This past September, the provincial General Social Protection Center received 14 children in special, difficult circumstances, with no one to rely on, from the communes of Sín Thầu, Sính Phình, Mường Pồn, and Mường Nhé. Many are siblings; the youngest is only 2 years old, the oldest 14. Each child has their own story, but they all share a common dream of a home, a place to be loved and protected.

In the first few unfamiliar days at the Center, the children are arranged in rooms that mixed older and younger children, and new and old members, so they could support each other. The “aunts and uncles” (staff) at the Center are always close, sharing, talking, and encouraging them. They take the children to pick out new clothes and shoes and for health check-ups.

The Center also quickly contacts schools, completed enrollment procedures, and prepared all the necessary books, uniforms, and school supplies for each child, so that every one of them can go to class and continue their unfinished educational journey.

Having been disadvantaged since childhood, lacking the care and guidance of parents, some of the children lived instinctively. Therefore, the staff in charge and senior children patiently guided and taught them the smallest things: how to wash their hands, where to use the toilet, how to brush their teeth, comb their hair, and fold their blankets and pillows neatly. For the younger children, the “aunts” (female staff) personally take care of every little detail. The older children gradually learn to be independent and handle basic personal tasks.

Nearly 2 months have passed, and the awkwardness and unfamiliarity are gone. The timid faces are now bright and happy; the hesitant footsteps now run and play freely around the yard. They have truly integrated into their new, large family, their faith and hope for the future rekindled.

Vàng Thị Bầu (10 years old), small in stature, is the eldest of four siblings who were all received by the Center this time. Below Bầu are Cá (8 years old), Nú (6 years old), and Vả (4 years old). Bầu and her youngest sister are placed in the same room, the next sister is in a room next door, and her brother is in the separate area for boys. Bầu shared: “Back in the village, we had to split up, staying at our grandmother’s house and our uncle’s house. Now, even though the four of us aren’t in the same room, we are in the same place. My siblings get to go to school, eat good food, wear nice clothes, and are loved by the staff and older kids. They are all very happy and have gotten used to it. They like it here; no one asks to go back.”

Phá Thị Tấu (9 years old) and her younger sister (5 years old) are placed in the same room. With her sister by her side, the two children adapted quickly to the new environment. Tấu honestly recounted: “Our parents passed away, so we lived with our uncle. Our uncle’s house was crowded, and daily meals were often just plain rice, sometimes not enough to be full. Now we have a new home, we eat until we are full, and the food is delicious. At school, we’ve also met many new friends and have fun playing. We will obey the staff and try to study hard.”

Mùa Thị Sinh (11 years old) from Huổi Meo village, Mường Pồn commune, and her 14-year-old brother have also grown to love this protection center. Before coming here, the two siblings lived with their maternal grandparents. Their grandparents loved them very much, but they were old, in poor health, and unable to provide for them, so they had to entrust the two children to the center.

Sinh confided: “In the first few days away from my grandparents in a new place, I was very sad. I missed them. Since coming here, I’ve only been able to talk on the phone and update my grandparents on the situation once. There’s no phone signal at home, so we can’t call them. My grandfather doesn’t know how to ride a motorbike, so he can’t come visit. Whenever I see other kids have family visit, I miss home and cry by myself.”

The homesickness is real, but the love in this new place is also real. Here, Sinh truly has a new family. “The ‘aunt’ in charge of the room and the older and younger sisters in the room all love me. Every day, I go to school with my sisters and friends, we live together, and play very comfortably. I sleep very well now and have gained over 1kg,” Sinh shared brightly.

These simple stories are as warm as the breath of human kindness. No place can replace a parent’s love, but this new house has truly become a support, soothing the “wounds” of these disadvantaged children. The home at the General Social Protection Center has not only given them shelter from the wind and rain but has also given them a family, a future, and the belief that after the storm, the sun will shine again.