"Fulcrum" of orphans

Nguyen Nhu Quynh (second from left), a 7A1 student at Luong Tam Secondary School, is happy to have her godmother support her every opening day of school.

Over the past two years, thanks to the support of the "Godmothers" who are the aunts and teachers at the Women's Union of Luong Tam Commune, Can Tho City, Nguyen Nhu Quynh, a student of class 7A1, Luong Tam Secondary School, has been able to confidently go to school. Quynh expressed: "If it weren't for the care and love of the "Moms", I would probably have dropped out of school and stayed home to help my grandmother peel cashew nuts to earn money to make ends meet. I am very happy to be able to go to school every day and learn a lot of useful knowledge." On the occasion of the new school year, the Women's Union of the commune gave Quynh a scholarship of 1 million VND for her to buy clothes and school supplies.

Nhu Quynh is a child in extremely difficult circumstances in Luong Tam commune. Her father abandoned her before she was born; when she was 2 years old, her mother also passed away due to an incurable disease. Quynh lives thanks to the loving arms of her aunt. Despite the lack of parental love, Quynh is very obedient and studies well. In addition to her school time, she peels cashews for her grandmother, earning more than 20,000 VND per day. Quynh happily said: “For 1kg of peeled cashews, my grandmother and I are paid 7,000 VND. She said she will save this money to buy school supplies for me. I will try to study well to not let her down.”

After more than 4 years of implementing the "Godmother" program launched by the Central Committee of the Vietnam Women's Union, the Women's Union at all levels in Can Tho City has promptly supported over 250 orphans due to the COVID-19 pandemic and many other causes. Up to now, 49 children have reached the age of 18, 6 of whom are receiving free education at Hy Vong School, Da Nang, under theFPT Group.

Currently, in the city, there are 200 orphans sponsored and supported by the Women's Union at all levels in coordination with many units and individuals. Of these, 120 children receive regular support (VND 500,000 to VND 2 million/month), 72 children receive irregular support and 8 children have left the locality. The total cost of support is more than VND 8.6 billion, including 816 scholarships, 115 bicycles, more than 13,280 gifts, 10 charity homes/dream homes...

Not only providing material support, the "Godmothers" also care for, encourage, guide, and help children study at home; and provide necessities suitable for the children's living and studying needs. Thai Ngoc Nhu Y, a 6th grade student at Dong Phuoc Secondary School, confided: "The teachers gave me notebooks, books, and lots of milk. I am very happy and thank you for your attention." Nhu Y was adopted by the Women's Union of Dong Thanh Commune (now Dong Phuoc Commune) since the beginning of 2024. Her family's circumstances are difficult, and she has a disability in her legs. Although she has not been able to walk since childhood, Nhu Y is very studious. The Women's Union of the commune cares for her and gives her a wheelchair to help her move conveniently in daily activities and confidently go to school...

Continuing to implement the "Godmother" program and coordinating the "Loving Leaves" and "Going to School with Children" programs, from the beginning of September until now, the Women's Union at all levels in the city have visited and given 30,542 gifts to orphans, disadvantaged and disabled children; awarded more than 2,950 scholarships and school supplies worth 3.5 billion VND on the occasion of the opening of the 2025-2026 school year.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Thuy Linh, Vice President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Can Tho City, President of the City Women's Union, affirmed: "In recent times, the "Godmother" program has truly been a bridge of love, bringing kind hearts closer and accompanying orphans, towards a bright future for them."

Article and photos: CAO OANH

Source: https://baocantho.com.vn/diem-tua-cua-tre-mo-coi-a191728.html