Son’s Story

Our Hagar colleagues in Vietnam sent us Son’s story in August 2021 and we have copied and pasted it directly from their report here for you to read:

“Son has spent most of her entire childhood with her father, brother, and grandparents since her mother worked overseas when she was little. Unfortunately, this situation became convenient for the father to abuse Son for a long time. As soon as his wicked act was caught, her mother immediately returned to Vietnam to take care of and accompany her on the journey of finding justice for her. After the severe crimes caused to Son, this man received a proper sentence from the law.

In collaboration with *Nation Hotline 111 for child protection, Hagar admitted Son into the program in July 2020 to support her healing from trauma. At the beginning, Son was supported by Hagar with a safe accommodation service for her and her mother when she received psychotherapy from Call Center 111. After nearly a month of receiving Hagar’s accommodation services, they had decided to return to their hometown to restart a new life.

However, a long absence of the mother in the past has inadvertently created distance and made it difficult for Son to connect and understand her mother, especially when she is in teenaged age. This led Son to decide to move back with her brother and grandparents, where she feels most connected. Since there, Hagar has become the bridge between mother and daughter to connect and share information. With social counselling, Hagar gradually narrows their gaps and misunderstandings so that mother and daughter can get closer.

This summer was an important milestone in Son’s life as she would take the high school entrance exam. Leaving all worries and financial difficulties behind, Son puts all of her energy and time into her study. All her efforts paid off when she received admission result from a preeminent high school in the province. This is a splendid achievement that proves Son’s ability and strong will. To encourage her energy and prepare for a new journey, Hagar will support her study fees for the next few years.

With more than one year accompanying her in her life reintegration journey, this girl always makes her Hagar Case manager admire and proud:

“Son is a lively young girl with full of positive energy. From the moment she entered Hagar’s program, I have seen her grow up and become more mature day by day. Compared to her peers, Son has a more thoughtful and independent mindset. Son always moves forward and never lets the obstacles of the past prevent her from breaking through. Therefore, she always has a plan for her future and dares to dream higher. This is because Son wants to become the best version of herself, which is not easy for anyone, especially for a 15-year-old girl like her.”