When soldiers become "godfathers" to children in need.

Through the "Helping Children Go to School" program, officers and soldiers of units under the Gia Lai Provincial Military Command have become a source of moral support and mentors for many children in extremely difficult circumstances, helping them realize their dreams of a bright future.

Helping children get to school.

Kpuih H'Lang (from Phu Thien commune, Gia Lai province) lost her father in 2019, and shortly after, her mother abandoned her to work far away and start a new family. H'Lang and her younger brother live with their older brother, enduring poverty and hardship.

In the midst of a daily struggle to make ends meet, it seemed Kpuih H'Lang would have to abandon her dream of going to school. Fortunately, H'Lang was adopted by Company 72, a unit stationed in the area, which sponsored all her educational expenses with an annual support of 23.9 million VND. Beyond material support, company staff regularly visited and encouraged H'Lang; they also closely coordinated with the school to monitor her academic progress. Thanks to this, she gained more motivation to strive in her studies and improve her life. From an average student at risk of dropping out, H'Lang achieved the title of "Good Student" in the 2024-2025 school year.

Staff from Company 72 Limited Liability Company are helping Kpuih H'Lang with her studies. Photo: Vinh Hoang

It is known that for many years, through the program "Officers and Soldiers Helping Children Go to School," hundreds of disadvantaged children in the locality have received material support and emotional care, creating motivation and confidence to overcome adversity. Through practical actions, the program has truly become a bridge spreading compassion, contributing to strengthening the bond between the military and the people, and beautifying life in the border region.

According to Lieutenant Colonel Pham Xuan Tri, Director of Company 72, implementing the program "Officers and soldiers helping children go to school," the unit has so far sponsored 8 students with particularly difficult circumstances in the border area, bringing them to be directly cared for by the families of officers and soldiers. At the same time, it provides regular support to 25 other children (similar to H'Lang).

"Our greatest wish is to accompany and empower children from disadvantaged backgrounds, giving them a support system so they can continue their education and look forward to a bright future," Lieutenant Colonel Pham Xuan Tri expressed.

The immense responsibility and noble sentiments of a soldier.

At the Ia Nan Border Guard Post in Gia Lai province, border guards are not only silent guardians of the border but also become special foster fathers to children from disadvantaged backgrounds in the area. Among them, Kpuih Tri is always a source of pride for the officers and soldiers of the Ia Nan Border Guard Post.

As a student with a strong spirit of overcoming difficulties, Kpuih Tri always strives for excellence in his studies. Throughout his five years of primary school, he consistently achieved the title of "Good Student," receiving commendations from the school for his academic achievements and conduct. Last school year, Tri studied in grade 6 at Phan Boi Chau Secondary School and continued to receive positive feedback from his teachers for his diligent and proactive attitude towards learning.

Kpuih Trí is being fostered by his foster father at the Ia Nan Border Guard Post after school.

Living with his "foster fathers" every day, Tri receives care and guidance in many aspects of life. He recounts, "Besides teaching me to study and do math, the fathers also take turns picking me up and dropping me off at school every day. When I'm sick, they are very worried; everyone asks how I am, takes me to the doctor, reminds me to eat nutritious food, and guides me on how to take my medicine. I will try my best to study well and be well-behaved so as not to disappoint them."

Lieutenant Colonel Le Tuan Anh, Commander of the Ia Nan Border Guard Station, said that because Tri was still very young when he was adopted and needed special attention, the station's leadership arranged for officers and soldiers to take turns caring for and guiding him in even the smallest things. In addition to school hours, the unit created a separate schedule for him to review and study.

Officers from the Ia Nan Border Guard Post are helping Kpuih Trí with his studies. (Photo: TD)

"As foster fathers, we regularly contact the homeroom teachers and the school to keep track of the children's academic progress, so that we can provide timely support. The significant progress of our 'foster children' is a great motivation, helping the officers and soldiers of Ia Nan Border Guard Station to be determined to complete their tasks well, especially in civilian affairs work in the frontline of the Fatherland," shared Le Tuan Anh, Commander of Ia Nan Border Guard Station.

For many years, implementing the "Helping Children Go to School - Children Adopted by Border Guard Posts" program, in addition to their main duty of firmly protecting national sovereignty and border security, border guard officers and soldiers have always been ready to take on the additional roles of fathers and teachers, directly caring for and educating orphaned children and those with particularly difficult circumstances. This is a practical activity demonstrating the great sense of responsibility and noble feelings of soldiers towards the border community.

Source: https://phunuvietnam.vn/khi-nguoi-linh-lam-cha-do-dau-cua-tre-kho-khan-2025070917032027.htm