Meal Voucher of Love

In its journey of caring for children's meals and sowing seeds of compassion, the "Meal of Love" model of Phu Rieng Kindergarten in Phu Rieng commune, Dong Nai province, has become a particularly bright spot. Not only does it help students overcome difficulties to maintain their studies, but it also contributes to strengthening a responsible and humane educational environment. Recently, the "Meal of Love" model was recognized as a typical model in studying and following the thoughts, ethics, and style of Ho Chi Minh in the Southern region in 2025, affirming the practical effectiveness and lasting impact of this initiative.

A heartwarming lunch at Phu Rieng Kindergarten, Phu Rieng Commune. Photo: Ngoc Thao

A small ticket, a big meaning.

Every morning for little Le Huy Hieu at Phu Rieng Kindergarten begins with the familiar hustle and bustle of his small home. Difficult economic circumstances made sending her son to school for the half-day program a daunting task for Ms. Nguyen Thi Huong, Hieu's mother. But for the past two years, since the school provided the family with meal vouchers, the worry about her son's lunch has gradually eased. Ms. Huong emotionally shared: “My family's situation was truly difficult before, especially during periods when just providing meals at home was a struggle, let alone paying for the school's lunch program. Receiving the school's meal vouchers, I feel like a heavy burden has been lifted from my heart. Thanks to these vouchers, my son can attend school regularly and no longer has to miss classes because of a lack of money for lunch. I am truly grateful to the school for creating this opportunity for my child, allowing him to have a warm meal and an education like other children.”

Hieu's story is also the common story of many families with children attending Phu Rieng Kindergarten. Amidst the pressures of making a living, the cost of school meals sometimes becomes a major worry, easily disrupting children's education simply because they lack a proper lunch. In this context, the "Meal of Love" voucher model has become a warm support system, helping children continue attending school without being held back by economic burdens.

For little Le My Duyen, this support is even more meaningful. Having lost her father at a young age, her mother, Nguyen Thi Mai An, single-handedly manages the family's finances and cares for her child. These meal vouchers are like a helping hand at the right time, ensuring Duyen has complete meals and can maintain her regular schooling. For Ms. An, it's not just about financial support, but also about the peace of mind that her child can grow up in a loving and fulfilling environment. Ms. Mai An shared: “I am very grateful for the support from the school and the community. Thanks to these vouchers, my child receives nutritious meals, attends class with a positive attitude, and doesn't feel disadvantaged compared to her friends. I always hope this model will be maintained and expanded further, because it truly brings joy and peace of mind to families in difficult circumstances like ours.”

For many parents like Ms. An – those who strive to overcome difficulties so their children can attend school – the burden has been somewhat eased. Because when a child is guaranteed a lunch, parents gain more confidence; when a child doesn't have to drop out of school due to lack of money for food, the entire community feels empowered to support their future.

Continue writing the path to school.

Over the years, the "Meal of Love" voucher model has supported hundreds of children, helping maintain their attendance and ensuring that each lunch is nutritious and fulfilling. For young children, it's essential for physical development and concentration in learning. For parents, it's timely support. For teachers, it's peace of mind knowing that no child is left behind. Looking back, teachers deeply appreciate the value of these small vouchers with their significant impact. This humanitarian spirit has contributed to making Phu Rieng Kindergarten a model school in studying and following the ideology, ethics, and style of Ho Chi Minh in the Southern region in 2025.

The "Meal Voucher of Love" model was initiated by Phu Rieng Kindergarten in the 2019-2020 school year, stemming from the concern over many children's absences due to families' inability to pay for daycare. The teaching staff was determined to find a solution. The school proactively organized teachers and children to create handicrafts, which they then sold to raise funds to maintain the model. Each meal voucher thus came into existence – simple yet imbued with the love and responsibility of those involved in education .

Ms. Dang Thi Lien, Deputy Principal of Phu Rieng Kindergarten, shared: “The 'Meal of Love' voucher model was formed from the very real concerns of the teaching staff. Many children come from extremely difficult circumstances, with parents lacking stable jobs and therefore unable to pay for school fees, causing the children to drop out of school midway. This deeply saddened us, because at the kindergarten age, even a short interruption can affect a child's habits and learning ability. With the thought that 'no child should have to drop out of school because of a lack of a meal,' the school decided to implement the model, mobilizing the community's support. The results are very clear: children attend class more regularly, are more confident, and integrate better into activities. The school hopes to continue maintaining and expanding the model so that these meal vouchers continue to be a support for disadvantaged children, helping them to come to school every day in an environment full of love and equality.”

Behind every smile lies the story of a helping hand that promptly lifted the children's spirits. Behind every innocent gaze is the belief that the path to school is always open. The "Meal of Love" voucher has continued this journey, ensuring that the steps of these children are not interrupted. But more importantly, this model affirms that education is only truly complete when it stems from love and responsibility towards the future generation. And when kindness is sown from the simplest things, each child's path to school will continue to be long, wide, and bright, just like the green shoots reaching out to the sun every day.

Thanh Thao

Source: https://baodongnai.com.vn/xa-hoi/202512/phieu-an-yeu-thuong-44d296c/