Christmas at Kianh

At a school for children with special needs in Vietnam, Holt sponsors and donors provided the merriest Christmas celebration. Holt staff attended the party last week, talking with children and taking photos to be able to share the joy directly with you — and to thank you for making it possible! But it’s the children’s faces that say it all… Just see for yourself!

If you were here, you’d be smiling. You’d be swaying to the jazzy Christmas music. Giving “oohs and aahs” as little girls twirled around in their frilly red Christmas dresses. And probably holding back tears of happiness as you saw children file in for the party.

I can say this, because it was exactly my experience last week at the Kianh Foundation’s Christmas party. It was possibly the most festive, joyful party I’ve ever attended. And I’m so excited to share about it with you — because it’s your support that made it possible!

The Kianh Foundation is an incredible, one-of-a-kind school for children with disabilities and special needs in Vietnam. Here, they learn life-skills, eat nutritious lunch, have access to occupational and physical therapy — and grow and develop beyond what their families ever dreamed possible.

They call this school “the happy place.” And I can imagine no “happier” time here than at Christmastime. Especially today — Christmas party day!

All around the world children in Holt programs attend Christmas parties because of their Holt sponsors. They get dressed up, receive presents, eat a festive meal, play games and more. It looks a little different in each country. And here at the Kianh Foundation in Vietnam, they really go all-out.

When we arrived at the center mid-morning, the children were already getting ready. Teachers brushed children’s hair, tying it into neat ponytails or braids. Little boys donned sparkly sequin vests and ties. Little girls came out, shyly at first, in their red sparkly dresses. But moments later they twirled and danced around, “look at me!”

Some of the older girls, most of whom have Down syndrome, wore dresses of white tulle, and enjoyed putting on festive red lipstick. They looked beautiful, and you could tell that they knew it!

For over three weeks, the students — of all ages and physical and mental abilities — had been practicing their Christmas performance especially for this party. And their hard work was evident!

The first song started out slow with “Silent Night.” The students danced to it with Christmas wreaths, moving in slow looping circles.

As the music built, so did their choreography – all accumulating to the end where the older children created a tunnel with their wreaths that they younger children walked or were wheeled through to the grand finale.

The second song, “Feliz Navidad” took a more upbeat tone. Children jumped exuberantly to the beat, all the while waving their metallic silver and red pom-poms. The joy in the room was altogether overwhelming!

After the performances were over, children sat back down and another very special guest appeared… Santa! (Their school cook dressed as Santa.. shhhh!) Santa gave each child a special package — a gift from their Holt sponsor. Many children were overjoyed to find a small red firetruck inside!

Next it was time for the meal. But this wasn’t just any meal, it was a feast! There was fruit and sausages and pizza and steamed coconut rice in banana leaves and more. Children went back for seconds… and thirds!

And in the center of the table of food was a beautiful, ornate chocolate Christmas cake!

Throughout the performances, presents and food, the festive happiness in the room felt tangible. Children and their teachers alike laughed and had fun together. And all of this was only possible because of Holt sponsors and donors around the world… who cared enough to give these very special children a very special Christmas party.

The Kianh Foundation is an incredibly special place, where each child receives the life-changing therapy and education they need to overcome their challenges and thrive. Even more, because of this place, they have the opportunity to experience childhood joy. Like the joy of a party. And today, it was the joy of a very special Christmas celebration.