Just as his life was beginning to improve, he had to deal with the loss of his father, who had been his constant companion and emotional support. At that time, his oldest son was only six months old, and his wife had not yet secured stable employment, making their family’s financial situation extremely difficult. During these tough times, the support of  the Blind Association helped him get through the darkness. In 2008, Duc decided to return to his studies. While attending Grade 12 at the Nguyen Van To Continuing Education Center, not only did he achieve the title of an outstanding student, but he was also chosen to represent the center at the Hanoi City’s Student Excellence Conference.

The average blind person  takes a month to learn Braille. For Duc, it took three months because he had no hands. Unable to use his hands, he had to rely on his lips to feel each letter. Every day, he bent down to let his lips touch each character on the page. Despite the extraordinary difficulty, he never gave up. After graduating from high school, he pursued a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration at the Hanoi Open University and also studied English.

Over the years, Nguyen Van Duc has become the Vice Chairman of the Blind Association in Cau Giay District, serving as a shining example for others. When he first started working at the association, he was aware that many didn’t expect much from him due to his disabilities. However, through perseverance and determination, he excelled at every task  and gradually earned the trust of his colleagues. For him, the greatest happiness comes from working and contributing to the community of people with disabilities. His continuous efforts have become an inspiring source of optimism and determination, particularly for those in similar situations, encouraging them to keep striving in life.

Duc has  come a long way  in his fight against fate. Now, not only is he able to work in a field he loves, but he has also become a strong support to his loved ones. For him, there is no greater dream   than  to continue his efforts to help others in similar circumstances and contribute to the Blind Association. The gift from the Love Station program will be a precious support, helping him come closer to realizing those noble dreams.

From a boy forced to leave school to the Vice Chairman of the Blind Association in Cau Giay District, Duc has overcome countless challenges to achieve admirable success. His journey is not only a lesson in determination but also a powerful inspiration for everyone, especially those with disabilities, proving that with faith and hard work, nothing is impossible.

Nguyen Van Duc's inspiring journey will once again be shared on the Love Station program, airing at 10:00 am on September 14, 2024, on VTV1.