Representatives of Dantri Newspaper, working with the Trung Ly Border Guard Station and local authorities, held on January 20 an inauguration ceremony for the house, which was funded by public donations and support from border guard officers and the local government.
The youngest brother, Giang A Phanh, 14, said he was deeply moved to receive the gift.
“I am very happy. My two brothers and I can now stay together in our own home,” he said, thanking donors, Dantri readers, border guards and local officials. “I promise to study hard so I can become a useful person in the future.”
Phanh’s life, along with that of his brothers Giang A Sa, 18, and Giang A Lien, 16, was turned upside down after their father died of heart disease in 2016 and their mother left in 2018. Later that year, the family’s dilapidated thatched house collapsed, forcing the three brothers to stay with their uncle who is also struggling to raise his five small children in poverty.
In 2023, while herding cattle, Phanh fell and was injured by a bamboo stake. Lacking money for timely treatment, the wound became severely infected. Soldiers from the Trung Ly Border Guard Station helped take him for treatment and later cared for him at the unit.
Sa is now studying at Thanh Hoa Vocational College, while Lien and Phanh attend a local secondary school.
After Dantri reported on the brothers’ circumstances, readers nationwide donated VND 173.7 million (USD 6,680). At the family’s request, the funds were used to build a new house. Construction was completed after more than three months.
Their uncle, Giang A Thin, thanked donors, border guards and local authorities for giving the children a stable home.
“With secure accommodation, our family can focus on work and ensure the children continue their education, so this generosity becomes a motivation for them to move forward,” he said.
Nguyen Van Thien, political officer of the Trung Ly Border Guard Station, said total construction costs exceeded VND 220 million. Of this, Dantri readers contributed more than VND 173 million, with the remainder covered by the unit and volunteer labour from officers and soldiers.
The single-storey house covers more than 50 square metres, with two bedrooms, a living room, kitchen and bathroom. It is solidly built with brick and cement, tiled floors, insulated metal roofing and aluminium doors and windows.
Border guard soldiers have also called for further support to provide essential household items such as beds, tables, chairs and wardrobes for the three brothers.