All Van Kieu ethnic people in Chenh Venh village, Huong Phung commune (Huong Hoa, Quang Tri) feel heart-felt sympathy for the Ho brothers. Ho Van Noi, the oldest born in 2003, has 3 younger brothers with a 10-year-old as the youngest. His father died from a severe illness in 2012 and his mother passed away after a traffic accident in 2018, leaving the 4 brothers in great difficulties. Understanding the children’s situation, Production Team 9 of Regiment 52 decided to adopt and bring them up.
The team monthly supports the children with 25kg of rice, vegetables, fruits and food. On special occasions such as lunar New Year and new school year, they provide the brothers with clothes and school supplies. “Without their help, we cannot cope with the hardships. We promise to study hard so as not to disappoint them,” Ho Van Noi shared.
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Lieutenant Colonel Tran Dinh Cong, Chief of Production Team 2, Regiment 52 guides Ho Van A Ran to study. |
While visiting Production Team 2 in Hoong-Moi village, Huong Linh commune, Huong Hoa district, we met a small child who politely greeted us and welcomed us with tea. He is Ho Van A Ran, a Van Kieu ethnic, born in Huong Linh commune in 2008.
After their parents left home, A Ran and his brother had to live with their uncle whose family faced a lot of financial difficulties. Since 2017, Production Team 2 has supported them with roughly 4 million VND per month. What’s more, they buy clothes and school supplies, pay their tuition fees and guide them in their study.
“With his uncle’s permission, we brought Ho Van A Ran to our barracks in 2021. When Ngan (Ho Van A Ran’s younger brother) starts secondary school next year, we intend to bring him here with his brother to facilitate his study,” said Chief of Production Team 2 Lieutenant Colonel Tran Dinh Cong.
According to Commissar of Regiment 52 Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Dinh Thang, life of ethnic minorities in the area face appalling hardships due to the heavy war consequences along with the harsh soil conditions and climate. Over the years, the officers and soldiers of the unit have collaborated with the local Party committees, authorities, and people to reduce poverty and build new-style rural areas. Nurturing orphans not only helps disadvantaged children grow in life but also strengthens the military-people ties. The regiment is now looking after 12 children and has adopted 20 children over the past 5 years.
“It is an illustration of the great affection and responsibility of “Uncle Ho’s Soldiers” to the people in the area. The orphans’ life has turned over a new leaf since being loved, educated, and cared for by the “foster-fathers.” They now have food, clothes, education, greater motivation, and faith in life. This model has spread to local agencies, departments, and sectors, leaving a deep mark in the hearts of the locals,” said Dang Trong Van, Chairman of the People’s Committee of Huong Hoa district.
Translated by Tra My - Ha My - Truc Linh - Khanh Linh