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| Leader of the University of Education, Hue University presenting Tet gifts |
A meaningful mark
Bui Thi Hue, a student of the University of Education, Hue University shared that she was very happy to receive support from the university in the form of bus tickets and Tet gifts to return home. For Hue, the “Compassionate Bus” is a vivid life lesson, one not found in textbooks but deeply ingrained in students’ awareness and emotions: learning to care, to share, and to appreciate the support of the community. Many students, after receiving assistance, have proactively contributed in return, spreading the spirit of volunteerism to subsequent Tet seasons.
According to Phan Thanh Lam, President of the Student Association of the University of Education, Hue University, the “Compassionate Bus” program for Tet 2026 was launched at a time when many students continued to face significant economic difficulties, rising living costs, and end-of-year travel expenses; particularly students from remote and disadvantaged areas and those with especially difficult circumstances.
For many students, returning home for Tet can involve hesitation and careful consideration due to the burden of costs. From these concerns, the university and the Youth Union-Student Association hoped that no student would have to remain in the dormitory worrying about Tet holidays while unable to go home. The “Compassionate Bus” was thus formed as a deeply humane commitment: timely sharing, support at the right moment, and bringing spring closer to students in need.
The program not only addresses transportation needs, but also conveys a clear message that every student is cared for, accompanied, and deserves a warm and complete Tet reunion. The University of Education, Hue University and its Youth Union have identified fairness and transparency as guiding principles throughout. Screening is conducted through a multi-step process with close coordination between the Youth Union–Student Association and academic departments. Priority is given to students from disadvantaged backgrounds, those from poor and near-poor households, orphaned students, or those facing sudden hardships. Lists are compiled, cross-checked, and publicly disclosed in accordance with regulations, ensuring the right beneficiaries, the right needs, and the right timing so that no disadvantaged student is overlooked.
According to Phan Thanh Lam, the greatest challenge lies in coordinating students from many different localities with varied schedules while ensuring absolute safety during the year-end peak period. In response, the university proactively developed detailed plans: selecting reputable transport providers, carefully inspecting vehicles, assigning union members to support students throughout the journey, and providing timely information updates.
“We hope the program will help students feel more confident in the academic path they have chosen, clearly sensing that the university and society are always behind them. Today’s support is to ensure not only a complete Tet, but also a message: rest assured and focus on studying and self-improvement; as you strive to move forward, you will continue to receive support and opportunities to grow”, Lam emphasized.
Adding warmth of human compassion
President of the Student Association of Hue University Le Chi Hung Cuong said that the program supporting students’ return home for Tet Binh Ngo 2026 was implemented amid preparations for the meaningful traditional holidays. Hue University and its units are always concerned about students with special circumstances such as orphans or those with disabilities. “We understand that for students from disadvantaged families, travel costs are a major barrier on their journey home to reunite with family,” he said.
A highlight this year is the significant expansion in both the number of students supported and the scale of assistance thanks to the joint efforts of many member institutions. Specifically, the University of Medicine and Pharmacy supported 250 students; the University of Education supported about 200 students; the University of Sciences supported 135 students; the University of Economics supported 300 students, and others. In total, Hue University supported 2,600 students returning home for Tet in this phase, with total funding of nearly VND 1 billion. Notably, the program is not limited to Vietnamese students; it also extends the support to Lao students.
To sustain and expand the program, Hue University and its member institutions proactively connect with multiple resources from businesses, partners, and benefactors inside and outside the university. In addition, support from alumni, staff, lecturers, and mass organizations plays an important role. In particular, the Student Association of the University of Arts, Hue University has connected with collectors and art enthusiasts to generate funding sources.
True to the names of programs such as “Connected Spring - Sharing Tet” or “Nong Lam (Agriculture and Forestry) Bus - Warm Homeland Tet”, these journeys are more than mere transportation. For students far from home, they are a source of comfort, adding warmth of human compassion in the days leading up to Tet and helping them feel that they are not alone.
Le Chi Hung Cuong added that Hue University and its member institutions are committed to continuing to expand social welfare activities. This year’s programs are expected to run through February 14th, 2026, so that “no one is left behind”. In the time ahead, the university will continue to innovate fundraising approaches and mobilize additional socialized funding sources, not only to support students returning home for Tet, but also to accompany them throughout their academic journey.