(VOVWORLD) - Hoa Binh (Peace) Village was established in 1990 on the campus of Tu Du hospital in Ho Chi Minh City. This is a second home for many children with disabilities, who are the second- and third-generation victims of Agent Orange/dioxin. Here, they are cared for, educated and nurtured with hope for a better future.
 The children at the Peace Village in Tu Du Hospital, Ho Chi Minh city (photo: VNA) |
Some children tell reporters:
“The doctors and nurses have helped me get through many difficulties. I have received so much love from them, I’m grateful because without them I would not be who I am today.”
“I feel lucky to live in a place filled with laughter and affection from the aunts, uncles, brothers, sisters, and friends here. They have raised us since we were little kids”
“What I enjoy most is having meals together. We consider the aunts and uncles our parents because they have taken care of us since we were little kids.”
Over the past 35 years, Peace Village has raised more than 400 children, many of them have congenital disabilities caused by the aftereffects of Agent Orange/dioxin. The children in the village receive daily medical care, physical therapy, and attention from doctors and nurses.
Nurse Ngoc Bich has been working in the Peace village for nearly 20 years. “I take care of the children as a sister or mother would do for her own. In addition to medical care, depending on their age and type of disability, I find appropriate ways to help them. For example, bedridden children need comprehensive care, others should be encouraged to do on their own,” Bich said.
Raising children with disabilities or cerebral palsy caused by Agent Orange/dioxin is much more challenging than raising normal children. Despite the hardships, the doctors and nurses in the village understand that these children need both skilled care and warm hearts.
“The longer I care for the children, the more empathy I feel for them. I need to do more to give the better care.”
“I give them all of my love so they can overcome their illnesses and grow with confidence.”
“Many children came here with severe disabilities. With prompt treatment and care from the doctors, many have been able to stand on their own, learn a trade, and take care of themselves.”
 Taking care for Agent Orange/ Dioxin affected children at Peace Village (photo: Dinh Hang/ VNA) |
Thanks to love and dedication of the medical staff, many children in the Peace Village have gained success in their life. Some have graduated from university, found stable jobs, and integrated confidently into society. For them, Peace Village is their second home where the doctors and nurses are their parents, who give them more strength to grow up each day. After growing up, some of them have returned to the village to help care for other children.
“I feel very happy. After graduation I came back here to teach the children and assist the caregivers. This job gives me motivation, positive thinking, and optimism, I always feel grateful and love for everyone here.”
“I have lived in the Peace Village since it was established. I was nurtured by the mothers, aunts, and uncles and we have a sacred bond. I am grateful to them for making me who I am today. So I decided to return and work at Tu Du Hospital, at Peace Village.”
The compassion of the medical staff at Peace Village has helped the unfortunate children become confident and optimistic and give them the chance to grow, integrate into the community, and strive for a better life.