The love of a "godmother"

The Women's Association of the Provincial Police, along with leaders from the Political Affairs Department of the Provincial Police, visited and presented gifts to Danh Thảo Nguyên, a resident of Gò Quao commune. Photo: THỦY TIÊN

The COVID-19 pandemic has left devastating consequences, especially for children. Many have become orphans, bearing the irreplaceable pain of losing loved ones. For children from disadvantaged backgrounds, the loss of their family's breadwinner makes life even more precarious, and their future becomes uncertain. More than ever, they need care and support. In this context, the "Godmother" program emerged as a compassionate lifeline. The program was launched by the Vietnam Women's Union. Initially, it only focused on supporting orphans affected by COVID-19. However, after reviewing the situation, it was realized that many other orphans also needed help, and many localities proactively expanded the scope of support.

According to the Provincial Women's Union, in recent times, the various levels of the Union in the province have effectively fulfilled their role in connecting with and sponsoring orphaned children, especially those who lost their parents due to COVID-19. The Unions have mobilized philanthropists to act as intermediaries for activities caring for orphaned children. At the same time, they have intensified the dissemination of information about the program through electronic channels and social media to reach a wider community.

At an age when they are still too young to fully understand the hardships of life, these children not only experience immense pain but also face numerous difficulties. Nguyen Thi Nhu Y (born in 2012), residing in Vinh Hoa commune, lost her mother to COVID-19. She lives with her aunt, Tran Thi Lieu, an elderly single woman with no stable income. Their lives are extremely difficult. In 2021, Nhu Y received support of 500,000 VND or more per quarter from a benefactor. The Women's Union of Vinh Hoa commune also provided 300,000 VND per quarter. Thanks to this assistance, Nhu Y has the motivation to continue attending school and pursue her dreams. "Thanks to the care and support from the benefactors, I have the opportunity to continue my studies. I am very grateful and will try my best to study hard so as not to disappoint them," Nhu Y shared.

For Vo Van Hoa (born in 2015), residing in Thanh Dong commune, the Women's Union officials are like second mothers to him. After his mother passed away, Hoa was adopted by his aunt. However, his aunt's family is also in difficult circumstances. Fortunately, he is being sponsored by the Women's Union and another organization until he turns 18. Ms. Nguyen Thi Tuyen, Hoa's aunt, said: "If it weren't for the help of the commune's women's union officials and benefactors, my family wouldn't know how to cope. Thanks to their support, we are less burdened. I always encourage him to study hard, remind him to listen to his teachers, and focus on his studies."

Danh Thảo Nguyên, residing in Gò Quao commune, is one of the orphaned children with particularly difficult circumstances who have been adopted by "mothers" who are female officers of the Provincial Police Women's Association. Her mother passed away, and her father works far away, so Thảo Nguyên's childhood was filled with the love of her aunt, Ms. Thị Đặng, and her uncle, Nguyễn Văn Dũ. The family owns no land, so Mr. Dũ has to work as a motorbike taxi driver to support the whole family.

Thanks to the connections of local women's officials, Nguyen receives support of 500,000 VND per month from the Women's Association of the Provincial Police until 2026. This timely support from these "godmothers" has given her strength on her journey towards the future.

According to the Women's Association of the Provincial Police, the implementation of the "Godmother" program has received support and high praise from the Party Committee and the Board of Directors of the Provincial Police. To date, the association has sponsored 22 orphaned children due to COVID-19 and children in difficult circumstances. All funding comes from contributions by officers, members of the Provincial Police, and philanthropists.

Beyond connecting organizations and individuals to mobilize resources to support orphans, the "Godmother" program also seeks out "mothers" who directly care for the children's health, provide emotional and financial support until they reach 18 years of age through various flexible methods. In addition, women's associations at all levels provide knowledge, life skills training, health and psychological counseling, helping the children overcome adversity and confidently move forward on their journey to adulthood.

THUY THAN

Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/tinh-thuong-me-do-dau--a461530.html