Long Hai Orphanage

Last weekend (November 1) Jaom and the boys joined myself and a group of students to the Long Hai orphanage. It is terrific that the school allows the family to join in with such activities and it is important for the boys to learn about sharing their lives with others. Both Flynn and Hamish really took to the young babies and as we were about to leave, Flynn was most concerned that baby Song finish his bottle before he could say goodbye. The AIS students, many of whom had never held a young child before, were amazingly gentle and compassionate.

Below is an article I have written for the school magazine.

The Australian International School Saigon established a relationship with the Long Hai Orphange in the town of Ba Ria, Vung Tao Province in 2008. This year we have decided to continue this support with student visits open to all year levels, a visit from the Year 7s while on camp, and with material and financial gifts. Our first visit for this academic year was on Saturday 31 October 2009.

From the sound of the bus arriving, the gates to Long Hai Orphanage were opened. Young children were running around eager to meet the 12 students from AIS. We were quickly escorted to the babies’ room where about 20 infants lay sleeping in their cots. The change to their peace was a welcome change as we held and cuddled each one. Those who had visited last year, showed some of the other students how to hold a new born correctly, making sure the neck is supported. After a few shy and awkward moments everybody settled in rocking and cradling a baby. A few students even helped with bottle feeding and the changing of diapers. The time spent in the babies’ room was invaluable for all involved. It is so important for infants to know the feeling of touch, something that, while the staff at Long Hai give constantly and lovingly to the babies, is shared among so many. But our students also learned so much, especially the importance of the giving of their time and care for others.

It was soon time to give the babies a rest so we all moved out into the play ground and spent time with the older children. We kicked the footballs donated by the school, we danced and filled up balloons with water. A much more energetic time than the babies’ room! It seemed that just as friendships were being formed it was time to leave.

As we boarded the bus I was able to thank the manager and offer him a financial gift. Very grateful, he asked that we thank those who had donated in order to make a difference to lives of the young people at the orphanage. As the gates closed behind us we all look forward to the next time we visit.