Hoa Mau Don, a private orphanage in HCM City, has been collecting money from parents and maltreating children.

 Children sleeping at Hoa Mau Don Orphanage

The orphanage is owned by Pham Thi Tuat or, "Mother Don" as she is often called. It resides in Son Ky Ward, Tan Phu District. Tuat promised that orphans and disadvantaged children would be taken care of free of charge, but she then asked for monthly payments from parents. She would ask for an additional fee if the parents wanted their children back.

A chef, who worked at the orphanage for three years, said, "I worked at the orphanage because I love children, but I had to find another job after seeing how they are treated," he said, adding that "It's extremely difficult to even get more ingredients like salt or sugar to cook for the kids. I had to sell some things from my own house to buy more meat or vegetable for them."

He said that people donated many things to the children, but Don sold them for her own profit. "Last year I was so mad that I confronted Don. She finally gave each kid VND500,000-700,000 (USD24-34) to go home during Tet." he said.

A volunteer employee affirmed that some food for the kids were expired.

However, the most concerning problem is the beatings that allegedly took place in the orphanage. Vang A Giang, a 14-year-old boy had to be taken to hospital after he was beaten by a manager named Hai  in August. Giang commented, "I came to help him bring a door inside. When he saw that I was sucking a candy, he tried to strangled me and hit my head against the floor. He quit the job after our neighbours called the police." Giang said.

Other children also said they were beaten on a regular basis by either managers or 'Mother Don' and had to run away for that reason. A 15-year-old girl, Giang Thi Cuc said, "I was so happy when I arrived home. They would beat us if we couldn't wash clothes fast enough or did anything that was not to their tastes. Hai is the one who beat us most."

Recently, seven children won the second place in a circus competition with dangerous performances, but the prize money was kept by the orphanage's owner.

Vo Truong Binh, Chairman of Son Ky Ward People's Committee, said they have supported Hoa Mau Don Orphanage with administrative procedures to have birth certificates and health insurance. "The orphanage has a licence. Even though we haven't received any direct complaints yet, we'll investigate the case and implement whatever solutions necessary." he said.