Coming of Age Ceremony of Students Orphaned by COVID-19

The inaugural class of Hope School has just graduated in a deeply moving coming-of-age ceremony marking their transition into adulthood. With the support and care of FPT employees and the community, these children have navigated their challenges and are now ready to embark on a new chapter with confidence.

Attending the coming-of-age ceremony of Hope School students, Mr. Truong Gia Binh, Chairman of FPT Corporation, emphasized: "Life has its highs and lows, and it may knock you down at times, but always remember, you possess the wings of strength, love, and hope. That inner strength will remain even as you move on from school."

Mr. Truong Gia Binh presented a scarf honoring FPT warriors to Bao Tram, a young girl battling illness, on her coming-of-age day.

Home of love

After three years, witnessing the growth of the first students brought tears to everyone's eyes. Setting aside their past pains, they embark on a new journey. On June 15, the 12th-grade students at Hope School celebrated their coming-of-age ceremony upon completing their high school program. This school serves as a home to nearly 300 orphaned children during the COVID-19 pandemic, hailing from various provinces and cities nationwide.

Mr. Hoang Quoc Quyen, Project Director of Hope School, remarked that these students have been with the school since its inception. Initially, many children felt unfamiliar and wanted to return home. Still, teachers encouraged them to stay, offering support, sharing their pain, and creating the best environment for living, learning, and fostering hope. From a state of helplessness due to the loss of loved ones and families torn apart by the pandemic, they have been welcomed, nurtured, and supported throughout their journey of growth.

The emotional coming-of-age ceremony of the first batch of students at Hope School.

Before receiving their diplomas and scarves at the coming-of-age ceremony, Hope School students gathered to reminisce. Alongside their reflections on missing loved ones and letters to their parents in the afterlife, the children also shared, for the first time, the joys and sorrows they had experienced, recounting countless memories filled with hope.

Mai Thi Thuy Anh, the first girl to enroll in Hope School, symbolizes the foundation of faith upon which the school was built. "I thought everything fell apart when my dad died. I am grateful to the school and teachers," she said, pausing with tears. For Thuy Anh, the school has been a pillar of strength, enabling her to break free from a secluded life. She arrived at the school determined to change her circumstances, unwilling to spend her days mired in sadness at home, constantly thinking about her deceased father.

Reflecting on the day he lost his loved one, Huynh Tan Quoc shared that initially, he avoided meeting people and didn't feel like talking to anyone. However, he realized that living that way would hinder his progress. "I decided to leave everything behind and move to Da Nang. In the first two days, I couldn't bear it and called my mother, saying, 'Mom, I want to come home.'" Being away from his family for the first time left him feeling disoriented. Yet, the caring support of the teachers at Hope School, along with his friends and roommates, helped Quoc regain his footing. Seeing his younger siblings, who also lost their parents but remained resilient, eating and playing, gradually inspired empathy in Quoc.

"I am grateful to the teachers and everyone here. Even though we are not related by blood, what they have done for me is immense," Quoc expressed emotionally. "There were times when I cried, when I was sick, in the middle of the night, but the teachers still came to my room to take care of me. Before, only my mother did those things." Quoc couldn't hold back his tears as he spoke.

Quoc's story left the entire hall in silence, choked with emotion and wiping away tears. He, too, was speechless. Many children shared a similar journey as Quoc's. Initially, they insisted on returning home, but after about a week, they gradually adjusted and understood their new environment. Now, they shed tears when it's time to leave Hope School. Addressing the school's first graduating class on stage, Mr. Hoang Quoc Quyen comforted his students: "It's okay to cry today, but tomorrow you must be stronger and live better."

Lan Anh, initially known for her stubbornness, caused her teachers some concern during her early days at school. "If anyone here is the most stubborn, it's definitely Lan Anh," remarked Mr. Quyen. However, Lan Anh has grown every day. Once mischievous and prone to causing trouble, she now serves as the elder sister and provides spiritual support for younger students on her team. Lan Anh shared that upon arriving at Hope School, the camaraderie and shared experiences lifted her spirits and brought laughter back into her life. "Here, we have hope. I am deeply grateful for the opportunities it has given me to grow and move forward," Lan Anh expressed. With a newfound determination, attending Hope School has provided Lan Anh with the motivation to continue her educational journey, which was once at risk of being left unfinished.

Speaking of her mother, Nha Tran tearfully expressed the difficulty of accepting her passing. Every night, Tran found herself in tears, pretending to be asleep when her father came in. "My world shattered when my mother passed away. I never imagined I would be where I am today. I just wish I could tell my mom that I've grown stronger and want her to know."

Like many other students at Hope School, Le Thi Thu Thao shared how the school helped her find the strength to overcome adversity. Initially reluctant to attend, Thao's faith was reignited upon arriving at Hope School. Here, she explored various extracurricular activities such as piano, drawing, Vovinam, and baking. Through these experiences, she discovered her passion and set clear goals for her future. This year, Thao applied to study Music Education at Da Nang University of Education, aligning with her aspiration to become a teacher and her musical talents. Similarly, Nha Tran aims to study laboratory medicine at Phan Chau Trinh University. "I can do it, especially with the support of teachers, friends, and even younger siblings at Hope by my side," expressed Nha Tran, highlighting her determination for the upcoming university entrance exam.

Faith in Hope

With tears in her eyes during the coming-of-age ceremony, Ms. Truong Thi Thanh Thanh, CSR Director of FPT and Chairperson of the Hope Foundation, expressed that today's ceremony marks a significant milestone for FPT. While the journey ahead remains long, these three years are a moment to reflect on. Originating from love and emotion, the Hope School project has encountered numerous challenges, yet it is a tale of compassion. Ms. Thanh acknowledged that the children's growth today is a testament to the community's kindness, extending beyond FPT's support alone.

“I hope you will be as brave as FPT warriors.”

After three years of establishment, Hope School celebrated the graduation of its inaugural class, evoking a mix of emotions, including hope and excitement. As each child shared their personal stories, Chairman Truong Gia Binh embraced them tightly, offering comfort during moments of tears.

"Today is a special day," Mr. Binh remarked at the coming-of-age ceremony of Hope School students. Holding tightly to the hand of a little girl battling a severe illness, he shared his vision of them as young eagles perched in the nest of Hope School. This is the moment when the children are ready to leave the nest and embark on their own paths. At this moment, the eagles will leap from the cliff and spread their wings to fly, experiencing their first flaps in life.

"As you soar into life, you'll discover its vastness—mountains, valleys, and oceans beneath your wings. Life has its highs and lows, capable of knocking you down, but I urge you always to be courageous. Remember your uniqueness, empowered by the strength and love fostered at Hope. Even as you leave the nest or move beyond school, that resilience will remain with you," Mr. Truong Gia Binh extended heartfelt wishes to the children, hoping they would continue to be brave and soar high and far.

To honor the founders of Hope School, ten 12th-grade students collaborated on a painting titled "Growing with Hope," which they presented as a tribute to the school. The artwork captures the moments they shared and serves as a testament to their journey and aspirations for the future. Photo: Hoai Son.