Orphans’ teary eyes at closed ‘happy house’ in Ho Chi Minh City (pics)

The house was founded in 2006 in the district’s Binh Hung Commune by Ngo Thi Kim Van, with the aim of bringing together orphans and disadvantaged children and giving them one more chance to live in happiness and affection.

It comprised over 32 children with different backgrounds, personalities and even psychological trauma that made them stubborn and hard to be managed at first.

Van, through great effort, gradually made the youngsters feel affection and turned them into friendly, generous children.

The place was shut down on June 15 as it did not meet criteria in terms of facilities, operation licenses, and human resources to house such children.

The orphans will be sent to other orphanages in Ho Chi Minh City, while the disadvantaged kids will return to their families, where they were beaten and abused long ago.

Most of them will be unable to go to school and study anymore.

In the last days before the move, dozens of children living in the house were seen with teary eyes because of being separated and facing an unknown, doubtful future.

Children eat fruits together in the last days before the house was closed down. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Kim Seungki, a Korean man living in an apartment near Van’s house, often visited and taught the children to play the guitar.
Photo: Tuoi Tre

A neighbor’s house is used as a children’s playground. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Children read comic books during their free time. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Ngoc Chau (R), one of the children living in Van’s house, is seen trimming a girl’s nails. Photo: Tuoi Tre

A child arranges her personal belongings to prepare for the move. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Phuong Thy, an 8-year-old child, learned of the move right after she was discharged from hospital. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Thy is seen crying due to Van’s house closure. “Mother” Van hugs and cuddles her. Photo: Tuoi Tre