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Happy Sunday’s At Binh Luc Orphanage

By Sarah Griffin

Trung is not your average 16 year old boy. He is mature beyond his years - and rightly so - Trung is the eldest boy in an orphanage of 43 children. This orphanage is Binh Luc, located in Ha Nam province, a poor farming community one and half hours from Hanoi. Being the eldest carries a lot of responsibility, Trung is expected to set an example and be the 'big brother' and surrogate guardian to the other orphans.

But aside from being a role model, Trung also has dreams and ambitions like every other 16 year old. However, these do not include motorbikes, traveling or computer games. He wants to study Economics at Hanoi University. Simple but passionate. He spends every spare moment studying - focused on passing the entrance examinations.

And Trung is happy. There is laughter in his eyes and his voice as he cradles a younger orphan in his lap and joins in a spontaneous ball-and-bucket game.

I remember the first day i visited Binh Luc Orphanage, the children were terrified. Afraid to make eye contact, a sea of skin and bones with hallow, sallow eyes. Faces peering out from behind pillars. It was so haunting, the children were obviously malnourished. Therefore with the assistance of Buffalo Tours, Binh Luc has implemented a nutritional program which is now in it’ 6 month.

The children now have 3 meals a day with protein, vegetables, rice and fruit. And most importantly - they are happy. They are fleshier; there is colour in their cheeks and there is confidence in their stride.

These 43 children are like brothers, sisters, mothers and fathers to each other. Helping each other eat, wiping each other's mouths, brushing each other's hair, cradling the little ones on their laps, holding hands and singing songs, working in teams and even sharing colouring books! It is inspiring and endearing.

Eating is a basic daily routine that many of us don’t think twice about. Yet, to many - particularly these children - eating is a luxury. But aside from the instant gratification of full stomachs, the roll-on effects are even more apparent. Concentration and school work has improved; camaraderie and team work amoungst the children has improved and they now have the energy to dream about goals and ambitions. Life beyond Binh Luc.

Trung's biggest fear is farming. He does not want to go back to his farming community and is focused on studying Economics at Hanoi University and breaking the poverty cycle that has surrounded his childhood.

In addition to the nutritional program, we are now trying to raise money for the children to receive additional tuition to supplement their school and help them gain access to university. They are all keen academics - desperate to break the poverty cycle that perpetuates in their family communities.

But instead of asking for donations (as we recognize there are so many worthy charities in Vietnam), we have devised a DAY TOUR, called “HAPPY SUNDAYS”. This is a full day trip from Hanoi, including games and activities and lunch with the orphans. This is a not-for-profit tour, with $15 from every trip booked going directly to the children's tuition fees.

“Happy Sunday's” is indeed that....a day of laughter, games, sharing stories and eating. On a recent “happy Sunday” trip, I had lunch with the children....taught them some English songs from my childhood and played ball games...I was even the subject of tickling!

The children of Binh Luc are happy. I can see that now. Their cheeks are fatter, their confidence is greater and their laughter is louder. They are keen to meet new people and love to have visitors - this is their form of TV - this is their access to other cultures and languages and personalities. For travelers, expats, families – I recommend this day tour to everyone.

This is real Vietnam – raw, resilient and inspiring.

Apart from having a wonderful day and a unique Vietnam experience - you are also contributing to their tuition fees. All donations go directly to Binh Luc orphans. There are no administration costs involved in your ‘Happy Sunday day trip’. For more information contact Buffalo Tours in Hanoi on (04) 828 0702 or (08) 827 9170.or email or visit http://www.buffalotours.com