For the past 4 years, in a small house named Thien Nhi's home, actor - MC Truong Quy Linh (32 years old) has maintained a job that not many young people, especially unmarried people, have been brave enough to take on. That is to take care of and accompany single mothers during their most vulnerable period.
Quy Linh said that the journey started in October 2021 - the time when Ho Chi Minh City had just relaxed after the COVID-19 pandemic. When she encountered many cases of pregnant mothers who were no longer able to work (usually around the 6th month of pregnancy) and had no shelter, she decided to open her house to pick them up.
Here, Thien Nhi's shelter will be responsible for all expenses from food, living expenses to pregnancy check-ups and childbirth. When children are about 3 - 6 months old, she supports single mothers to work or learn a trade depending on their case, and at the same time cooperates with vocational training institutions so that they can study for free. Because she wants mothers to be able to take care of their children themselves in the future, when she is no longer with them.
I sympathize with women because they suffer too many disadvantages. It was right during the stages when they needed the most care, but just for a little unfortunateness, they had to struggle to take care of everything alone. I also feel sorry for the children born without the integrity of a family.
I also know that the first 1,000 days of a child's life are especially important, just needing careful care at this stage can change a person's life. Therefore, I want to contribute my small part so that those children have a better foundation of health when entering life, Quy Linh shared.
Cases of going to Thien Nhi's orphanage are very different, from pregnant mothers whose boyfriend denies them responsibility, students who accidentally get pregnant and are not accepted by their families, victims of domestic violence to cases of abuse leading to pregnancy or family difficulties...
For single mothers to enter the home, Quy Linh also does not have any strict requirements, just need to verify the circumstances clearly, have full identification documents and comply with the living regulations at the home. Due to limited resources, Linh can only support one mother and a maximum of 5-7 mothers at the same time.
However, during the operation, the biggest pressure on Quy Linh was not financial but the mental state of pregnant mothers and mothers. Everyone who comes here carries deep pain, and is at a psychologically sensitive stage, so they are easily depressed. Quy Linh had to closely follow each case, talk, encourage, and help them stabilize their spirit.
"There were times when I was very nervous because I was worried about something unwanted. But just seeing the mothers gradually stabilize gave me more motivation to continue, she said.
Up to now, after 4 years, Thien Nhi's orphanage has supported nearly 60 mothers and newborns. She also supports additional difficult circumstances outside.
Among the many stories that go through the home, Quy Linh especially remembers the case of a female student who accidentally became pregnant. The girl was welcomed by Quy Linh, supported in taking care of her child and created conditions for her to continue going to school. Quy Linh also supported the cost for the young mother to complete the study program. On graduation day, the girl invited the female MC to attend and sent a message of thanks for helping to change the lives of the mother and child. For Quy Linh, it was one of the most memorable milestones.
Regarding the cost of operating the shelter, Quy Linh said that at first all the costs were paid by her. Later, when her story became more widely known, some friends and acquaintances trusted and accompanied her. However, Quy Linh affirmed that she had never called for donations but only did it within her ability.
Currently, although there is no plan to expand the model due to time and resources limitations, Quy Linh said that Thien Nhi's shelter will continue to operate within the scope she can handle. For her, this is not only a support for disadvantaged pregnant mothers but also a motivation to live more responsibly and meaningfully. The intertwined sad and happy stories every day make her realize that the perseverance of an individual can still create practical changes for the less fortunate.
