The Ha Giang province in the northernmost part of Vietnam is a fascinating place where craggy mountains tower above serpentine roads and rice fields. Travellers come from far and wide to explore the majestic landscapes ride the epic mountain passes by motorcycle. Earlier this year (pre COVID-19 pandemic), I had the opportunity to ride the Ha Giang Loop on a Honda XR150. Northern Vietnam is a special place with unparalleled rugged beauty that made for an unforgettable motorcycle adventure.
While I was stunned by the natural beauty and truly loved riding here, I also became aware of some of the challenges that many people living in northern Vietnam face, particularly those living in rural areas such as Ha Giang. Many children living here are poor and not likely to attend school. According to SOS Children's Village, an international charity, it is not uncommon for children to be without parental care as their parents have left in search of work. Children are often left behind with grandparents or family members and many are abandoned and forced to live on the streets. I witnessed this first hand on my trip and was heartbroken after encountering a young boy living on the street in Yên Minh who was left to fend for himself.
I recognize the privilege I have to be able to travel for pleasure, but also want to bring to light the injustice of child poverty, and highlight the work that charities such as SOS Children's Village in Vietnam who are working to provide care for disadvantaged children in this country.
📸 Photos from 4:43-4:53 by: Olivia Pham, Quang Anh Vu and Hoach Le Dinh
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