Over Five Years - A Journey Full of Love

I still clearly remember the first day I officially became a part of GIBTK -an organization I hold deep gratitude and affection for. It's been more than five years since that moment. Not a very long time, but enough for me to gather countless memories, meaningful lessons, and emotional experiences.

Cuong marking his 5-year journey with GIBTK

My name is Cuong. I’m a nurse. My daily work isn’t just about giving health advice - I walk alongside poor pregnant women: brave women who are going through the challenging journey of motherhood. I help them have a healthy pregnancy, a strong mind, and greater confidence in themselves. I also guide them in how to take care of their babies, how to love themselves, and I simply accompany them through this journey.

I, together with pregnant women in difficult circumstances, during the learning sessions

In addition, I’ve had the opportunity to visit schools in Que Son and Thang Binh districts to talk to students about adolescent reproductive health - a sensitive but essential topic. Every session is a chance to plant seeds of knowledge and confidence in the next generation.

Among the many beautiful memories, there is one story I always remember in my heart.

I'm grateful to share health knowledge at schools

That year, I met Duyen - a 19-year-old girl who was pregnant. She is a strong single mother raising her child on her own. She was in her second trimester when I met her. She came from disadvantaged family, but she had a strong heart and eyes full of hope. I guided her step by step - from healthy eating and proper rest to attending prenatal checkups. She never missed an appointment. Every week, she made time to come see me. Our conversations weren’t only about medical topics - we also talked about her thoughts, fears, and feelings as a woman going through pregnancy on her own.

This is Duyen, a truly strong mother

Coming an incredibly emotional day - Duyen gave birth to a healthy, beautiful baby girl. That moment deeply touched me. It made me feel the true meaning of what I do. It was when I realized, “I’m not just doing a job - I’m living a meaningful journey.”

Duyen during the days she joined me and the GIBTK in learning

Now, that little girl is five years old - bright, happy, and healthy. Duyen has moved to another place, so we don’t see each other often, but we still keep in touch. Sometimes, she messages me to ask about my life and to share hers. From her, I’ve learned about the strength and love of a mother who faced life’s challenges with courage.

Duyen today, with her healthy child

Just a few days ago, Duyen sent me a message with wonderful news: she’s getting married. Her message was filled with joy, and also a bit of shyness - the kind that comes from a woman who has walked through many storms. I was truly moved - not just because she’s beginning a new chapter, but because I know she has found peace and happiness.

Witnessing that amazing transformation always excites me

To me, she’s not just someone I once helped - she is a beautiful symbol of love, strength, and belief. I believe she will always be a wonderful mother and a loving wife - because she’s been through the hardest times and still carries the gentlest smile.

Me with my team

From stories like hers, I’ve come to love my job even more - a job that brings value to others and helps me grow every day into a better and more grateful version of myself.

Over the past five years, I’ve met and supported many mothers. Each of them carries a unique story - a motherhood journey filled with emotions: joy, worry, hope, and silent fears. As a nurse, I’m not just someone who gives information - I’m also a friend, a listener, and a companion during their most vulnerable and joyful moments.

I can say that this is truly my mission

In every lesson I teach, I put my whole heart into it. I don’t teach with dry theories - I teach with care, with understanding, knowing that behind every face is a mother trying her best to care for her child while taking care of herself. I know that for a busy mother with many responsibilities, forming a new habit or adopting a healthier lifestyle is not something that happens overnight.

Change is a process - sometimes slow, sometimes hard. But I’m always there - patient, persistent, and full of love. I don’t pressure them, I don’t judge - I simply walk beside them, give my best, and believe in their journey.

I’ve seen mothers who were once shy and unsure become confident and proactive in caring for their pregnancy. I’ve seen eyes once filled with sadness light up with hope. Every time that happens, my heart is touched – not by numbers or results, but by the real connection between people.

Thank you, GIBTK, for being such an important part of my life.

I’m thankful for this job - not just it lets me help others, but it gives me the chance to witness change, and the quiet power of a mother’s love. I’m thankful for the mothers - silent teachers - who’ve taught me that true strength doesn’t need to be loud, and love doesn’t need to be shown off.

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Every journey I walk with them helps me grow - deeper, kinder, and more grateful.

"We highly appreciate you and thank you for transforming lives"

Robert Kalatschan

Giving it Back to Kids

www.gibtk.org

robert@gibtk.org