Children are always a priority for protection, care, and comprehensive development. Beyond short-term policies and support programs, Ho Chi Minh City is implementing the creation of a safe, humane, and sustainable living environment for children through various specific models, stemming from the real needs of each locality and each group of children.
In response to the 2026 Children's Action Month, numerous activities focused on caring for, protecting, and promoting children's rights have been widely implemented throughout the city. Behind the gifts and material support are long-term initiatives that contribute to building a foundation for children, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
In Phu Loi ward, the "Safe and friendly lodging area for women and children" model is bringing many practical benefits to migrant worker families.
Having moved from An Giang to Ho Chi Minh City for work and residence, Mr. Pham Van Tinh's family faced numerous difficulties in preparing the necessary documents for their children's school enrollment. Through this initiative, officials from the Women's Union of the ward directly visited the family's rented accommodation to provide guidance and advice on the required procedures, helping them complete the enrollment paperwork for their children.
Safe accommodation model that supports women and children.
Beyond simply assisting with administrative procedures, the model also aims to build a safe living environment for women and children through activities promoting child abuse prevention, domestic violence prevention, and equipping them with self-protection skills.
For many migrant worker families, a safe place to live is not just a shelter from the elements, but also a place where their children can study, play, and grow up in the care of the community. Through practical actions at these shelters, the model is contributing to creating more support for migrant worker children, ensuring that no child is left behind on their journey to adulthood.
In the eastern part of Ho Chi Minh City, child care and protection efforts are implemented in accordance with local conditions. As a coastal area with many ponds, lakes, rivers, and streams, the risk of drowning for children is ever-present. Therefore, since the beginning of summer, many free swimming lessons and water survival skills training have been organized in communes and wards.
Free swimming lessons help children prevent drowning.
In Xuyen Moc commune, since 2022, swimming has been included in the physical education curriculum at primary and secondary schools. Just since the beginning of 2026, 360 students aged 6-16 have received free swimming lessons. As a result, the number of drowning accidents has decreased significantly, with only one case recorded.
With over 268,000 children, the eastern part of the city has consistently and comprehensively implemented programs to care for and support the holistic development of children, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, with the involvement of the entire community. Many effective support models for disadvantaged children have been maintained, such as the "Godmother" program, the "For Our Beloved Children" program, and free classes run by individuals and social organizations.
Free classes empower underprivileged children.
A prime example is the free English class run by Ms. Pham Thi Phuong Mai, a retired teacher in Ba Ria ward, for the past four years. Every summer, the class becomes a valuable space for about 50 underprivileged students, providing both academic support and a healthy recreational environment.
These seemingly simple activities are contributing to nurturing knowledge, life skills, and self-confidence in children right within their communities. Caring for children is not a one-day or two-day affair, but a long journey requiring perseverance and dedication. When the entire community works together, these "young sprouts" will surely grow strong, becoming sturdy trees for the country in the future.
At the Oncology - Hematology Department of Children's Hospital 2, a special classroom is regularly lit up every week. The students there are young cancer patients undergoing treatment. Many of them still have IV lines and needles in their arms, but their eyes always light up with joy at being able to learn, play, and meet friends.
A special class that brings joy to young patients.
The "Fun Classroom," maintained by the Beautiful Handwriting Club since 2017, currently holds three sessions per week with various activities suitable for children aged 3 to 15. Younger children are introduced to colors and shapes, while older children learn letters, numbers, and participate in creative activities.
For young patients who have to stay in the hospital for extended periods, the classroom not only helps maintain their education but also becomes a place to alleviate mental stress, bringing laughter and motivation during their treatment journey.
From colorful drawings to promises to strive to overcome illness, each lesson is a testament to the children's strong will to live. After nearly a decade of operation, the class has become a bridge of love, instilling faith and hope in hundreds of child patients and their families.
In addition to caring for children in the community, Ho Chi Minh City also dedicates significant resources to supporting children in special circumstances. At the Tam Binh Children's Protection Center, hundreds of disabled and abandoned children are being cared for, nurtured, and given opportunities for development.
From this shelter, many stories of overcoming adversity have become a source of positive inspiration. A prime example is Luong Hoang Thong, who recently won two silver medals at the 2026 National Paralympic Athletics and Weightlifting Championships in the 49kg category with a lift of 101kg. His next goal is to compete in the larger ASIAN Para Games 2026 in Japan.
Along with that is the story of Tran Tan Tien, a young man with a mobility disability who recently graduated in Graphic Design and received a job offer from a foreign company.
Medals, diplomas, and career opportunities are not only the fruits of individual effort but also reflect the effectiveness of the support and collaboration from organizations, philanthropists, and the wider community.
Children overcome difficulties and thrive with the support of the community.
At the Tam Binh Children's Protection Center, there are currently 298 children with particularly difficult circumstances being cared for and nurtured. The positive results from these children are proof that love and proper care can help children overcome adversity and reach for the future.
Caring for and protecting children has never been the responsibility of any single organization or sector, but rather a shared responsibility of the entire society. Protecting children is a never-ending journey, where each of us is a crucial link, united by the spirit of: "Listen to children with your heart, protect children with your actions," thereby giving them more opportunities for holistic development and the confidence to step into the future.
Protecting children is a never-ending journey, where each of us is a vital link.
Every act of care and practical action today is the foundation for these "young sprouts" to continue growing healthy and becoming useful citizens for society. Protecting children is a never-ending journey, where everyone can contribute through responsibility, sharing, and the most practical actions.
Source: https://htv.vn/tre-em-hom-nay-dat-nuoc-ngay-mai-222260608193124708.htm
