Tay Ninh Association of Agent Orange Victims: Persistent companionship, sharing and spreading love

Mr. Tran Van Len, an Agent Orange victim in Ben Cau town, Ben Cau district, received financial support from the Association for medical treatment.

In 2024, the Association launched the emulation movement "For Agent Orange victims in Tay Ninh province" with many synchronous, profound and cohesive activities between all levels of the Association. The activities are profound, spreading messages of love, raising community awareness of the responsibility to care for and support Agent Orange victims.

Propaganda work is promoted in both breadth and depth. In 2024, the whole Association organized 423 propaganda sessions, attracting more than 14,000 participants. The first quarter of 2025 recorded 125 more sessions with more than 3,000 visits.

In parallel, victim care activities are a pillar throughout all action plans. In 2024, the Association mobilized and organized care for victims with a total support value of more than 12.3 billion VND. Of which, more than 8,000 gifts were given on holidays and Tet; 794 people received regular subsidies; 12 charity houses were built or repaired; 138 livelihood packages were deployed; 13 victims were taken to sauna, detoxification and dozens of other cases were supported with medical examination and treatment, prosthetic limbs, etc.

In the first quarter of 2025, the Association supported more than 10,000 victims with over 5.2 billion VND. Of these, more than 500 people were cared for in the community; 545 students were supported to go to school with scholarships, books, and learning tools. Regular visits and the regular presence of Association officials in localities have helped each situation to be cared for more closely and effectively.

A special highlight is the activities of the Tay Ninh Center for the care and rehabilitation of victims of Agent Orange/dioxin. The center is currently caring for 25 children in a semi-boarding form. Here, the children are taught culture, rehabilitated, trained in life skills, participate in labor, art activities, sports and outdoor activities. Many children after the care process have grown up and returned to work as support staff, continuing to spread love, becoming living proof of the sustainability of the comprehensive care model.

In addition to resources from the government and the Association at all levels, social mobilization activities are focused on expanding. In 2024, the total mobilization value reached over 12.7 billion VND, of which nearly 4.6 billion VND in cash and more than 8.1 billion VND in kind. In the first quarter of 2025, the Association at all levels mobilized over 5.4 billion VND. International organizations such as The Dove Fund, DRD, VNAH, VietHealth, VNED continue to support rehabilitation equipment, scholarships and operating costs of the Nursing Center.

Behind the numbers are countless touching everyday stories, where love and determination continue to write a beautiful journey of life amidst unfortunate circumstances.

In Quarter 2, Long Hoa Ward, Hoa Thanh Town, Ms. Vo Thi My Hien struggles to make ends meet by doing many jobs to raise her son Tran Ngoc Trai, who has congenital cerebral palsy. In 2024, she received 5 million VND in support from the Association. Although the amount is not large, for her, it is a "lifesaver" that gives both mother and son more hope. "Thanks to that, I can sell lottery tickets and be with my child, reducing my worries. I am very grateful to the Association," Ms. Hien said emotionally.

Also in Hoa Thanh town, in Hiep Truong quarter, Hiep Tan ward, Ms. Nguyen Thi Kim Lien has a son named Nguyen The Hung (born in 1981) who is a victim of Agent Orange and whose health has been seriously affected. Last year, the Association supported her with 10 million VND to buy a breeding cow. She choked up and said: “I am old and cannot do heavy work. This cow is the most valuable asset of the family, helping us earn more income and reducing the burden of taking care of my son. Mowing grass also helps me make use of my free time and is suitable for my health condition.”

In Thanh Trung hamlet, Thanh Tan commune, Tay Ninh city, Ms. Huong My Tuyen (born in 1986) has a congenital disability in both lower limbs, is a typical image of the will to live and the will to rise. Despite her disability, she did not surrender to fate, self-taught herself and became a skilled hairdresser. With support of 9 million VND from the Association, she was able to buy more hairdressing tools and expand her work. “Before, I only did simple things. Now that I have more tools, I receive more customers, have income, feel useful, and no longer have to depend on others like before,” Ms. Tuyen shared.

Mr. La Van Nho (born in 1951), residing in Thanh Tay commune, Tan Bien district, suffered from a clubbed hand due to Agent Orange, and his life was very difficult. The association supported him with 4 million VND to buy chickens and start a chicken farming model. “The gift was not much, but it came at the time I needed it most. Thanks to that, I can take advantage of my small garden, reduce the emptiness and have a job to earn extra income,” said Mr. Nho.

In addition to supporting livelihoods, the Association also helps many cases with medical treatment. Ms. Nguyen Hoang Thien Phuc, born in 1991, Vinh Hamlet, An Co Commune, Chau Thanh District, was born in special circumstances with many physical disabilities. Her body is small, has a congenital hunchback and is slow to develop, making her daily life difficult. Recently, the Association supported her with 5 million VND for medical treatment. "This gift not only helps me cure my illness but also is a great source of encouragement for me to continue living a healthy and more confident life. I am very grateful to the Association," Ms. Phuc shared.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Dep - President of the Provincial Association of Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin said: “Every situation we approach is a touching and worrying story. Most of the victims live in poverty and illness, but what we appreciate most is their perseverance and quiet will to live. The Association not only provides financial support but also accompanies, shares and gives more faith to the families. We always wish to have more resources to help more people, no one is left behind in the journey to overcome the pain of Agent Orange”.

Those lives and stories are not only living evidence of the severe consequences of Agent Orange, but also a symbol of humanity and the strong desire to live beyond fate. They need to be listened to, supported and continued to accompany, as the Tay Ninh Association of Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin is doing, with all the sharing and compassion.

With concrete and meaningful actions, the Provincial Association of Agent Orange/Dioxin Victims has been affirming its role as a solid support for Agent Orange victims, as well as a model of compassion and social responsibility. They not only care for their material life but also kindle new hopes, helping victims live more confidently and firmly in their journey to rise from pain.

Lam Giang

Source: https://baotayninh.vn/hoi-nan-nhan-chat-doc-da-cam-tay-ninh-dong-hanh-ben-bi-se-chia-va-lan-toa-yeu-thuong-a190171.html