Light up the future for her.

In Lao Cai province, there are thousands of children in difficult circumstances – young children who have to face loss and deprivation, both materially and emotionally. In Trinh Tuong commune, a remote border area, more than 30 such underprivileged children are being loved and cared for every day at the junior high school. In these supportive environments, they have the strength to continue their education and nurture their dreams of a brighter future.

Following the teachers from Trinh Tuong Ethnic Boarding Junior High School, we arrived at the home of student Vu A Thai. The small house nestled on the hillside, hidden among the green trees. Vu A Thai was busy preparing the evening meal. The Hmong boy had a small stature, but his eyes were sharp and resilient beyond his years.

Vu A Thai is preparing the evening meal.

Teacher Vu Xuan Tinh, a teacher at the school, shared: "The special circumstances forced Thai to mature early. His father passed away when he was young, his mother left the area, his eldest brother is mentally impaired, and his older sister and second brother are studying far away. Now, Thai spends most of his time at home, single-handedly taking care of the cooking, cleaning, and household chores."

Despite her difficult circumstances, Vu A Thai always strives to excel in her studies.

In previous years, the Thai brothers lived in a dilapidated, makeshift house. "There were nights when it rained heavily, and the roof leaked everywhere. I was very scared because I was worried the house would collapse and trees would fall on it," Vu A Thai recalled. However, that fear has now lessened considerably. Last year, border guards joined hands to build a new house for the Thai brothers, small but sturdy, not only protecting them from wind and rain but also giving them a sense of security.

Vu A Thai has always received care and support from her teachers, neighbors, and border guards.

“The border guards built a new house for me. They also came to visit me, gave me gifts, and gave me MSG, eggs, and instant noodles,” Thai said shyly. For Thai, each small gift, each visit, was an encouragement, letting her know that she was not alone in life.

In Na Lac village, the neighbors silently stand by Thai and his siblings. Vang Ta May, who lives near Thai's house, shared: "Someone has already provided them with food and drink. We live nearby and can't help much, we can only show them a little more care and guide them in cleaning the house." This genuine support from the villagers keeps the small house warm and welcoming, despite the many hardships they face.

The teachers helped transport Vu A Thai to and from school.

Because his home is far from the school, Thai stays in boarding school and only returns home on weekends. Teacher Vu Xuan Tinh shared: “Thai’s circumstances are very difficult, so we give him extra attention. If he lacks school supplies, we will buy them for him. Currently, there is a benefactor who provides monthly support for him, but sometimes when he is sick or doesn’t have enough money, the teachers still help him meet his basic needs.”

Trinh Tuong Ethnic Boarding Junior High School is a warm second home for more than 30 children with special circumstances.

Besides Vu A Thai, Trinh Tuong Ethnic Boarding Junior High School has more than 30 orphaned students. Each child has their own sad story. The school has become a common home, where they can study, live, and receive special care.

Sung Thuy Tien (standing) is an exemplary student who overcame difficulties to excel in her studies at Trinh Tuong Ethnic Boarding Junior High School.

Sung Thuy Tien, a 7th-grade student from Trinh Tuong Ethnic Boarding Junior High School, was moved when she shared her story: “Despite my difficult family circumstances, I have never given up on my dream of going to school. Currently, I receive monthly financial support from my godmother. Starting this year, I also get to have lunch at school. I promise to study harder to repay everyone's kindness.” These simple, innocent words are filled with the determination and perseverance of a child who must mature before her time.

The support of her godmother and the care of her teachers have motivated Sung Thuy Tien to strive in her studies. Last school year, she achieved excellent academic results.

Mr. Pham Van Hoc, Principal of Trinh Tuong Ethnic Boarding Junior High School, said that the school has 34 orphaned students and 9 students with disabilities. From the beginning of the school year, the school has updated and compiled a complete list of students with special circumstances to promptly connect them with support sources. Of the 34 orphaned students, 27 have received sponsorship. In addition, a Vietnamese expatriate is supporting 3 students, and the Border Guard Post is sponsoring 4 students. The school also mobilizes resources from the Red Cross and philanthropists to give gifts to students with special circumstances during holidays and festivals.

Trinh Tuong Ethnic Boarding Junior High School always strives to connect with charitable organizations and individuals to support students with special circumstances.

This collective effort not only provides the children with extra meals and new clothes, but also helps fill some of the emotional void. Handshakes, words of encouragement, and caring glances are the emotional support that helps them become stronger on their journey to adulthood.

The joy of these children comes from studying and living in an environment filled with love.

Not only Trinh Tuong Ethnic Boarding Junior High School, but all levels, sectors, and localities in the province have always paid special attention to children in difficult circumstances, gradually innovating the care model towards a child-centered approach, strengthening connections, and mobilizing social resources to care for their material and spiritual lives and support their integration into the community.

Every home built, every sponsorship given, is a bridge connecting these children to the future. These silent pillars of support are nurturing underprivileged children, giving them the right to dream, the opportunity to rise above their circumstances, and to continue writing their life stories with faith and hope.

Source: https://baolaocai.vn/thap-sang-tuong-lai-cho-em-post892708.html