Son Ky Children Star Orphanage

Dolly’s Visit to Son Ky – June 2009

Photo of Dolly with the boys. Taken on her first visit to the home.

An account of my first visit to the home .. by Dolly Too.

My first visit to Son Ky ChildrenStar orphanage in November 2008 was a real eye-opener for me.  I was given a very warm welcome by Br Jerome Manh (a confrere of the Salesian Congregation of Don Bosco) and the boys. They welcomed me with sketches, songs and dances and made very impressive welcome speeches.  I had gone there to check out the orphanage when I heard about it through Peter Hong of Wellsprings Catholic Bookshop, to see how I could help.  I was very impressed and moved with what I saw and made up my mind to return to the orphanage to assist them in their needs.

The orphanage is in dire need of volunteers to teach English to the boys. In Ho Chi Minh City, it is very expensive to receive English language education and most of the language schools cater more for the well to do. Surprisingly, Br Jerome has somehow managed to educate them in English.  However, with the different age groups and levels of English to be taught, it is very difficult for him to manage by himself.   With the help of volunteers from English speaking countries, he believes that their standard of English will be much improved.   Another area where help is most needed is fundraising as funds are needed to run the orphanage, feed, clothe, house and educate the boys.  The few local people who support them can do so only on a day to day basis.  Hence the urgent need for overseas assistance and intervention.

In my determination to do what I can to assist them, I returned to the orphanage again in June this year.  There are a total of 47 children living there, aged between 3 to 21 years.

During my stay there, I taught English to the Advance class boys (age ranging from 15 to 21 years).  At first I was a bit apprehensive about teaching the Advance class, as I had never taught English to children before (besides teaching Scripture at a public school in Australia).  Nevertheless, I took on the challenge and I am glad I did.  They are so attentive and eager to learn.  We had so much fun learning English, singing and interacting with each other.  I learnt about their past lives, their future goals, their dreams, etc.  Many of them have found religion to be a strong basis for their moral life, to become good and honest people, ready to fulfil their own duties and always willing to help others as well.

I went on an excursion downtown with the Advance class boys as well as my adopted son. The boys took me to see the Notre Dame cathedral, the Post Office and the Presidential Palace.  We had a picnic lunch in the park near the Notre Dame cathedral.    We had such fun, playing games and also singing.  After our sightseeing, we went for ice cream and it was a welcomed relief after the sweltering heat we had experienced during the day.

The boys’ enthusiasm in carrying out their daily tasks is beyond imagination.  Each of them is assigned different chores and they handle them cheerfully, without any complaints. I was very impressed with their attitude towards life – they place their trust completely in Jesus and pray fervently throughout the day.

They live very simply in the orphanage and the children sleep on hard concrete floor with just a mat as a bed.  A small room accommodates 7 to 10 children.  They have 3 meals a day, with lunch and dinner consisting of just a bowl of vegetable soup and a meat dish. (In June 2008, for a period of 6 months, due to the shortage of funds, their meals were reduced from 3 meals to 2 meals a day.) They live together harmoniously and rarely fight.  There is no jealousy among them and they are very well organised.

Their daily routine consists of vespers and rosary in the morning and evening, afternoon prayers (The Angelus), school, English tuition, recreational sports, evening mass and night prayers. Most of the orphans participate in the prayers, which were recited in Vietnamese.  I felt very moved and transformed in their midst, as the atmosphere is like that of a mini seminary!!!   Whenever possible, I try to join them in their daily prayers (I say my prayers in English, just in case you are wondering!) and I can tell you, I have never prayed so many times in a day.  I’m glad for this experience as it certainly brought me closer to God.

Br Jerome Manh, the founder of this orphanage, is a man with a remarkable vision.  He speaks a few languages fluently: Vietnamese, English, French and Italian. He also does translation work in voice-over English, French & Italian movies into the local Vietnamese language.  His idea is to have his senior boys become future educators, who in turn would help run the orphanage.  He believes strongly that education is the key to their future.   Some of the boys may be called to religious life, to serve as shepherds to the local communities. He hopes and prays that his dream that some of the boys reach this goal, will be realized one day.

He has certainly taught the boys well and brought up a wonderful bunch of kids who never allow their shortcomings to hinder them in any way.  They are aware that they are victims of circumstances and that they can strive to be whatever they want to be, with determination and hard work.

Br Jerome and the boys went to great lengths to ensure that my stay over there was as comfortable as possible.    The very little they had, they shared with me.  At times, their hospitality was overwhelming and yet at times, it spoke volumes of the high regard they view the assistance I rendered to them. I went there with the idea of educating the children, but in the end, I must say that I was educated by them, especially by the way they displayed their unselfish love, caring and sharing, thoughtfulness, etc. towards each other.  They were polite, respectful and always willing to help.

I learnt from them the virtues of compassion, humility and simplicity, and that without excessive material comforts, life can still be enriching, meaningful and fulfilling. This is not only evident in the spiritual aspects of life but also in the basic existence of being a human being.

My stay over there has enriched me spiritually and has been very fulfilling.  I enjoyed spending time with the boys, teaching, playing, singing and interacting with them.   I have been touched and moved by their cheerfulness and the sense of hope they have for their future.  Although they do not have much, they are happy and satisfied.

The orphanage is in great and urgent need of help and they are looking for people who are keen to help them in any way.  They need help in many areas and you can help by :

1. Donating money to help feed and provide better living conditions for them.
2. Visiting the orphanage for a period and helping the children by teaching English or other skills.
3. Sponsoring of one or more children
4. Raising awareness of their situation by appealing to your friends and church groups.

For those who wish to share their blessings and talents with the boys, please do go over there and lend a helping hand and at the same time, take advantage to see Vietnam and experience the Vietnamese hospitality.   Your life will definitely be enriched and fulfilled.  If you need any further information, please feel free to contact me by email at dollytoo777@gmail.com .  I know that as a group working together, we can make a difference to the lives of these boys.  I certainly look forward to hearing from you.  May the Lord bless you and your loved ones always.