At just 19 years old, Dao Hong Ngoc from Phu Tho province in Vietnam faced a challenge few her age could imagine. When she discovered she was living with HIV, transmitted at birth, the stigma and fear surrounding her condition made her consider leaving school, despite her parents’ encouragement to continue. 

In 2020, Ngoc crossed paths with Girls Act Vietnam at an antiretroviral therapy (ART) clinic. What began as a simple meeting soon became a turning point in her life. Through peer support and group activities, she connected with other girls navigating similar challenges. These interactions not only helped her understand her condition and treatment options but also taught her how to care for her health effectively. 

Her growing confidence extended beyond personal growth. Ngoc began advocating for HIV awareness, raising visibility about the challenges faced by young people living with the condition. Her commitment to helping others shone through, and within a year, she was chosen as a team leader for Girls Act. In this new role, she shared her story to inspire others, offering hope to those who felt isolated in their own journeys. 

Thanks to Girls Act Vietnam’s education support program, Ngoc received financial assistance for transportation and school supplies, enabling her to stay in school. She excelled academically, earning the excellent student award for grades 11 and 12. 

Today, Dao Hong Ngoc is a first-year marketing student at Vietnam Women’s Academy. Balancing her studies with part-time work as a florist and a TikTok video editor, she is fully embracing life and a future that once seemed out of reach.. 

“Everything is a matter of choice,” said Ngoc. “I’ve finished grade 12 and become a first-year student at Vietnam Women’s Academy. Right now, I am a very happy girl. I am now realizing the dreams I had before. They are becoming a reality.”