Helping disadvantaged children confidently integrate into society.

For the past two decades, in the heart of the capital city, a quiet but persistent journey has woven fairy tales into everyday life. This is the journey of the "Step Forward" Project – where the lives of young children, seemingly ended by adversity, are revived once again, confidently stepping out into the world on their own two feet and with their own determination.

Members of the Blue Dragon Foundation (Australia) and the Hanoi Association for the Relief of Disabled Children have always been closely involved and supportive in the implementation of the project.

20 years of sowing seeds of hope

The 20-year journey of cooperation between the Hanoi Association for the Relief of Children with Disabilities and the Blue Dragon Foundation (Australia) in the "Progress" Project is not just about dry statistics, but about the connection of hearts full of dedication. As shared by Mr. Michael Brosowski, founder and Chief Strategy Officer of the Blue Dragon Foundation, starting from the early days when the Blue Dragon Foundation was small with few staff, over two decades, this relationship has become a professional support network, protecting and uplifting children with disabilities and children in particularly difficult circumstances in Hanoi.

In 2025 alone, the project reached and supported 560 children, exceeding the initial target by 112%. This support went beyond emergency relief packages such as housing, nutrition, and healthcare , encompassing a long-term roadmap for these children to discover their self-worth and become independent.

Among the hundreds of lives transformed through the support of the "Progress" Project, one must mention Nguyen Hoang Yen Nhi (7th grade, Nguyen Dinh Chieu Secondary School). Suffering from retinoblastoma, losing her sight in both eyes since childhood, and also afflicted with severe autism after her father abandoned her, Yen Nhi's life seemed destined for darkness. However, thanks to the "Progress" Project, a new future has opened up for her. Beyond providing psychological support, the project has nurtured her innate musical talent. After more than two years of piano lessons, from an autistic girl, Nguyen Hoang Yen Nhi has excelled, winning 4 Gold and 3 Silver medals at international piano competitions in Singapore, Hangzhou, and Hong Kong (China).

Another symbol of resilience is Pham Thi Hang, a second-year student at the Vietnam Youth Academy. Having lost both her hands in a horrific train accident at the age of 13, Hang went through an extremely difficult period. But thanks to the patient support of the "Progress" Project, Pham Thi Hang overcame her insecurities to not only excel academically – winning second prize in the city-level student competition – but also become a young leader in community activities. As the Deputy Head of the organizing committee for a sports tournament for people with cerebral palsy, Hang is powerfully spreading hope to those in similar circumstances.

From relief to inclusive social access

The most significant difference of the "Progress" Project lies in its profound shift in mindset: moving from simply "care and relief" to "social inclusion." This is the strategic direction that the Chairman of the Vietnam Association for the Relief of Disabled Children, Ngo Sach Thuc, emphasized for the next phase of development.

Instead of simply giving "fish," the project focuses on giving children "fishing rods" and, more importantly, creating an environment where they can "fish" equally. The project has supported tuition fees for 554 children, provided career guidance for 146 children, and offered professional vocational training for 60 children in modern fields such as graphic design, baking, and bartending.

In addition, the project also focuses on the family foundation through parenting skills training and sustainable livelihood support for 580 parents. Assistance in obtaining birth certificates, national identity cards, and identification codes for migrant and disadvantaged children has helped them obtain a "passport" to enter life with dignity and legal protection.

Despite achieving many successes, the project still faces numerous challenges, from the fluctuating numbers of migrant families to the impacts of natural disasters. However, with unwavering determination, the project plans to expand its operations to the entire city of Hanoi in 2026. Nguyen Kim Hoang, Chairman of the Hanoi Association for the Relief of Disabled Children and Head of the "Progress" Project Management Board, expressed his hope that the application of modern technology in data management and the empowerment of local authorities at the ward and commune levels will help the project reach the most vulnerable groups. Mr. Nguyen Kim Hoang shared that this work requires not only compassion but also responsibility, knowledge, and experience to ensure sustainability.

Concluding its 20-year journey, the "Progress" Project has not only helped hundreds of disabled children find their smiles, but has also contributed to building a civilized and compassionate capital city. There, every child, regardless of their disability or difficulties, is given the opportunity to live a vibrant and meaningful life, confident and strong enough to stand firm on their journey of integration into society.

Source: https://hanoimoi.vn/giup-tre-em-yeu-the-tu-tin-hoa-nhap-727664.html