Cute as a Button

I visited the mountainous rural Sapa, Vietnam in August 2019 as my personal charity effort to help the students in Thanh Kim village. More photos... more

by Tran Boelsterli

Title

Cute as a Button

Artist

Tran Boelsterli

Medium

Photograph

Description

I visited the mountainous rural Sapa, Vietnam in August 2019 as my personal charity effort to help the students in Thanh Kim village. More photos can be viewed in the below link.

After working with the schools, I met this 5-year-old cutie on the street selling little trinkets at 10 PM! Her mother was holding her little infant brother. She does not go to school, as she is an OOSC (Out Of School Children) category. She wore this Mong costume every day, rain or shine... Her body was sweating, though her hair behind the unique hat was neatly combed. She lost her shoes. She was playing in the rain water. My heart was torn. How could a baby this young be so unfortunate... We purchased some trinkets.

The last few morning hours in Sapa, I came back to ask her mother if I could take her to this authentic staircase nearby for a photoshoot. She actually remembered my family, so she did not have any problem following us. She does not understand what I was saying, but she knows sign language (smile), which made it easy for the photoshoot.

Her image will always be in my heart. I'm creating a GoFundMe as a fundraiser to help the OOSC like her and the students in Thanh Kim village. I hope to have your support. Here is the link:

GoFundMe link: http://www.gofundme.com/f/a-meaningful-gift-for-the-holidays

The power of Compassion accompanies with Action (no matter how small or big) can make a positive impact. Together, we can touch many lives. I am very grateful to each and every one of you.

Uploaded

December 2nd, 2019