Ho Van Phat and Ho Anh Tan, grade-two students in Quang Tri Province, located in north-central Vietnam, have spent the past two years giving their classmate piggyback rides and carrying his schoolbag, respectively, to and from school.

All three are members of the Van Kieu ethnic minority group and students at Khe Sanh 1 Elementary School in Huong Hoa District, Quang Tri Province.

The student who receives the piggyback rides is Ho Thanh Lam.

Lam was born with his left leg bent upward toward his stomach and his right leg bent backward, a condition that caused his father to abandon the family unable to cope with having a disabled son.

Lam stayed in hospital for treatment for a year after his birth and even underwent a surgery when he was two years old.

Though the costs of his treatment were covered by the hospital, his mother, Ho Thi E, was still left with a hefty bill for food and accommodation.

Now, at eight years old, Lam’s legs are still bent and he often suffers from fever and pain.

His mother, meanwhile, suffers from colitis, a chronic cough, and arthritis. Because of these conditions, she is unable to take Lam to school.

Fortunately, Lam's friends have stepped up to assist him by carrying him and his schoolbag.

Phat goes above and beyond by helping Lam to the toilet and to the school’s break area to play games with their friends.

Whenever Lam experiences pain, both Tan and Phat offer to massage his legs to alleviate discomfort.

Both Tan and Phat expressed that they never tire of assisting Lam. In fact, they find joy in knowing they are performing a good deed for a friend, which brings them happiness.

Lam’s mother expressed her gratitude to Tan, Phat, and their teacher for their care and affection toward Lam.

She conveyed a sense of happiness and speechlessness, unable to find words sufficient to express her profound appreciation to everyone who has extended their support.

E added that she would do her utmost to help Lam go to school and ensure that he does not abandon his studies.

Ngo Thi Ninh, the head teacher of the boys’ class, remarked that Phat and Tan's compassionate actions were commendable and held deep significance.

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