Nguyen Thanh Hao, a 1984 ERW survivor and Deputy Director of the Gio Linh Center, begins his first day with modern technology. For over a decade, Hao relied on a computer that had become an obstacle to his mission of service.
GIO LINH, QUANG TRI – In the golden rice fields of Cam Pho Village, the year 1984 was supposed to be a time of celebration and harvest. For Nguyen Thanh Hao, then 19 years old and a fresh high school graduate, it was a day of helping his parents prepare for the upcoming harvest. But the “quiet war” hidden beneath the soil had other plans. An explosion of explosive remnants of war (ERW) tore through the field, and in an instant, Hao lost both of his hands.
Today, 42 years after that life-altering moment, Hao is no longer a victim, but a leader. As the Deputy Director of the Gio Linh Daycare and Rehabilitation Center for Children with Disabilities, he has dedicated his life to ensuring that the next generation of children affected by disability receives the care and dignity they deserve.
The Gio Linh Center: A Sanctuary Supported by Partnership
The Gio Linh Center has been a cornerstone of Project RENEW’s mission since January 2022, made possible through the generous funding of the Irish Embassy in Vietnam. This support provides a lifeline for 15 children with severe mental and physical disabilities, covering subsistence costs, caregiving staff, and essential daily equipment.
However, the shadow of the past remains long in Gio Linh Commune. While the Center provides high-quality care for 15 children, nearly 60 other children in the surrounding area suffer from severe disabilities and remain on a waiting list due to the facility’s limited capacity. For a leader like Mr. Hao, efficiency in administration is vital to managing these limited resources.
The Power of Observation
The FAOV delegation visited RENEW on February 6, 2026. This visit by long-time partners was the catalyst for providing Hao with the modern tools he needs to lead the Center.
On February 6, 2026, a delegation from Friends of Agent Orange Victims (FAOV) visited the Center. Among them were Ms. Nguyen Minh Ha (Director), Mr. Ngo Huy Liem (Advisory Board), and Ms. Minh Loan.
It was during this visit that Ms. Loan noticed a significant hurdle: Hao was managing the Center’s complex coordination, donor reporting, and child records on a computer that was over 15 years old. Having used the same aging Windows and Office setup for over a decade, the machine had become a bottleneck for Hao, who has spent years perfecting a specialized way of typing and navigating technology without hands. Moved by Hao’s four decades of dedication, Ms. Loan decided to provide a personal gift: a brand-new Lenovo laptop.
Bridging the Digital Divide
To ensure the transition to modern technology was seamless, the handover took place on February 25 at a local electronics shop. A specialized technician spent 45 minutes with Hao, providing a “technical grand tour” of the new Windows 11 system. This patient orientation was crucial to ensure Hao felt empowered by the new interface rather than overwhelmed by the change from his 15-year-old setup.
Bridging the digital divide: A 45-minute orientation session was essential to ensure a smooth transition from Hao’s 15-year-old operating system to modern Windows 11 and Microsoft Office.
This patient orientation was crucial to ensure Hao felt empowered by the new interface rather than overwhelmed by it. “I am glad that I can help Mr. Hao in his work,” Ms. Loan shared. “I hope the new laptop will make his job easier and more efficient. Thank you for giving me a chance to help.”
A Legacy Continued
This act of kindness reflects the enduring vision of Dick Hughes, the founder of FAOV and a dedicated partner of Project RENEW since 2013. It serves as a perfect complement to the foundational support provided by the Irish Embassy, demonstrating how international cooperation—from national embassies to individual acts of compassion—can empower those on the front lines of service.
As Mr. Hao sits at his desk today in the Gio Linh Center, his hands may be gone, but his ability to lead, document, and advocate for the children of his commune is stronger than ever—powered by a tool that finally matches his resilient spirit.
Back at his desk: Forty-two years after his accident in the rice fields of Cam Pho, Nguyen Thanh Hao is empowered by technology to continue his mission of service for the next generation.
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