Rice for malnourished slum kindergartners

I would like to tell you the story of our beloved Fang, a child who arrived at the Mercy Centre less than a month ago. Her story is a testament to strength, resilience, and hope, intertwined with the vibrant heart of the Thai-Lao community.

The name Fang, which translates to "brown rice," symbolizes a single rice stalk bravely facing the challenges life has presented to her all too early.

Her story weaves a tapestry of painful moments and hope, beginning with a mother's indomitable love for her daughter. A mother afflicted by AIDS, knowing she won't live long, makes the heart-wrenching decision to rescue her from the physical and psychological abuse of a violent, equally ill father. She chooses to release her into a destiny she believes will be "better" in its own way.

At just five years old, Fang found herself abandoned in a world riddled with uncertainties. A riverbank became her refuge, and when she was found, her first words were "I'm hungry," spoken with disarming simplicity and sweetness.

She was brought to the Mercy Centre carrying a burden too heavy for anyone to bear. An invisible scar marked a life of abandonment, while the all-too-visible bruises covered her tiny frame. These bruises told a story of pain silently endured for far too long, yet they also spoke of her unwavering will to survive.

Fang was welcomed in a place synonymous with love, compassion, respect, and protection. All rallied around her like a shield, as a family should, enveloping her in a warm, comforting embrace.

Teachers already recognize her potential and offer immense support, allowing her to embark on an unfamiliar educational journey with naturalness and patience. With her sweet, shy smile and occasional unintentional humour, she has already forged strong friendships among the children that warms the heart.

A glimmer of hope shines in the life of this 5-year-old, embodying the Mercy Centre's initiative "Rice for malnourished slum kindergartners." Lives transformed through the generosity of many kind-hearted individuals. The mission to provide rice to malnourished children in disadvantaged neighbourhoods encompasses Fang's journey and goes beyond. It reflects the essence of humanity: the desire to uplift, heal, and offer light to (often entirely defenceless) individuals who have known darkness.

Through every grain of rice, the project becomes a vessel of love, a channel of change that reflects the unconditional affection of a mother bidding farewell to her beloved daughter. As we delve into Fang's story, we uncover not just the tale of a single life, but a tapestry of resilience and the pursuit of a better future.

Her story invites us to unite, to extend compassion, and to contribute to a world where every child, every Kao Fang, every “brown rice”, can grow, learn, and flourish.

… through the commitment of the Mercy Centre and all of us