“Second mother” of Lao students

Connecting the bridge of love

Out of a heart of sharing, Quang Thanh Women's Association 4A2 and Quang Thanh 4A4 have sponsored 3 Lao students studying at Da Nang University of Education, including Hantavong Aphaphone (Chau), Bounsavath Ameena (Bong) and Xayalat Tue (Tu).

For the female members, caring for and accompanying Lao students is not only a responsibility, but also a sincere love as if for their own children.

Ms. Bui Hoa Ly, Head of Quang Thanh 4A4 Association, shared: “The model has a special meaning, closely linked to the traditional friendship between Vietnam and Laos. This is a way for Vietnamese women to express their kindness, beautiful actions that not only spread domestically but also resonate with international friends.”

To connect, "Vietnamese mothers" also created a Zalo group called "Vietnamese - Laotian Family" to regularly chat and share with their children.

Ms. Trinh Thi Theu, Head of Quang Thanh 4A2, recalls April 5, 2024, when the Women's Union of Lien Chieu District (old) introduced two Laotian students to her to sponsor: “I welcomed the children with the love of a mother. I encouraged, cared for, and looked after their health and studies, then invited them home on weekends and holidays such as March 8, October 20, Vietnamese Family Day or Traditional New Year. We cooked together, taught the children how to make spring rolls, chatted intimately... All of this created a feeling of closeness and warmth like the children's own family.”

On special occasions such as Vietnamese Family Day (June 28), Mother’s Day, birthdays or traditional Tet, the “second mothers” always invite their children home, creating opportunities for them to experience Vietnamese culture, customs and cuisine . In particular, at her daughter’s wedding, Ms. Hoa Ly also invited her children, who are Laotian students, to join in the celebration to learn more about Vietnamese wedding customs.

Spread love

Not only stopping at welcoming and taking care of their children, mothers often thoughtfully prepare gifts and food to bring down to the dormitory when their children are busy studying and cannot go home.

Bounsavath Ameena (Bong) emotionally shared: “Mother Theu and Mother Ly are not only my second mothers but also my teachers who help me learn Vietnamese better every day. One time, on my birthday, because I was busy with school, I couldn’t come back, so my two mothers went down to the dormitory to organize it for me. Whenever I was busy and couldn’t come back, my mother would pack food and bring it down. Thanks to that, we always felt the warm, friendly affection like in our own family. Thanks to my mother, I overcame my homesickness and missed my homeland to study with peace of mind.”

According to Ms. Theu, through the model, Lao students not only receive care and love, but also have a healthy environment to improve their Vietnamese language skills and integrate more quickly into study and living life in Vietnam.

Assessing the effectiveness of the model, Ms. Huynh Le Hong Linh, President of the Women's Union of Lien Chieu Ward said: "This is a model rich in humanistic meaning, contributing to strengthening the solidarity and friendship between the two nations.

In the coming time, the association will continue to expand and maintain the model so that it can spread more and more, becoming a bridge to firmly connect the Vietnam - Laos brotherhood.

From simple but loving gestures, the "Second Mother" model has become a bright spot in the emulation movement "Each member, a beautiful gesture - Each association, a meaningful action".

This is also a testament to the special, loyal friendship between Vietnam and Laos, continued by the kindness of women in the coastal city of Da Nang.