Kids First Riders

Nguyen Than Giang

Nguyen Than Giang lost his arm and one eye to an unexploded ordinance.

victim of Unexploded Ordinance

I was 5 when the accident happened. I was watching someone removing a bomb for scrap metal with my brother and other children. Suddenly, it exploded. The man was killed on the spot and I, and my brother, got injured badly. We were taken to the hospital. My brother was given oxygen transfusion but he died because the oxygen ran out. My health is about 70% now. I lost an eye, my arm and most of my body organs were affected. My family suffered a lot.

A year later I went to school. Since my accident, I don’t feel confident anymore because the pupils at school make fun of me all the time. But my teachers love me very much and help me a lot with my study. Now I am 13 and regret so much that I could not help my parents with anything. In the future, I hope I can learn a job to help myself. I know I cannot rely on my parents all of my life.

Nguyen Than Giang with prosthetic hand, helped by Peace Trees Vietnam, predecessor to Kids First Vietnam

At the age of 13 Nguyen Than Giang was helped by Peace Trees Vietnam, predecessor to Kids First Vietnam, and received a prosthetic hand. Now a senior in high school Giang represented Quang Tri Province (QTP) Handicapped Athletes at the National Paragames in Ho Chi Minh City, October 2004. Giang won more than any other competitor: a total of 5 medals, 3 gold (shot put, 9.5 meters; javelin, 32 meters; and the 400 meter dash), plus a silver and a bronze.

(Click for larger view) – October 2004, Nguyen Than Giang with handicapped athletes at the National Paragames in Ho Chi Minh City

Many other heartbreaking stories have a happy ending through the success of Kids First Vietnam. Below are just a few photos to help you visualize the organization’s enormous impact in the region.