Ha Tinh Village

This quarter, we celebrated the achievements of three proud university graduates, Nguyen, Dang, and Thuy, blazing trails for others to follow.

Young children also shined: Tram, facing physical challenges, bravely ran in a citywide 100m race and received a certificate; Oanh secured 3rd place out of 120 children in a preschool contest; and Chi’s passion for IT earned him a new laptop. Rehabilitation classes helped children with special needs take their first steps, improve balance, and build strength, small but meaningful victories.

Visitors brought cultural performances, sports, safety, drug prevention lessons, and community activities. On July 16th, children enjoyed a fun day at Vinpearl Water Park. In August, they participated in a spirited football tournament for Vietnam’s National Day. The community also celebrated new university students with gifts and encouragement.

A highlight has been a new pilot cross-cultural friendship program: three children from Ha Tinh connect online twice a week with a 10-year-old daughter of a sponsor in the U.S., exchanging laughter, learning English, and teaching Vietnamese.

Unfortunately, Typhoon Kajiki delayed the start of school, and weeks following, Typhoon Bualoi caused severe damage to the home’s infrastructure, undoing repairs and deepening destruction. Thankfully, the children and staff are safe.

In partnership with two supporters, we are working to garner support for the home. Please consider giving support to Emma’s Effort, as your ability permits.

House of Love

At the close of the school year, the children organized their own 'Piggy Bank' fundraiser, pooling small savings to host a year-end celebration for students in need, proof that generosity and responsibility can begin at any age.

Summer adventures carried them to Bai Dai Beach, where sun and water fun was had; to Nha Trang, where they visited the Carmelite Order; to their older 'sister' Duyen’s wedding; and to Do Theater, where they marveled at Vietnam’s ancient water puppet art. In the home’s orchard, children planted oranges, pomelos, and durians trees that will grow to support the home in future years. The children and staff also dabble in bread making with the newly donated bread oven.

Perhaps the most moving milestones came through adoption. Ti, who was adopted to the U.S., returned with his family, leading soccer matches, robot-building contests, and even confidence-boosting catwalk lessons. In August, Nhi’s Italian adoptive family traveled to Vietnam to meet her and after days of joyful bonding, they traveled home to Italy, as a forever family to love and care for her.

After all the summer excitement, the children returned to school at the end of August.

Ben Tre Children’s Home

In Ben Tre, the end of the school year was full of joy. Secondary students represented their school in a synchronized dance video, while Long, a hardworking senior, proudly won first place in the 1,500m race.

Summer brought pure joy: birthday celebrations, a trip to Con Nhan Beach, and countless games of soccer on the newly installed soccer field, generously funded by one of our sponsor families. Volunteers and a dedicated sponsor from the UK joined in, filling the home with encouragement and laughter. The proudest moment for the home was sending off two of their older siblings to a University, Long pursuing IT and Thanh a degree in Pharmacy.

Because of you, this quarter was filled with learning, laughter, and lasting memories. Your kindness is helping children discover their strengths, celebrate accomplishments, and face each new day with hope.

Home of Hope

At the close of the school’s third term came great accomplishments with 13 seniors passing their high school examinations leading them to higher education. The younger boys embraced both responsibility and joy in community life. On Sundays, they now rotate cooking duties under the gentle supervision of staff at the home, turning mealtimes into lessons of teamwork and independence. Sundays also bring computer classes, where they eagerly learn new skills that will help prepare them for a brighter future.

This most recent quarter was marked by faith, sportsmanship, and celebration. Seven boys received the Sacrament of Baptism, a moment of deep spiritual significance for them and their community. On the football field, four boys proudly represented their school team and brought home the tournament cup, filling the home with excitement and pride.

Together, the children continue to celebrate life’s milestones with quarterly birthday gatherings, lively occasions filled with laughter, cake, and song. And perhaps the most moving moments came through the tireless efforts to trace and reconnect the boys with their parents and relatives, bringing hope for reunification and the comfort of belonging.

Little Sisters of St. Francis Sponsorship Program

This season the children of Kericho County have been filled with learning, generosity, and hope. In the classroom, the boys and girls worked hard and continued to excel academically. One outstanding student, Viola, achieved top scores in seven subjects – and in an act of beautiful generosity, donated her prize money to help children less fortunate than herself. Teachers also organized academic tours, giving the children a chance to see their studies come alive beyond the classroom walls and sparking dreams for their future careers.

Life skills are blossoming too. Two girls are joyfully learning how to make Chapati, turning the simple rhythm of rolling and cooking into a lesson of tradition, independence, and pride.

In addition, Brittany’s Hope is working to fulfill their long desire wish, a four-day field trip to Mombasa, a historic port city where they can explore history and enjoy the beach. Support to help cover the trip costs would be greatly appreciated. A gift can be made HERE.

Injibara Children’s Home

This season has been filled with joy and gratitude. The children delighted in a visit from Sister Isabella, which allowed us a better pulse on the situation on the ground and the wellbeing of the children. For the most part, calm and peace has settle back into most of Ethiopia. The children are healthy and happy, progressing in their daily routines and schoolwork. The relationship with the local government continues to grow stronger, bringing greater collaboration and support for the well-being of every child.

Special birthday celebrations lit up the home with laughter, songs, and cake – reminders that each child’s life is a gift worth celebrating. Staff also took part in school meetings, ensuring that the children’s academic progress and needs are well supported.

Prayer and sacramental moments have grounded the children in faith and community, offering them strength and peace as they grow.

Because of you, ICH continues to be a place of safety, joy, and hope where children are not only cared for, but also nurtured to flourish in body, mind, and spirit.