Overwhelmed with emotion, Bui Bao Ngoc, a seventh grader from Son Loc Secondary School in Hanoi, experienced an unexpected online reunion with her mother, Dr. Nguyen Thi Chien. Currently serving as a peacekeeping physician in South Sudan, Dr. Chien reassured her daughter, who expressed both longing and pride for her mother’s mission.

A daughter’s pride in her peacekeeping mother

Ngoc’s family of four has adjusted to life without her mother at home. Dr. Nguyen Thi Chien, a physician at Military Hospital 105, volunteered for a peacekeeping mission as part of Vietnam's Level 2 Field Hospital in South Sudan.

Ngoc, who is one of 126 Hanoi students with parents serving in peacekeeping missions, expressed her deep admiration during the "Tet Reunion – Spring of the Party's Grace" program organized by the Hanoi Department of Education and Training.

“Although I miss my mother very much, I am incredibly proud of her,” Ngoc said.

Dr. Chien’s work in South Sudan is both challenging and meaningful. The country faces harsh climate conditions, widespread poverty, and instability. When Ngoc first learned about her mother’s assignment, she and her sister were filled with worry. However, Dr. Chien reassured them before leaving for her mission.

“I am proud that my mother is not only a doctor but also a female Blue Beret soldier who contributes to global peace,” Ngoc shared.

Adapting to a mother’s absence

Since her mother’s departure, Ngoc has learned to manage daily tasks independently.

“At first, it was difficult not having my mother around to guide and take care of me. But gradually, I got used to taking care of myself, cooking meals when my father is away, and studying on my own without being reminded,” Ngoc said.

For Ngoc, family gatherings are bittersweet moments, filled with thoughts of her mother. While she eagerly awaits calls to hear her mother’s voice, the weak internet connection in South Sudan often disrupts these conversations.

With Tet approaching, Ngoc expressed her sadness about spending another holiday without her mother. “This Tet, she won’t be here to take me shopping, make chung cakes with us, or visit my grandparents. But I will decorate the peach tree with my father and sister and send her beautiful pictures so she can feel the Tet atmosphere in Vietnam,” she said tearfully.

A mother’s gratitude and determination

During the surprise online meeting with her daughter and teachers, Dr. Chien expressed her gratitude to Hanoi’s education sector for their support. She also conveyed her trust in her family’s resilience and reaffirmed her commitment to overcoming challenges to excel in her mission.

The Hanoi Department of Education and Training extended additional support to educators and students during the event. Nearly 1,500 staff members facing difficulties received financial aid, ranging from 500,000 to 1 million VND each.

The department also awarded scholarships to 106 students who excel academically despite challenges, with a total of 53 million VND distributed. Other initiatives included gifts for children of educators working in border or island areas and rewards for top-performing students in city-level competitions.

As Ngoc continues to adjust to life without her mother, her pride and determination shine through, reflecting the spirit of a family dedicated to both personal growth and a greater mission.

Hoang Thanh