The warmth of a father's love

Visiting Pa Ham commune, a remote mountainous area in Dien Bien province, we learned about the touching and heartwarming story of Captain Ca Van Minh and his 22 children who are not related by blood. Despite the difficult roads and remote location, Captain Ca Van Minh could not stop himself from visiting them weekly and bringing them essential supplies.

Captain Ca Van Minh, born in 1993, is of the Thai ethnic group. Before transferring to the Internal Political Security Department (Dien Bien Provincial Police), Minh was the Deputy Head of the Pa Ham Commune Police, having spent many years working with the community and ethnic minorities. In 2022, while on a mission under Project 06, Minh visited a dilapidated house in Lung Thang 2 village (Nam Nen commune).

Captain Ca Van Minh (on the left) and his teammates present gifts to the children.

In the empty, dilapidated house, a little girl was preparing instant noodles for her two-year-old sibling. Upon inquiring, it was revealed that their father had passed away, and their mother had abandoned them, leaving six young children without care. Deeply saddened by their plight, Minh couldn't hold back his tears and resolved to do something to help these children grow up, mature, and avoid the social ills of this border region.

Every month, he quietly used his savings to buy rice, dried fish, cooking oil, fish sauce, salt, instant noodles, and other necessities for the children. If his own home lacked anything, he would buy it and bring it over. This act of kindness went on quietly for a while until his comrades learned about it. Admiring Minh's compassion for the children, many of his comrades joined hands to donate essential supplies.

“Many of my comrades have stood by my side, visiting the homes of each child together, inquiring about their circumstances. Some have provided books and school supplies, others have provided clothes and daily necessities, helping the children have better lives and not have to drop out of school,” Captain Ca Van Minh shared.

The charitable work continued to spread. Captain Ca Van Minh continued to sponsor many other children, both young and old, each with their own heartbreaking circumstances. Currently, the total number of children sponsored by Captain Ca Van Minh is 22, including 4 children with disabilities; some he has sponsored for several years, some are only 5-6 months old, and the rest are of various ages. Some children call Captain Ca Van Minh "uncle," but most call him "Dad Minh."

True brotherhood

Because most of the children are orphans, some having lost both parents, they lack not only material comforts but also the warmth of a family. Some girls have never had their hair washed by their mothers, some boys have never gone with their fathers into the forest to collect firewood... Therefore, Mr. Minh always stays close to them, encouraging them and providing them with emotional support. Whenever they need to make a decision after starting school, they call him to discuss it and seek his advice. “I’m not strict or controlling; I always respect my children’s wishes, only hoping they stay away from social vices. Whatever school they want to attend or whatever profession they want to pursue, I discuss and analyze it with them so they have more information and can make the most appropriate decision,” Mr. Minh shared.

In his free time, Captain Ca Van Minh personally tutors the children, guiding them in independent living skills and instilling moral values ​​and a virtuous lifestyle. He always believes that no child is inherently bad, only those who haven't received the right education and care. Because of this, in the minds of the more than 20 children, Captain Minh is not only their guardian but also a true father, bringing hope to their lives. There are nights when, after resting, he receives news that one of his children has a fever, and without hesitation, he immediately drives to care for them, staying up all night by their side like a real father.

Now, having transferred to the Provincial Police Department, Captain Ca Van Minh still receives a warm welcome from the villagers whenever he returns to his hamlet. The image of a dedicated and responsible police officer who is close to the people has been deeply ingrained in the minds of the local community. Not only does he care for the material well-being of the people, but Captain Ca Van Minh also proactively contacts schools to create opportunities for the children's education, seeking scholarships to support them, as in the case of Vu A Mong. After finishing high school, A Mong was connected by his father, Minh, to attend Hoa Binh Vocational College, where he was given the opportunity to work while studying, thus supporting himself.

Filled with enthusiasm, A Mong diligently studied and worked part-time, sometimes even sending money home to help his father care for his younger siblings – a source of happiness for his father, Minh. What's remarkable is that Captain Ca Van Minh didn't solicit donations; his efforts mainly came from his own resources and the collective support of his colleagues. He hopes that those with compassionate hearts will come and meet the children directly, talk to them, understand their needs, and provide the most appropriate assistance, effectively and sincerely conveying the community's love and support to them.

Lo Ngoc Diep, a student in class 10A1 at the Dien Bien Provincial Ethnic Boarding High School, shared: “My family is in difficult circumstances; my mother passed away early. For many years, thanks to Mr. Minh's help, my family's hardships have been eased, which is a great motivation for my sister and me to strive in our studies.”

Despite being over 30 years old and having a small family, Captain Ca Van Minh always knows how to balance his life, from time and finances to love and affection. Therefore, when he took on the responsibility of sponsoring 22 children, he always received the support and understanding of his family, especially his wife. “My family has never complained about me going to support these children, even when I’m away for weeks at a time. That’s my strong support system, allowing me to feel secure and confident on this journey,” Minh confided.

On convenient days, he often takes his daughter to the village to visit the children, so that she can understand the meaning of what her father is doing, and at the same time learn to empathize and share with those less fortunate. For Captain Ca Van Minh, caring for the children is ultimately aimed at ensuring they have a better life, grow up to have stable jobs so they can be independent and contribute to the community.

    Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/phong-su-dieu-tra/cuoc-thi-nhung-tam-guong-binh-di-ma-cao-quy-lan-thu-17/can-bo-cong-an-nhan-do-dau-hon-20-em-nho-1017278