The bond between the military and the people will last forever!

Life still presents many orphaned and disadvantaged children. Understanding and sharing their difficulties, the Military Command of Tay Ninh province has implemented many practical activities and models to care for and assist these children both materially and spiritually.

At Bodhi Phuong Duy Primary, Secondary, and High School (Thu Thua commune), the Provincial Military Command organized a meal preparation for orphaned children and those from disadvantaged backgrounds studying at the school. More than just a meal, this activity carries a profound message about humanity, the spirit of mutual support and compassion, and the responsibility of the provincial armed forces towards the community, especially the future generation of the country.

Officers and soldiers of the provincial armed forces prepare cooking ingredients.

Bodhi Phuong Duy Primary, Secondary, and High School was established out of the dedication and compassion of Venerable Thich Quang Tam - Member of the Executive Council, Deputy Head of the Central Charity and Social Welfare Committee, and Head of the Executive Board of the Vietnam Buddhist Association in the province.

Many years ago, when transportation in Thu Thua district was difficult, many children from remote areas had to travel to school by boat. Based on this reality, the Venerable decided to take in children from disadvantaged backgrounds to live at the pagoda to facilitate their studies.

Initially, there were only about 10 children, and due to the limited space in the temple grounds, all activities took place in the main hall. Later, thanks to a benefactor's donation of 3,000 square meters of land, in 2010, the temple raised funds to build a school with 8 classrooms, a laboratory, a library, a kitchen, and a dormitory. The school officially opened its first course in 2012, becoming a haven for many orphaned and disadvantaged children to this day.

Currently, the school provides boarding education for 184 orphaned and disadvantaged students from elementary to high school. Lieutenant Colonel Ngo Khanh, Deputy Political Commissar of the Provincial Military Command, shared: “Bodhi Phuong Duy School is a very special school that the Provincial Military Command once visited. Upon arriving, the Provincial Military Command observed that the students' living conditions were still difficult, so they directed relevant agencies, units, and localities within the provincial armed forces to regularly visit, encourage, and prepare delicious meals for the children. This gives them more motivation to strive for a better life and better academic performance, eventually becoming useful citizens for society.”

Colonel Nguyen Thanh Phong - Political Commissar of the Provincial Military Command and Lieutenant Colonel Ngo Khanh - Deputy Political Commissar of the Provincial Military Command, kindly visited and inquired about the children.

From early morning, preparations were meticulously carried out. From selecting and preparing the food to cooking, everything was done carefully, ensuring food safety and hygiene. Each meal was a gesture of sharing from the soldiers. When the hot meals were handed out, joy was evident on the faces of the children.

Vi Thi Bich Diep, a 12th-grade student at Bo De Phuong Duy Primary, Secondary, and High School, emotionally said: “I am very happy that the soldiers came to visit, give gifts, and cook meals. I promise to study hard so as not to disappoint the care, attention, and teaching of my teachers and benefactors.”

For the school, this is a meaningful activity that contributes to caring for the material and spiritual lives of orphaned and disadvantaged students. Venerable Thich Quang Tam expressed: "When the Provincial Military Command came to cook delicious meals for the children, we greatly appreciated it and hope that in the future there will be more practical activities, especially social welfare activities…".

For the children here, happiness is sometimes very simple – a delicious meal, genuine care is enough to bring radiant smiles. These concrete, humane actions further beautify the bond between the military and the people, like fish and water.

Nguyen Duy - Thanh Hung

Source: https://baotayninh.vn/dep-mai-tinh-quan-dan-135844.html