Meet Dat, a 9th-grade student with a tough and rebellious exterior. However, beneath this surface lies a deeply compassionate and gentle heart.
Dat’s family faces significant challenges. His mother, who suffers from goiter, works tirelessly in the fields and collects firewood to support the family. Dat’s father, a construction worker with an unstable job, struggles with heavy drinking. Dat’s older brother, who failed the 10th grade, stays home to care for their 3-year-old sister, adding to the family’s strain.
“Being fully aware of the financial difficulties and pressures my family faces has made me increasingly insecure and guarded,” Dat shared. “I’m quick to anger and find it hard to open up to others.”
Dat’s life began to change when he joined the Study Steps program in 2021 and participated in Compassionate Communication training organized by COV. Through deep conversations, sharing sessions, and self-reflection, Dat started to peel back his emotional defenses. He began to open up, revealing the depth of his feelings and the complexities of his situation.
In addition to tutoring, the workshops, training, and circle sharing during the Study Steps Program, along with COV’s support, have helped Dat grasp the power of love and forgiveness. He is learning that forgiveness is not just about others but also about healing oneself, and that resilience comes from facing one’s emotions.
Dat reflected: “I’ve learned to see beyond the struggles. My family’s challenges may have shaped my defenses, but they’ve also taught me to love deeply and forgive fully.”
