The "foster father" at the foot of Pha Luong mountain.

At the foot of the majestic Pha Luong mountain, a story of human kindness is being written through warm meals and the boundless love of soldiers in green uniforms. This is the story of Major Nguyen Van Manh, a professional soldier at the Chieng Son Border Guard Post, and the young boy Song A Tua.

Major Nguyen Van Manh took Song A Tua to school.

More than ten years ago, Song A Tua, from Pha Luong village, Chieng Son commune, was born without a father, while his mother suffered from mental illness and was unaware of her child's presence. Tua was raised and educated by his maternal grandparents. Because their house was located at the top of Pha Luong mountain, more than 6 km from the school, Tua's grandfather had to build a temporary house near the school so that his grandson would have a place to stay on school days. Every Monday morning, grandfather and grandson would travel together from the mountaintop to the school, and on Friday afternoons, the grandfather would pick Tua up and bring him home.

Song A Tua was sponsored under the "Helping Children Go to School - Children Adopted by Border Guard Posts" program.

Tủa's life would have remained a quiet, arduous journey if it weren't for his encounter with Major Nguyen Van Manh, a professional soldier and officer at the Chieng Son Border Guard Post. In March 2023, while on duty at the foot of Pha Luong mountain, he saw a grandfather and grandson going to school in the rain and wind, and the border guard soldier gave them a ride so they could get to school on time. After that encounter, Major Manh regularly visited Tủa, bringing him food and personal items. Seeing Tủa's particularly difficult circumstances, he proactively reported to the unit's command, appealing to the community for support. Subsequently, Tủa was sponsored through the "Helping Children Go to School - Children Adopted by Border Guard Posts" program.

A happy smile and the joy of going to school.

Sharing about supporting the young student, Major Nguyen Van Manh said: Currently, Tua is in 5th grade at Pha Luong school branch, Chieng Son Primary School. Since we first met, I have visited him every month, bringing rice and necessities for him. Through the "Helping Children Go to School - Children Adopted by Border Guard Posts" program, the unit supports him with 500,000 VND/month, helping him have better conditions for studying.

After three years of guidance from his father, a soldier in green uniform, Song A Tua, who was once at risk of dropping out of school due to his circumstances, is now more confident, attends school regularly, and has made remarkable progress in his studies. Tua happily said: "I am so happy because I always have Father Manh taking care of me, giving me food and new clothes to wear to school. I dream of becoming a soldier like Father Manh someday, to help poor children in similar circumstances to mine."

Major Nguyen Van Manh regularly visits and encourages Song A Tua.

Ms. Bui Thi Thuong, a teacher at Pha Luong school, said: "Since receiving care from the border guards, Tua has been attending school regularly and has made remarkable progress. This support and love have given her better conditions to continue her studies and become more confident in life."

At the foot of Pha Luong mountain, the story of the border guard "foster father" continues to be written through simple acts. These soldiers in green uniforms continue to protect the nation's borders day and night, contributing to fostering love, sharing, and a brighter future for the young children of Son La's highlands.

Source: https://baosonla.vn/xa-hoi/nguoi-cha-nuoi-duoi-chan-nui-pha-luong-Qh6pjjOvR.html