Nguyen Thi Kim Yen, 53, a female resident of Hoa Khanh Bac Ward, Lien Chieu District, Da Nang, has been actively involved in nurturing and caring for victims of Agent Orange (AO) for nearly 15 years.

Mrs. Nguyen Thi Kim Yen (left) and children at the Shelter No 3 of Da Nang’s Care Centre for Agent Orange Victims and Disadvantaged Children in Hoa Vang District's Hoa Nhon Commune. Photo: LVT

Despite her low salary, Yen and her colleagues always work with their special love and compassion for such children.

Every day, Yen rides a motorbike to cross the nearly 20km-long road from Hoa Khanh Bac Ward to the Shelter No 3 of Da Nang’s Care Centre for Agent Orange Victims and Disadvantaged Children in Hoa Vang District's Hoa Nhon Commune for working.

Yen not only teaches the shelter’s children to read and write, but also guides them to make chiffon flowers and incense sticks, sew clothes, and plant and take care of vegetables.

“All staff at the shelter do multiple tasks at a time, so they wholeheartedly support each other in all activities" confided Mrs. Yen.

Nearly 15 years of working with AO-affected children, many deep memories are forever imprinted in the heart of the enthusiastic employee.

Yen said that her biggest happiness is seeing the disadvantaged children mature, day after day.

For instance, Yen’s pupil Vo Y from Hoa Nhon Commune who is used to be an aggressive and unruly boy, now becomes a good and active child.

Meanwhile, pupil Tran Le Thong from Hoa Phong Commune can't learn words, but he is so smart as well understanding and following instructions on doing gardening, growing mushrooms, and raising poultry.

Specially, Phan Thi Yen Nhi, residing in Hoa Khuong Commune, who was used to be a child with intellectual disabilities and autism, is now able to be aware of traffic signals and weather phenomena.

Yen said the work also motivates her to study and find and practice new, interesting teaching methods.

Despite many difficulties, Yen and her colleagues are devoted to children of AO with their special love and compassion.

"I am very fortunate to receive the great sympathy and support my husband and children in my job" ​​Yen expressed.

Reporting by LE VAN THOM - Translating by M.DUNG