Humbled by a visit to an Orphanange

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We arranged our time at the orphange in Nha Trang through the manager of Asia Paradise Hotel a lovely kind hearted man called Mr Tan. Mr Tan and his colleague drove us to the orphanage on their mopeds and when we got there we were surpised and overwhelmed to be plonked in a room just full of babies. There were 10 babies in the room ranging from 5 months old up to 18 months old and all were thrilled to get some fuss and interaction from myself and Gareth.

The orphange was set up and run by Mr Tong Phuoc Phuc and his family. The orphange receives no government funding and relies on donations from visitors and local companies who offer clothes and food when possible. The staff at the orphange seemed very caring however there were only 2-3 women to look after, feed and change all the little babies. The babies had no toys either and they were all fighting over a cardboard box they used as a drum. In spite of it all most of them seemed really happy babies.

A little 3 year old girl then came and took Gareth by the hand and led us upstairs to a room with even more children in it. This room was a mix of toddlers aged 2-4 (who were playing dress up with a dirty rag and climbing all over Mr Phuc) and lot's more babies. One little boy was particularly gorgeous and kept laughing at me pulling funny faces. He took hold off my finger and did not want to let go even when it was time for us to leave. It was very hard to leave him behind.

All Mr Tan asked is that if we wanted we could send donations of money, toys, clothes or toiletries once we got back to England and we said we would definatley do this. He then proceeded to invite us back to his 4* hotel for a free breakfast the next morning even though he was the one who had given up his time and taken us to the orphanage.

When we get back to the UK we will be happy to accept any old baby toys and clothes that people reading this have. We were planning on sending a parcel of toys, clothes, toiletries, pencils, crayons - anything you would nornally throw away. So if anyone we know has these things and are about to throw them away, please don't and we will collect them when we get back to England.

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Photos

Orphanage, Nha Trang
On the ground floor were about 10 babies ranging from 5 months to 18 months. The staff were very attentive but were all volunteers and have their own famlies as well

This lad took a real shine to Melissa
Melissa found this baby hardest to leave

Orphanage, Nha Trang
The babies just spent their time crawling on this mat. Its sad to think they have no-one to hold them.

This was the second floor
Although these children were a little older, there was still a lack of toys, clothes etc

Orphanage, Nha Trang
Gareth playing with baby

Orphanage, Nha Trang
Melissa playing with babies

Orphanage, Nha Trang
There is only about 2 staff for maybe 10 babies.

Babies playing with box
The babies didnt really have any toys and loved playing drums with this box

Comments

[foz]

Visit to Orphange -
I had a lump in my throat when i read this. Must have been heart-wrenching for you both. Def get a collection together when you get back. There must be loads of ppl with unwanted toys/baby clothes