In March 2016, border guards at the Pho Bang border post in Dong Van district, Ha Giang province adopted three homeless H’Mong children in Sa Phin A village, Sa Phin commune. The three sisters, Vang Thi Sau, Vang Thi Cha and Vang Thi Cho, were born in 2007, 2004 and 2009 respectively.
Their father died of an illness and their mother abandoned them so the children lived with their grandmother and aunt, who could not afford to send them to school. Seeing the miserable situation of the children, the soldiers at Pho Bang border post decided to foster the three sisters until the age of 18.
Having lived in extremely difficult situations in Ma Le commune, three sisters, Tho Thi Dinh (born in 2005), Tho Mi Va (born in 2008) and Tho Thi Xua (born in 2012), were also fostered by soldiers at Lung Cu border post in Dong Van district. The border posts of Pho Bang and Lung Cu are the pioneer units in implementing the program "Border guards' adopt children" in the border area of Ha Giang province.
At the border posts, the adopted children receive care and teaching in both their studies and daily life. Recalling the first days of life at the Pho Bang border post, Vang Thi Sau said that she received love and care from the border soldiers.
According to Major Phan Dang Nhiem, head of the Lung Cu border post, most border guard dads live far from their family and have little experience in caring for children. However, they make efforts to become real dads. Besides donations from sponsors, the soldiers spend a part of their salary for the fostered children.
After five years living at the border post, the children have made significant progress in all fields. Thanks to “green military tank” fathers, the adopted children have improved their life skills and study results. The program “Border guards' adopt children” delivers a great human experience. It helps disadvantaged children have a better life as well as promotes the solidarity between the soldiers and people in border areas.
Their father died of an illness and their mother abandoned them so the children lived with their grandmother and aunt, who could not afford to send them to school. Seeing the miserable situation of the children, the soldiers at Pho Bang border post decided to foster the three sisters until the age of 18.
Having lived in extremely difficult situations in Ma Le commune, three sisters, Tho Thi Dinh (born in 2005), Tho Mi Va (born in 2008) and Tho Thi Xua (born in 2012), were also fostered by soldiers at Lung Cu border post in Dong Van district. The border posts of Pho Bang and Lung Cu are the pioneer units in implementing the program "Border guards' adopt children" in the border area of Ha Giang province.
 Vang Thi Cho and her adopted father, major Le Manh Hop at Pho Bang border post. Photo: Viet Cuong / VNP  At Lung Cu border post, Tho Thi Dinh calls major Do Dang Nhiem “dad”. Photo: Viet Cuong / VNP  Soldiers at Pho Bang border post teach their children to study. Photo: Viet Cuong / VNP  The children are taught life skills by the soldiers. Photo: Viet Cuong / VNP 
After five years living at the border post, the children have made significant progress in all fields.
 The children also help the soldiers in common activities at the post. Photo: Viet Cuong / VNP  Military doctor, major Nguyen Duc Thanh always takes care of the health for his three adopted children. Photo: Viet Cuong / VNP  The adopted children recieved many gifts from soldiers at the border post.  Sisters of Vang Thi Sau and Vang Thi Cho tend a vegetable garden at the Pho Bang border post. Photo: Viet Cuong / VNP  Teachers and wives of soldiers help the fathers in taking care of and educating their children. Photo: Viet Cuong / VNP  The adopted children have a new life at the border post. |
At the border posts, the adopted children receive care and teaching in both their studies and daily life. Recalling the first days of life at the Pho Bang border post, Vang Thi Sau said that she received love and care from the border soldiers.
| Beside monthly costs, the “green military tank” fathers have a fund worth over 200 million dong for nurturing their adopted children. |
After five years living at the border post, the children have made significant progress in all fields. Thanks to “green military tank” fathers, the adopted children have improved their life skills and study results. The program “Border guards' adopt children” delivers a great human experience. It helps disadvantaged children have a better life as well as promotes the solidarity between the soldiers and people in border areas.
By Viet Cuong Translated by Nguyen Tuoi
