Sister Pham Thi Hoa Studies Special Education While Caring for Disabled People, Orphans and Homeless at Hong Phuc Shelter

Sister Pham Thi Hoa, born in 1993, cares for people with disabilities and orphans at the Hong Phuc shelter in Ha Tinh province. Each day, after preparing meals, bathing residents and helping them with their tasks, she studies online in the field of special education. For her, study means not only gaining knowledge but also understanding better the people in her care.

Born into a Catholic family in the old district of Yen Thanh, Nghe An province, Sister Hoa decided to pursue religious life and joined the Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Cross in Nghe An. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Social Work from the Normal School of Vinh. After graduating, she was assigned to parishes in Nghe An and Ha Tinh provinces to support people in difficult situations.

About four years ago, Sister Hoa arrived at the Hong Phuc shelter, where she has since devoted herself to caring for people with disabilities, orphans and homeless people. Beyond providing meals and helping those who cannot care for themselves with personal hygiene, she gives private lessons to children. The shelter currently cares for six children who attend primary, secondary and preparatory schools in the area, and after class she helps them with their homework and with subjects where they struggle.

“After graduating from college, I came back to serve and help the poor,” Sister Hoa said. “Four years ago, I was assigned to a shelter to care for people with disabilities. In addition to caring for them, cooking and bathing them, I also help them with their studies.”

Her years at the shelter have shown her that each person has different abilities and needs. Some children need repeated instruction to understand lessons, others need help with all daily activities, and others need personalized communication and attention. “In the shelter there are children with disabilities, orphans and elderly people without family members to take care of them,” Sister Hoa said. “To accompany them, in addition to love, patience and understanding are needed. That’s why I signed up for an online Special Education course to supplement my knowledge and provide them with better support.”

The Hong Phuc Refuge was founded around 2009 and initially hosted only eight people in difficult circumstances. It now serves 24 residents, aged 8 to 60, directly assisted by three nuns. Sister Pham Thi Nhuong, who has been at the shelter for almost five years, said most residents are disabled, orphans, or people without family members able to care for them. They come from various localities, mainly Ha Tinh and Nghe An provinces. Providing meals and help with hygiene to residents who cannot care for themselves reflects charity and hospitality (Matthew 25:35).

Among those cared for is Tran Thi Minh, about 22 years old. According to the report, Minh lost her mother when she was 2 years old, and her father later left her. Because of cognitive difficulties, she needs the nuns’ support in daily life.

Sister Nhuong said Minh still has a maternal uncle, but she does not visit him often. Occasionally, during Tet, the New Lunar Year, the sisters contact the uncle to arrange for Minh to stay with him for a few days. The rest of the time, Minh receives care and protection at the shelter.

Source: Read the original report (translated from Spanish)