From Adversity to Architecture: Manh Ha’s Journey

Manh Ha grew up facing significant hardships. One of five children, he was raised in poverty and grew up without his father. When his mother was incarcerated, Manh Ha and two of his siblings were welcomed into Birla Children’s Village in 2009, where they found a safe and nurturing home.

When Manh Ha arrived at the Village at age three, he was physically fragile and suffering from malnutrition and health issues. His small stature made it difficult for him to keep pace with his classmates, leaving him shy and lacking confidence.

With consistent care, nutritious meals, and encouragement from his housemothers, Manh Ha gradually grew stronger and more confident. He became active in sports and developed into a cheerful, responsible young man. As he grew older, he became committed to his education and willingly helped caregivers and younger children with daily tasks and schoolwork.

During his final year of high school, Manh Ha began working toward his dream of attending university and pursuing architecture. With support from Birla Children’s Village, he attended free drawing classes and received tutoring in mathematics and literature to prepare for the university entrance examinations.

His dedication paid off. Manh Ha earned admission to Hanoi Architectural University, as well as the University of Civil Engineering and the University of Interdisciplinary Studies and Arts. He was also recognized as an Excellent Student in Grade 12. Today, Manh Ha is a first-year student in the Faculty of Urban and Rural Planning at Hanoi Architectural University. He hopes to become a skilled architect and use his career to make a positive contribution to society.

For more than ten years, Manh Ha has been a sponsored child through Pearl S. Buck International Vietnam (PSBIV). The support of his sponsor family has provided both practical assistance and meaningful encouragement throughout his childhood and education. Over the years, Manh Ha carefully saved the financial gifts he received, creating a foundation for his future. Their letters and thoughtful gifts also created a meaningful bond, reminding him that someone far away believed in his potential and wanted to see him succeed.

After more than 17 years at Birla Children’s Village, Manh Ha’s journey from a vulnerable three year old to a determined university student is a powerful example of what can happen when children are given stability, opportunity, and support. Manh Ha and the Birla Children’s Village community remain deeply grateful to PSBIV and his sponsor family for believing in his future. As he works toward becoming an architect, Manh Ha hopes that one day he will be able to give back by helping others, just as others helped him.