Nurturing a brighter future for those less fortunate.

For many years, the Can Tho City Social Work Center (the Center) has not only been a shelter from the sun and rain for orphaned children and children with special circumstances, but also a place that helps them learn to read and write, acquire vocational skills, and nurture their aspirations for self-reliance through their own hands.

Nguyen The Anh meticulously styles each hairstyle with confidence and joy, enjoying the opportunity to learn the trade at the Center.

The story of Nguyen The Anh is one that has moved many people. Entering the center at the age of 12, The Anh still didn't know how to read or write. At an age when many of his friends were already in secondary school, The Anh was just beginning to learn the alphabet. In the early days of first grade, he felt confused and self-conscious because he was older than his classmates but still didn't know how to hold a pen or spell.

The Anh recalled, "I was sad and felt inferior because I was learning slower than everyone else. But the teachers at the Center didn't abandon me. In the evenings, they dedicated extra time to teaching me how to read and write." Thanks to the teachers' perseverance and his own efforts, after 5 years, the young The Anh completed his primary school education at the age of 17.

Besides learning to read and write, The Anh was also connected by the Center with external vocational training centers to learn motorcycle repair. However, after a while, he realized this profession wasn't suitable for him, so he bravely shared this with his teacher. Listening to his wishes, the Center continued to provide opportunities for The Anh to switch to learning hairdressing. After three months in his new profession, the former orphan boy gradually found joy in each snip of the scissors and each hairstyle. Joining the group to provide free haircuts for poor and disadvantaged children helped him hone his skills and understand the value of sharing. The Anh expressed: "I hope to have a small barbershop someday to support myself. If I succeed, I want to help others in similar circumstances."

Alongside The Anh in his apprenticeship is Tran Nhu Thuy, a 16-year-old girl who grew up in a temple. Three years ago, to provide her with better educational opportunities and care, the temple sent her to the Can Tho City Social Work Center. In the beginning, Thuy was withdrawn and quiet due to her self-conscious circumstances. But with the love and care of the teachers, Nhu Thuy gradually became more open. She has now completed the 6th grade and is waiting to attend supplementary classes to advance to the 7th grade.

Tran Nhu Thuy (standing) proactively helps her peers at the Center achieve beautiful hairstyles and nurture their career aspirations.

Besides her academic studies, Nhu Thuy was also given the opportunity to learn hairdressing at an external training facility. Initially clumsy with scissors, she can now assist in cutting and washing hair for customers. "Learning a trade outside of school has made me much more confident. I've met many people, learned how to communicate, and no longer feel as self-conscious as before," Nhu Thuy shared.

What's special about Thuy is her dream of becoming a soldier. "I'm waiting until I turn 18 to apply for military service to train myself. After completing my service, I will continue my hairdressing career to have a stable life. I want to be stronger and be able to take care of myself," Thuy confided.

The practical sessions at the Center not only helped Nhu Thuy and The Anh hone their skills, but also fostered a sense of camaraderie among their peers.

According to Ms. Nguyen Thi Bich Van, Deputy Director of the Can Tho City Social Work Center, vocational training support for children with special circumstances has yielded many positive and practical results. The Center always surveys the needs, interests, and abilities of each child to guide them towards suitable career paths. “Currently, the Center has two children studying hairdressing. Through the learning and training process, they have shown significant improvements in both professional skills and sense of responsibility. From initial shyness, they have become more confident in communication, and more proactive in their studies and daily lives,” said Ms. Nguyen Thi Bich Van.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Bich Van, Deputy Director of the Center, always shows concern, encourages, and wholeheartedly supports the students throughout their vocational training.

According to Ms. Nguyen Thi Bich Van, vocational training not only provides children with more job opportunities in the future but also plays a crucial role in developing life skills, community integration abilities, and self-confidence. After completing their vocational training, the children are able to assist in cutting hair for their peers at the Center, gradually developing practical work skills. In the future, the Center will continue to cooperate with vocational education institutions, businesses, and training units to create opportunities for children to visit and experience various professions: engineering, services, technology, etc. This will help them better understand the value of labor, discover their own abilities, and shape their future paths. "We hope that the care of children will not only stop at immediate nurturing but also be a journey of companionship, giving them opportunities to confidently integrate into the community and become useful citizens for society," Ms. Nguyen Thi Bich Van affirmed.

From children deprived of the loving embrace of family, the young ones at the Can Tho City Social Work Center, like The Anh and Nhu Thuy, have learned to nurture their own dreams. Learning a trade not only opens up opportunities for them to earn a living, but also subtly heals the wounds inflicted by their circumstances, helping them believe they deserve it and strive for a brighter future.

Text and photos: CAO OANH

Source: https://baocantho.com.vn/uom-mam-tuong-lai-cho-nhung-phan-doi-thieu-may-man-a205298.html