Hanoi (VNS/VNA) - For many abandoned children, the ultimate dream is to have a familyof their own.  Some of them had thechance to share their stories at an exhibition which kicked off on in Hanoi onOctober 8.

Themed ‘Longing for a Family’, the exhibition is co-organised by theVietnamese Women’s Museum and the Vietnamese Women’s Union (VWU).

It covers children’s issues, which are a concern for the community as a whole.It is part of activities to mark the International Day of the GirlChild (October 11) and Vietnamese Women’s Day (October 20). It also marksthe Year of Safety for Children and Women,launched by the VWU.

The exhibition features 20 children of different ages from provinces such as LaoCai, Lai Chau, Son La, Hung Yen and Khanh Hoa. Some live in big cities, whileothers are from mountainous regions. The children were from a mixture ofbackgrounds, either living with relatives and grandparents or growing up inorphanages and child protection centres.

It took a long time to approach the children, as they were sensitive andvulnerable, according to Nguyen Hai Van, the museum’s director.

“Our officers talked to them, gained their confidence and encouraged them totalk about their lives and struggles. The hardships they have endured meant itwas difficult for them to open up.”

The exhibition isdivided into three parts – ‘Turbulent Life’, ‘When I Found a Smile’ and ‘MyDream’. It reflects the hardships of the children, their strong will and howthe community engaged to help.

“Through the exhibition, we want to spread a message that we should protect andlove children – giving them a bright future,” Van said.

Giang A Sua, 19, and his two younger brothers were abandoned at a young age.Ever since, they have dreamed of having a family. Sua was born in the northernprovince of Yen Bai. His father died when Sua was eight.

“My mother left the three of us at our grandparents’ house and married anotherman. We didn’t see her much after that,” Sua said.

He was sent to Hoa Sua, a vocational training school for disadvantagedyouth. Now he considers it home.

Sua’s case is one among many. He was abandoned but managed to find anotherhome. He was trained to earn a living. Many other children dream of having achance like Sua.

The exhibition will run until October 27 at the Vietnamese Women's Museum, 36 LyThuong Kiet street, Hanoi./.