In the final days of the year, braving the thin mist and the gentle chill of the highland weather, we accompanied the Vietnamese Heart Foundation's volunteer group to visit underprivileged students at Thai Nien No. 3 Primary School in Bao Thang commune. The small schoolyard still held a hint of mist, and a cold breeze gently swept through the classrooms, but the atmosphere was warmer than ever, filled with the joyful laughter and chatter of the students eagerly awaiting the year-end gift-giving ceremony.
In a warm and friendly atmosphere, representatives of the volunteer group presented 52 gifts, totaling 32 million VND, to students from disadvantaged backgrounds, as a form of encouragement and to instill confidence in them as they continue their studies. Their bright, cheerful faces and small hands clutched the gifts as if embracing the spring that had just arrived at the schoolyard.
Amidst the bustling crowd of students, our eyes fell upon Doan Nguyet Anh, a fifth-grade student, a small, agile, and academically gifted girl. She politely accepted the 1 million VND donation, her eyes sparkling with barely concealed emotion. Nguyet Anh lost her father when she was only four years old. This tragedy struck too early, depriving her of a loving embrace in her childhood. Since then, her frail mother has single-handedly raised and educated the two sisters, struggling daily with her cleaning job at the school. The three of them currently live with their aunt, facing many hardships and difficulties. Despite her difficult circumstances, Nguyet Anh is always diligent, academically excellent, polite, and resilient. She strives to be an exemplary student leader. In 2025, she won first prize in the "Handwriting - Character" competition at the school level and third prize in the "Vietnamese Language Champion" competition at the school level.
Unable to hide her emotions, Doan Nguyet Anh shared: “This year's Tet holiday will surely be happier for my family. I will give my mother some money to buy more sweets and snacks so we can celebrate Tet together. I thank all the teachers and staff very much. I will study hard and continue to be an exemplary student leader so as not to disappoint everyone.”
Like the children at Thai Nien No. 3 Primary School, spring arrived early for Nong Thi Thien Di and Nong Thi Bao Ngoc in Lang Thoc village, Luc Yen commune. The day the "Connecting Children" volunteer group from Lao Cai province and its sponsors presented them with 50 million VND to build a new, sturdy, and warm house, their emotions were overwhelming.
Thien Di and Bao Ngoc were born into extremely difficult circumstances. Their mother has a mobility disability and poor health, making her unable to work steadily. Their father has limited cognitive abilities and works as a construction laborer in Hanoi with an unstable income. Without their own home, the entire family currently lives with their grandparents in dire economic conditions, lacking everything. The 50 million VND support is a precious New Year's gift, igniting their dream of a small, sturdy home where they can study and grow up surrounded by love and warmth.
Ms. Hoang Thi Hue, mother of Nong Thi Thien Di and Nong Thi Bao Ngoc, choked back tears: “For many days now, I haven’t been able to sleep because of the joy and emotion. From now on, my two children will have a sturdy place to live, free from the rain and storms. For my family, this year’s Tet is truly special. We can only thank the benefactors who have extended their helping hands, giving our family warmth to overcome life’s difficulties.”
Spring is arriving everywhere, and charitable vehicles laden with love continue to travel through the remote villages of Lao Cai province, carrying gifts and the warmth of human kindness, adding joy and hope so that children can welcome a warmer and more fulfilling spring.
Source: https://baolaocai.vn/hoi-am-tinh-nguoi-post893632.html
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