8 families want to prosecute nanny who abused children in Saigon

District 12 Police (HCMC) are requesting the People's Procuracy to approve the decision to prosecute the owner of Mam Xanh kindergarten for child abuse.

At the meeting on the afternoon of November 27 at the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee, Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Quoc Hai - Deputy Chief of District 12 Police - said that the unit had transferred the file and requested the People's Procuracy to approve the decision to prosecute Ms. Pham Thi My Linh (43 years old, owner of Mam Xanh kindergarten, who abused dozens of children).

"Eight families brought their children to the police to file a petition to prosecute Ms. Linh. Based on the records and statements, we assess that there are enough signs to prosecute the owner of Mam Xanh facility for torturing others," Mr. Hai said, adding that the investigation agency is also summoning two other nannies of this facility to clarify their involvement in child abuse.

Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Quoc Hai. Photo: Tuyet Nguyen.

Expressing her indignation at the meeting, Vice Chairwoman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Nguyen Thi Thu asked: "I watched the clip and couldn't understand if the babysitters were human. I can't imagine child abuse being caused by women, this action is too barbaric."

"I heard that the Mam Xanh facility is sponsored by a police officer of District 12. I cannot confirm that it is true, but I request that District 12 investigate and clarify," she said, requesting to determine whether or not any individual or organization is "protecting" the childcare centers.

Ms. Thu also expressed impatience, saying that Ho Chi Minh City is preparing to build a Child-Friendly City project, but through this, she realized "there are no words to explain to international organizations about children's rights".

"Child abuse not only affects the body, but also affects the child's personality, causing them to become autistic, aggressive, and have many other unpredictable actions that have become ingrained in their subconscious," Ms. Thu said, then asked the leaders of departments, branches, and districts: "The legal regulations are complete, but why does child abuse in private facilities continue?"

In addition to the question of teachers not having enough qualifications, Ms. Thu asked for clarification on whether or not education officials provided information to childcare centers. According to her, this helps violating facilities prepare thoroughly in advance, so that when the authorities come to inspect, it will be "very smooth".

Ms. Nguyen Thi Thu, Vice Chairwoman of Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee at an urgent meeting this afternoon. Photo: Tuyet Nguyen.

Install cameras in all private kindergartens

Assessing the incident, Ms. Bui Thi Diem Thu - Deputy Director of the Department of Education and Training (GD&DT) acknowledged: "This is an isolated incident, we are very sorry and feel partly responsible. We will coordinate with local authorities to conduct surprise inspections and monitor more."

She added that public kindergartens only account for about 45%, over 50% are private schools with more than 1,800 classes. However, she admitted that due to the large number of private classes, it is still difficult for education staff to manage them.

Recently, the education sector has discouraged the installation of cameras due to concerns about the psychological impact on teachers and students. However, through this incident, the Department will require the installation of cameras in all private schools to increase supervision by parents and organizations.

Providing more information about the incident, Ms. Trinh Thi My Lan, Vice Chairwoman of District 12 People's Committee, said that Mam Xanh facility takes care of 36 children, mainly 1-3 years old, most of whom are children of workers. The owner of the facility has a degree in preschool education.

After the suspension, the district requested the Department of Education to arrange for the children to study at another kindergarten in the ward and provide general health check-ups for the children.

Currently, the People's Committee of District 12 has established a team to inspect all private preschools regarding teacher expertise, facilities, food safety... to prevent similar incidents from happening.

Concluding the meeting, Vice President Nguyen Thi Thu requested the Department of Education to inspect all private kindergartens and force them to install cameras; and any newly established facility must have cameras before it can be licensed. Ms. Thu also requested that if any facility is found to be unqualified and has public opinion regarding child abuse, the license be revoked.

Child abuse facility owner Pham Thi My Linh. Photo: Quoc Thang.

According to the initial investigation, every morning when the children entered the classroom, Ms. Linh and the nannies were all smiling and welcoming. However, as soon as the children's parents left, or during meals, they brutally beat the children. Many children were slapped repeatedly in the face, beaten with soup spoons, and had plastic bottles smashed on their heads... until they were dizzy. During bedtime, a boy was thrown into a corner of the wall and kicked in the stomach by the nanny.

"Because the children were numerous, hyperactive, and disobedient, I beat and threatened them to make them afraid and obedient," Ms. Linh told the police.

According to VNE