Rainbow on Da Tay A Island
WVR - The Rainbow Park on Da Tay A Island brings laughter that echoes across the schoolyard after every lesson. Watching the children play freely, I feel the mainland is not so far away, and my homesickness eases...
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| The joy of residents and children at the inauguration of Rainbow Park on Da Tay A Island. (Photo: Courtesy by author) |
I vividly remember that day, April 24th, when the ship KN.390 carried the 13th working delegation to visit and encourage the military and civilians on Da Tay A Island, Truong Sa Special Zone.
The delegation included representatives from various provinces, businesses, associations, and overseas Vietnamese communities. Notably, the Rainbow Foundation, comprising overseas Vietnamese members, gifted the island with recreational equipment for the primary school children to enjoy after school and during breaks, along with colorful clothes and numerous candies for the kids.
Since then, the rainbow has appeared in the hearts of the soldiers and young citizens on this remote island with the affectionate name – Rainbow Park.
Rainbow not just appearing after the rain
Traversing over 300 nautical miles, the ship KN.390 arrived at Da Tay A Island, bringing trust and affection from the mainland to the officers, soldiers, and residents on the island, especially the equipment for Rainbow Park.
This is truly a meaningful and practical gift, contributing to nurturing the childhood of the kids and motivating the spirit of the officers, soldiers, and residents on the island.
Transporting all the equipment and bulky stone benches from ship KN.390 to smaller boats to Da Tay port and then over 1km to the assembly point using simple means from bicycles to hand lifts under the scorching sun and time constraints was no small challenge for everyone, from the ship and island officers and soldiers to the Rainbow Foundation members and supporting team members.
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| Ms. Le Nguyen Minh Phuong – Chairwoman of the Rainbow Foundation (top row, third from left). (Photo Courtesy by author) |
The weather favored us that day: calm seas and clear skies. Thanks to the wholehearted support of the soldiers and delegation members, the worries about transport and assembly were gradually eased. As soon as the delegation set foot on the island, equipment was brought in and set up. In the eyes of the children, from first to fifth grade, curiosity and excitement sparkled, as if awaiting something brand new.
Every time a toy—whether a rocking animal or seesaw—was brought out, the children rushed in to play with delight, their laughter ringing across the schoolyard. Their innocent, bright eyes gave us strength, helping us forget our fatigue, urging us to finish quickly so they could enjoy themselves. One by one, equipment like ball houses, merry-go-rounds, seesaws, nine-step climbing frames, and swings appeared.
Through the diligent efforts of officers, soldiers, foundation members, and the delegation, after just two hours, a colourful park full of games stood before everyone’s eyes.
The children cheered with excitement, as if touching a childhood dream. They jumped, danced, and urged the soldiers to build faster. When the ball house was completed, their tiny feet rushed inside, screaming and playing with joy.
After three hours of effort, Rainbow Park was inaugurated, with the participation of the leaders of Delegation No. 13 and representatives, under the watchful, eager eyes of the children. Watching them run, jump, and play from one station to another, I felt my own childhood return, within their innocent laughter.
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| The Rainbow Park project on Da Tay A Island. (Photo: NVCC) |
The dream maker
I remember most vividly Minh Phuong, an overseas Vietnamese from Republic of Korea—a strong young woman who turned the idea of a playground for island children into reality. In 2024, during her first visit to Da Tay A, she told the island commander that she wished to return and build a play space for the children.
This year, after months of planning and coordination with all stakeholders, Phuong returned to fulfill her promise. Her project for a children’s park won widespread support and approval.
She became the bridge that connected many hearts from near and far, bringing this meaningful “Rainbow” to a remote island. Beyond providing a playground, the project carried the warmth of the mainland, reminding the children that the homeland is never far when their hearts hold a “Rainbow.”
As the founder of the Rainbow Foundation, Minh Phuong was the key figure in realizing the “rainbow dream” for the children of Truong Sa. Every day, they now enjoy playing, developing their minds and bodies, ready to follow in their fathers’ footsteps to safeguard the nation’s borders, islands, and sovereignty.
We are forever grateful to the Rainbow Foundation and its benefactors for bringing Rainbow Park to the children. We hope that in the coming years, “Rainbow” will spread to more islands in Truong Sa, bringing joy to the country’s future generations and reinforcing the morale of soldiers who guard the nation’s seas and skies day and night.
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| The Rainbow Park project on Da Tay A Island. (Photo Courtesy by author) |
| The project to build a park in Truong Sa was included by the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese Affairs (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) in its annual program for overseas Vietnamese delegations to the islands, alongside other initiatives proposed by the overseas community worldwide. In April 2025, during a working trip by the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese Affairs, the Rainbow Park on Da Tay A Island was inaugurated. It has since become a playground for children after school, and a meeting and relaxation space for residents. This is a meaningful and practical gift for the nation’s future generations living on the island, while also serving as a new cultural space. It uplifts the spirits of islanders and soldiers who overcome hardships daily to defend the seas and islands of the Fatherland. |
| The Rainbow Foundation is a non-profit charity established in early 2024 in Republic of Korea, with the message “Pay it forward”. It was founded to serve as a bridge of compassion, a place where people can share love and care, working together to bring better opportunities for children, women, and vulnerable groups—especially children in remote areas, island children, and the children of soldiers serving on distant islands. The foundation focuses on projects supporting Vietnam’s seas and islands, aiding officers, soldiers, and residents in Truong Sa, as well as families of soldiers facing difficulties, alongside other charitable activities. With a network of members and benefactors in many countries, and with a commitment to transparency, humanity, and sustainability, the Rainbow Foundation continues to expand and spread the spirit of responsible philanthropy and community connection. It has become a bridge linking the hearts of overseas Vietnamese with those in need back home.. |
