By Tan Son Nhi Love School, Vietnam (Province of East Asia)

In Vietnam, the rapid pace of economic development has brought progress, but it has also left many vulnerable communities on the margins. For internal migrants and families experiencing poverty, access to equitable education remains a challenge due to the hidden costs of public schooling. Responding to this systemic inequality, the Congregation’s Tan Son Nhi Love School in Ho Chi Minh City strives to provide not just accessible education to children who might otherwise be left behind, but a place that creates opportunity and hope for their entire families.

An example of our holistic, pastoral approach to community empowerment took place just before the Lunar New Year on February 17, 2026. Students from the boys’ and girls’ clubs at Tan Son Nhi came together to organize a gathering for their parents, featuring traditional folk games, a “meal of love,” and the sharing of gifts.

After a long year of laboring tirelessly in the informal sector to provide for their children, these parents rarely have the opportunity to really relax and enjoy some quality time with their children. The celebration created a safe, welcoming environment where they could try to forget about their burdens and share in the laughter of their children.

By guiding their parents through the activities, students developed essential life skills, including teamwork, communication, and co-responsibility. These lessons may not be found in textbooks, but they are invaluable preparation for life. Education is not only about imparting knowledge; it is about nurturing character, competence, and compassionate hearts.

Beyond seasonal celebrations, the school is committed to walking alongside families throughout the year. Each month, parents receive essential supplies as practical support to help ease some of their daily financial challenges. The school also organizes workshops on parenting skills, equipping parents with tools to better understand their children and accompany them through different stages of development.

In these sessions, parents learn not only how to listen and reconnect with their children, but also about children’s rights, how to protect those legitimate rights, and how to recognize and prevent potential dangers such as violence, abuse, and human trafficking. When parents are empowered with knowledge and skills, children can grow up in a safer environment—loved appropriately, guided wisely, and protected effectively.

We firmly believe that true justice and pastoral care require us to build strong, resilient families. When parents are uplifted practically and emotionally, their children’s educational journey becomes a sustainable pathway out of poverty. Every shared gift, every collaborative workshop, and every moment of laughter together is a testament to the universal culture of justice we are building together.

Spring does not arrive merely with the changing of the seasons; it blossoms through acts of solidarity, shared responsibility, and a caring community united in the unwavering belief in the inherent worth of every human being.