LIFESTART FOUNDATION EXPANDS MEDICAL SCHOLARSHIP PROJECT, EMPOWERING DISADVANTAGED STUDENTS IN CENTRAL VIETNAM

Hue, Vietnam - Lifestart Foundation (Australia), a not-for-profit charity, has recently awarded a new round of major General Medicine and Residency Scholarships to nine exceptionally talented students from extremely disadvantaged backgrounds in Central Vietnam.

This latest cohort includes seven medical university students and two resident doctor students from Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy. They have received prestigious scholarships, comprising financial aid and three new laptops, with the total value exceeding USD $60,275 (equivalent to more than 1.5 billion VND).

The nine scholarship recipients have demonstrated outstanding academic achievements despite facing significant financial and personal hardship. Their dedication to pursuing a medical career aligns with Lifestart Foundation's mission of supporting students whose education will not only transform their own lives and families but also contribute to the broader community.

Before receiving their Lifestart Foundation Medical Education Scholarships, many of these students struggled to afford basic necessities such as food and shelter. The scholarship program covers tuition fees, books and provides a food and rent allowance, ensuring they have access to safe accommodation and a balanced, nutritious diet.

Ms. Karen Leonard OAM (Order of Australia Medal), Founder of Lifestart Foundation, stated:
"We are incredibly proud to offer the most prestigious and highest-value General Medicine and Residency Scholarships to this reputable institution. It is an honor to help nurture the future of healthcare in Vietnam. Through our scholarship program, we aim not only to ease financial burdens but also to empower these students to reach their full potential."

For the past 25 years, Lifestart Foundation's Medical Scholarship Program has been its most significant investment in disadvantaged youth in Vietnam. This initiative has enabled students to pursue higher education and fulfill their aspirations of becoming highly skilled healthcare professionals.

Beyond financial support, Lifestart Foundation takes a holistic approach by providing scholarship recipients with essential resources such as new laptops and ongoing mentoring sessions, ensuring long-term academic success and a lasting positive impact on their lives.

To date, Lifestart Foundation has awarded a total of 114 scholarships across multiple universities in Vietnam, with a total investment of $639,447 USD (equivalent to more than VND 16 billion) in the medical sector:

●                Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy:

○                62 Scholarships for General Medicine

○                1 Scholarship for Preventive Medicine

○                1 Scholarship for Pharmacy

○                1 Nursing Scholarship

○                15 Scholarships for Master's in Nursing

○                6 Scholarships for Resident Doctors

●                Da Nang University of Medical Technology and Pharmacy:

○                18 Scholarships for General Medicine

○                1 Scholarship for Pharmacy

○                2 Scholarships for Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation

○                1 Scholarship for Speech Therapy

○                1 Scholarship for Nursing

○                1 Scholarship for Medical Lab Technician

●                Ho Chi Minh City:

■                Ho Chi Minh University of Medicine and Pharmacy:

○                1 Occupational Therapy Scholarship

○                1 Pharmacy Scholarship

○                1 Residency Scholarship

■                Pham Ngoc Thach University of Medicine:

○                1 General Medicine Scholarship

Lifestart Foundation's Education Scholarship Program has played a crucial role in supporting students to complete their university education and achieve their dreams. Notably, all 2024 graduates have successfully passed the highly competitive Residency Entrance Exam at Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy. Their achievements are the clearest testament to the transformative power of education in creating generational change.

*Criteria for a Lifestart Foundation education scholarship:

Lifestart Foundation's largest and most important project is Education scholarships as they believe that via education they can break the poverty cycle for future generations. They believe that nurturing and encouraging fine minds in particular in the health sector will help the development of Vietnam and its people. Their motivation and inspiration to volunteer in Vietnam for the past 25 years are the recipients - past and present - of their scholarship program.

Scholarships will be awarded based on the following 3 main criteria. Students need to demonstrate:

1. academic excellence

2. be from a financially disadvantaged background.

3. have a willingness to contribute back to their community by way of their chosen vocation.

*Pictured:

Ms. Karen Leonard OAM - Founder of Lifestart Foundation

Official representatives from Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy (from left to right):

Mr. Ngo Van Thang - Head - Office of Student Affairs

Associate Professor - Mr. Hoang Bui Bao - Vice Rector

Dr. Hoang Thi Mai Thanh - Office of Science, Technology & International Relations

Dr. Phan Trung Nam - Head - Office of Graduate Academic Training

Associate Professor Mr. Dang Cong Thuan - Head - Office of Science, Technology & International Relations

About Lifestart Foundation:

Established in 2000 by Australian national Karen Leonard OAM, Lifestart Foundation is a grassroots charity committed to helping disadvantaged Vietnamese families achieve self-sufficiency. Its major projects include Education Scholarships for disadvantaged students, a Housing Improvement project, and a Clean Water Project. To date, Lifestart Foundation's financial contributions to the needy youth of central Vietnam exceed 33 Billion VND (approximately $2,000,000 AUD).

For media inquiries and further information, please contact:

Lifestart Foundation

175 Ly Thai To Street, Cam Chau Ward, Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province

Website: www.lifestartfoundation.org.au

Telephone: (+84)76 402 7402

Email: Ms. Nhung - Education Scholarship & Housing Project Manager: admin@lifestartfoundation.org.au

Ms. Uyen - Education Scholarship & Administration Officer: uyen@lifestartfoundation.org.au