A Gift Not Only for a Child

Written by Ho Thi Hien Giang – Finance Officer of Trieu Phong ADP
 
“I’m really happy with my new room. It’s got a new wardrobe and I now have somewhere for my personal things, especially the souvenirs and pictures that Mr Baltrusch has sent to me,” said Huyen, a 13 year old from Quang Tri province. “I can study there and decorate it on my own,” she added excitedly.

Huyen was describing the support her and her family had received from her World Vision sponsor, Mr Lothar A Baltrusch from Germany. “He’s also helped us get a new pen for our pigs, which we’ve built away from our house to make our surroundings cleaner and healthier,” Huyen continued.

Mr Baltrusch, who has worked as a radio journalist and editor for over 20 years, has sponsored Huyen for four years. For him, it is important to do something for others and he has also helped other children living in Trieu Phong district.

New computers have been bought for Huyen’s secondary school, which are used by more than 250 students, and the school’s playground and entrance road have been upgraded.

“Our students use the computers for maths and English tests and to learn about information technology and how to use software. This will be helpful for their futures,” said Mr Nguyen Van Thang, the principal of Huyen’s secondary school. “Also, the children can now do outdoor activities on the playground and the pathway to our school is much cleaner and safer than before.”

Mr Baltrusch’s generosity has also meant 52 children aged 3-5 now have access to clean water at their kindergarten after a new water and sanitation system was installed.

“We’re very grateful for his help,” commented local kindergarten principal Ms Tran Thi Thu. “The new system will improve the kids’ health.”

Huyen and others in her community will have the chance to thank Mr Baltrusch in person this week when he visits Trieu Phong on July 9-11. Mr Baltrusch has a passion for motorcycling, which gave him the idea of taking a motorbike trip to visit Huyen in Vietnam. It’s no ordinary trip, however, as Mr Baltrusch will have ridden for two months and through eight countries, covering over 15,000 kilometres, before arriving in Trieu Phong.