Special Children

At exactly 4 p.m. on August 21, a special ceremony was held at the Điện Biên provincial Police Hall. At the event, 28 children in extremely difficult circumstances from border communes of former Nậm Pồ and Mường Nhé districts, along with 12 Lao students, officially became foster children of Điện Biên Police. For the 12 Lao students, this marked a significant turning point in their academic journey away from home. They not only gained a new home to rely on but also “fathers and mothers” in uniform who are always ready to accompany and protect them.

Sụ Đa Văn, from Luang Namtha province, one of the 12 Lao students adopted in this program, shared: “When we first came to Vietnam to study, we were anxious and unfamiliar with everything. But with the open arms of Điện Biên Police, we felt like we had returned to our own family. We promise to behave well and study hard so that in the future we can become useful people, contribute to building our homeland, and strengthen the solidarity between the two countries.”

After the ceremony, the 12 Lao students moved into a shared home where they not only had well-organized living arrangements but also received attentive care in every detail. Each morning, after the alarm, they neatly folded blankets and tidied their belongings before heading to class. A simple yet warm breakfast prepared by officers became the energy source for the day. In the evenings, during self-study hours, officers sat beside them, guiding them through math problems and Vietnamese vocabulary, boosting their confidence.

Major Nguyễn Thị Việt Hà, Deputy Head of the provincial Police Women’s Union, shared: “At first, the children were shy, homesick, and hesitant to talk. But after just a few days, thanks to the encouragement and support of the officers, they gradually opened up. Seeing them study well and improve every day makes us feel happy and proud.”

Beyond academics, the provincial police also created opportunities for the students to engage in sports, arts, and group activities. In the afternoons on the football field, cheerful laughter helped ease homesickness. They were also guided in life skills, learning independence, sharing, and supporting one another. Bonds of teacher-student, comradeship, and brotherhood gradually formed, erasing all distance.

Deeply moved by the affection of the Điện Biên provincial Police, Colonel Bun Pheng Lo Ni Chăn, Deputy Director of Oudomxay provincial Police, said: “We deeply appreciate the affection, responsibility, and dedication that Điện Biên Police have given to Lao students. This thoughtful care not only helps them study and train better but also serves as a vivid symbol of the special, loyal solidarity between the two police forces and the peoples of Laos and Vietnam. We believe that with the knowledge and love they receive here, these students will grow up to become good citizens who contribute to fostering the great friendship between the two countries.”

The Journey of Aspiration

Along with the 12 Lao students, during the August 21 ceremony, the Điện Biên provincial Police also adopted 28 disadvantaged children from border communes in Nậm Pồ and former Mường Nhé district. For them, it was not only immense joy but also a lifeline amid hardship, providing the chance to study, train, and grow under the protective care of the people’s police officers.

Vàng Thành Long (12 years old, Si Pa Phìn commune) said: “From today, I am a foster child of the police officers. I feel so lucky. I promise to study hard and behave well so that one day I can help my family and hometown, and not let down the love everyone has given me.”

Long’s joy echoed the feelings of the other 27 children newly adopted under the “Police Foster Children” program. This model not only provides a strong foundation for these children but also extends the humanitarian initiatives previously implemented by the Điện Biên provincial Police.

Following the plan of the Vietnam Women’s Union and the Ministry of Public Security Women’s Union, since 2022 the Điện Biên provincial Police Women’s Union has launched and implemented the “Mother of Love” program across all grassroots branches.

Lieutenant Colonel Lò Thị Thùy Anh, Head of the provincial Police Women’s Union, shared: “Becoming a ‘Mother of Love’ marks the beginning of a long journey to accompany these children. With love and responsibility, we believe we can provide them with a firm foundation to overcome difficulties and develop comprehensively. We also hope that as they grow up, they will always carry pride in having such special mothers.”

According to Lieutenant Colonel Lò Thị Thùy Anh, to ensure consistency in guidance and implementation, the Provincial Police Women’s Union encourages units to carefully review and assess specific circumstances, aligning with the force’s characteristics in child care. Priority is given to children of police officers who have lost parents, orphans, and disadvantaged children living near police units to facilitate support and foster care. To date, grassroots branches have adopted and are caring for dozens of children in special circumstances.

“Mother of Love,” “Police Foster Children,” Lao students, or borderland children - all are being nurtured with knowledge and aspirations under the loving care of the police force. This is not just daily concern but a journey of instilling faith and encouragement, enabling the children to grow confidently. From this shared home, today’s green shoots will grow, carrying knowledge and friendship, contributing to building the borderlands into a more prosperous and peaceful place.