We kindly ask for a contribution for the orphanage of the Quang Chau Foundation in Da Dang, Vietnam.

In1996, the Da Nang Buddhism Association appointed Thich Nu Minh, a Buddhist nun, to become the head nun of the “Quang Chau Pagoda” not far from the city of Da Nang. Her tasks were to maintain the Pagoda, to serve the community, and to accept students for meditation, prayer and teachings and following the Buddhist calendar of celebrations and festivities.

One morning she heard a strange sound outside of her dormitory at the Pagoda. When she went out looking what it was, to her surprise she found a baby, very much alive and apparently very hungry. Not knowing what to do, she sought help from nearby farmers, who assisted her feeding and cleaning the baby. However, what should she do next? Because it became clear that the baby had been disposed of a parent, who, for whichever reason, was unable to raise and feed a child. So the only option was to adopt it. Orphanages are very rare in Vietnam and those, who exist, often lack even the minimum of space and resources. Since Buddhist monks and nuns are completely dependent upon donations, she encouraged her community to contribute to the baby´s life support.

The fact that she had adopted a baby quickly made the news in the region, and this then triggered a sequence of events. Again and again children were left at or sent to the Pagoda. Later on, also elderly women needing assistance and care were accepted.

Today, the Quang Chau Foundation is a Non-Profit Organization and an open family for homeless, street abandoned, orphanized, and disabled children. The foundation also accepts disabled or sick women over the age of 70, who are incapable to support themselves and who otherwise would not receive any support. It houses 113 people, including 105 children of the age of 2 days to up to 18 years as well as 8 women of over the age of 70. Most of them were either simply left at the entrance, or sent by their families who are unable to support them.

During the past decade, the orphanage has made considerable progress and was able to achieve remarkable success:

·  Those children, who first were adopted in the 1997s (amongst them, baby 1) have graduated from high school and have entered University

·  Many others could be treated for various serious diseases and now are attending elementary, middle or high school

·  All inhabitants of the orphanage receive regular food, healthcare and education

·  The orphanage is growing continuously and therefore needs more space

However, as of today, there are many challenges for the orphanage. The number of inhabitants of the orphanage is beyond capacity. It is in need of food, napkins, diapers, every day commodities, healthcare and also support to allow for schooling in order to raise and educate all its children.

In order to improve the housing situation, a construction project is under way. A new facility of about 2100 sq ft is planned for accommodating children and the elderly with separate living quarters, toilet and bathroom facilities.