A day at the provincial General Social Protection Center begins with a familiar routine. Children prepare their books and bags for school; cadres and staff busy themselves with caring for every meal and sleep; and across the compound, bustling laughter and conversations render the space warmer. For many, this place has become a second home.

Currently, the provincial General Social Protection Center is caring for and nurturing 84 orphans, helpless individuals, and people in special circumstances. Each person brings a different story and fate, yet all share a common desire for a place to rely on, receive care, and be accompanied.

At 80 years old, Lò Thị Cu from Mường Lay ward no longer holds grand desires. After nearly a month of being admitted to the center, what gives her the greatest peace of mind is not having to face quiet days alone. Every day, people inquire about her health, remind her of meal times, support her daily living, and chat with her.

From being quiet and reserved, Cu has gradually become more open. Smiles appear more frequently on her time-worn face. For someone who has walked nearly a lifetime, feeling that someone is by her side during weather changes or simply sharing a meal has become true happiness.

According to Hoàng Thị Thúy Nga, Head of the Professional Division, Cu is the first lonely elderly person admitted after the center expanded its care scope. Her positive changes after a short period of care serve as motivation for cadres and staff to continue striving to bring a safe, warm, and close living environment to every person being nurtured here.

In another corner of the courtyard, Thào Thị Xê’s laughter has been brighter since the day her mother moved to live at the provincial General Social Protection Center. Having been nurtured here for over five years, Xê has grown accustomed to daily life: attending class, doing homework, and living alongside friends under the care and encouragement of center staff. Since April 1, 2026, her joy became complete when her mother, Thào Thị Cha, 48 years old from Sính Phình commune, was admitted to the center.

As a visually impaired person with disabilities, Cha faced numerous life hardships over the years. Upon being received into the provincial General Social Protection Center, she gained a stable residence, daily living care, and, most importantly, proximity to her daughter after a long period of separation.

Since her mother came to live with her, Xê’s life has become particularly special. She gets to be near her mother, share meals, converse, and tell her mother daily stories.

Thào Thị Xê emotionally shared: “Previously, I missed my mother deeply but couldn’t be near her often. Since my mother came here, I’ve been happier because every day I get to see her, talk with her, and eat meals together. I only hope my mother stays healthy so we can stay together for a long time.”

For Xê, what seems simple to many children is a grand happiness, calling out “Mom” every day, returning after school knowing that her loved one is close by. As for Cha, despite being unable to see the light, life has become less arduous with her daughter and attentive caregivers by her side. Within their small room, mother-daughter conversations, cozy meals, and laughter after every meeting have brought back family warmth. From those moments, smiles have bloomed more frequently on the face of a little girl who lacked her mother’s proximity for many years.

At the provincial General Social Protection Center, children represent the largest cared-for group. Each child comes from a different background, yet all require a safe environment to be nurtured, educated, and grown in love. The journey of Lò Văn Sơn is one such story. Sơn was born in 2022 in Núa Ngam commune, belonging to the Khơ Mú ethnic group. When center cadres came to appraise his file, the two-year-old boy could not yet walk or talk, and his body was frail. Recognizing that Sơn needed care in a better environment, the center processed documentation to admit him for nurturing.

In the initial days, Sơn suffered from malnutrition and an inguinal hernia. He was provided a suitable nutritional regimen and regular health monitoring. Step by step, his physical condition improved visibly. Fortunately, through a free surgery program for children with disabilities, Sơn underwent surgery to treat his inguinal hernia. From a frail, unresponsive, and shy boy around strangers, he became agile, lively in daily activities, and playful. Sơn began calling out, smiling, actively interacting with everyone, and enjoying running and jumping with friends.

To many, these are ordinary childhood moments. Yet to the cadres who witnessed Sơn in his early days, every step forward brings joy, because behind that smile lies a journey of care, treatment, and patient companionship to give him the opportunity to develop healthily like any other child.

According to Trần Thị Tươi, Director of the provincial General Social Protection Center, caring for vulnerable people goes beyond ensuring meals, sleep, or shelter; it involves listening and sharing so each person feels cared for and respected. Each situation requires a suitable care approach, but the common goal is helping them gain joy and faith in life.

Through daily companionship, care, and sharing, smiles have gradually returned to the faces of many who once suffered disadvantages. That stands not only as an expression of joy, but as evidence of care, love, and positive transformations following days of loss. In that shared home, those who once endured hardships have a place to rely on and a fulcrum to overcome self-consciousness, regaining faith and peace in life.