'Children' Return to Mark 5 Years of Special School for COVID-19 Orphans

The "Hope" school in Da Nang, Vietnam, a unique institution established for children orphaned by the COVID-19 pandemic, celebrated its fifth anniversary on June 13. The occasion brought back many of its first students, who have since embarked on their journeys to higher education and professional careers.

Upon arriving at the school, current students greeted former pupils like My Hanh, now a first-year aviation student, with enthusiastic cheers and hugs. Hanh, who was among the first to enroll after losing her parents to the pandemic, returned not just as an alumna but as an elder sister figure. Similarly, Gia Thanh, a culinary student, immediately offered to help in the school's kitchen, demonstrating the strong sense of community and mutual support fostered at Hope.

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Sometimes I think that coming to the school now might not help the children much. But conversely, it feels like the children have given me too much.

The anniversary event, titled "Colors of Hope," showcased the personal growth of the students. Many who had previously withdrawn due to their traumatic experiences have blossomed, confidently performing for audiences and articulating their future aspirations. These children, hailing from diverse backgrounds and carrying different losses, have learned to share and have formed a new family within the school's supportive environment.

Truong Gia Binh, Chairman of FPT Corporation, which supports the school, shared his emotional connection, stating, "Sometimes I think that coming to the school now might not help the children much. But conversely, it feels like the children have given me too much." He reassured the graduating students that Hope would always be a home to return to. Over five years, Hope has welcomed 363 students from 29 provinces, representing 13 ethnic groups. While many have achieved academic success, the school's greatest accomplishment lies in helping these deeply wounded children rediscover laughter and dare to dream again.

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They assured us that it is a wristband that we can wear on the field. It has all the necessary information for us to be able to enter the field, with the names of all the players plus the special name of Diogo Jota. The Prime Minister gave us the option of whether or not to use it and how to use it. We received it with great affection and chose to use it.