Sharing love
As part of activities marking the 80th National Day, the working group of the Vietnamese peacekeeping force at the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) conducted a special visit to a support center for orphaned and malnourished children in Bimbo city.
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Lieutenant Colonel Duy Van Son posing for a photo with children at the center |
Founded in 2002, the center currently provides shelter for about 30 children and offers weekend meals for around 300 disadvantaged children in the area. Most of the children are orphans due to conflict, disease, or abandonment at a very young age. The center operates mainly thanks to support from a few benefactors and small donations, thus it always struggles with shortages of both material resources and affection.
Understanding these hardships, the Vietnamese peacekeepers prepared practical gifts such as rice, milk, food, clothing, and school supplies for the charity trip. Although modest in material value, these gifts were filled with the heartfelt compassion of soldiers coming from Vietnam which once endured much pain from war, and deeply understands the value of peace, love, and solidarity.
The gift presentation took place in a warm, friendly atmosphere. The bright eyes and innocent smiles of the children as they received gifts and talked with the Vietnamese blue berets dispelled the harsh heat and wind. A 12-year-old girl named Leo emotionally said that “We are very happy when the Vietnamese soldiers come to visit. Thanks to these gifts, we will have better meals and can go to school more fully. We feel as if we have gained another family.”
Spreading tradition of “mutual support and compassion”
Beyond material aid and love sharing, the trip to this center fostered greater community bonds. “We deeply value the compassion of the peacekeepers from Vietnam. These are not only gifts, but also love and encouragement for the children to believe in life. The Vietnamese soldiers have become our close and trusted friends,” emotionally said Director of the Center Salim.
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Vietnamese blue-berets and children of the center |
Speaking at the event, Lieutenant Colonel Duy Van Son, Head of the Working Group of the Ministry of National Defense of Vietnam at MINUSCA, emphasized that “alongside the task of peacekeeping and ensuring security, we always see our responsibility to help improve the lives of local communities as extremely important. Every gift we give, every smile we receive, contributes to spreading Vietnam’s tradition of “mutual support and compassion.” This creates an impression of Vietnam not only as a peace-loving nation, but also as a kindhearted people, ready to share and accompany others for a better world.”
The humanitarian activity in the Central African Republic created a beautiful highlight in the series of events celebrating the 80th anniversary of Vietnam’s National Day (September 2) by the Vietnamese forces participating in U.N. peacekeeping missions. These humane actions have contributed to shining the image of the Vietnam People’s Army while sending a strong message about Vietnam’s international responsibility in the new situation.
The image of simple, sincere and compassionate blue-berets of Vietnam has left a profound mark on the people of the Central African Republic. It vividly demonstrates that, in any circumstance, the qualities of Uncle Ho’s soldiers always shine, helping build trust and good sentiments between Vietnam and international friends.
From a small act of charity, the Working Group of the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defense at MINUSCA has contributed a humble part to the humanitarian journey for peace. On this journey, humanity, responsibility, and the noble qualities of Uncle Ho’s soldiers shine brightly, leaving good impressions of Vietnam and its people in the hearts of international friends.
Translated by Chung Anh