Prioritize resources for children.

"Practical action, prioritizing resources for children" is the theme of the 2024 Action Month for Children (June 1-30), and is also a consistent theme implemented over the years in the province. Children are increasingly better protected, cared for, and educated, prioritized and affirmed in socio -economic development plans at many levels and sectors, meeting their basic rights.

Caring for poor children

Orphaned by her mother and abandoned by her father, 9-year-old Dinh Thi Thao Quyen lives with her elderly grandmother in a dilapidated house in Ha Xuyen village, Long Hiep commune (Minh Long district). All of Quyen and her grandmother's daily expenses depend on the meager wages her grandmother earns. Knowing Quyen's situation, members of the Long Hiep Women's Union sponsored her as soon as she entered first grade.

Every month, the godmothers take the time to visit and encourage Quyen in her studies. In early June, the godmothers visited her again, bringing her some sweets, a new outfit, and more. “The godmothers visit me regularly, bringing milk, sweets, and clothes, and asking about my studies. I’m very happy to receive such care,” Quyen shared.

According to a representative of the Provincial Women's Union, over the past two years of implementing the "Godmother" program, the Women's Union at all levels in the province has connected with many organizations and individuals to sponsor more than 700 orphaned children, with a total support amount of approximately 3 billion VND (from 300,000 to 600,000 VND per child per month).

Dinh Thi Vuong, a student from Son Tay Ethnic Boarding Junior High School (Son Tay district), expressed her opinion at the 2024 meeting and dialogue between the Provincial People's Council and the Children's Council and representatives of outstanding children of the province. Photo: THANH NHAN

The Month of Action for Children begins with International Children's Day (June 1st), and many agencies, organizations, and philanthropists have organized meaningful programs, bringing joy and excitement to the children. For example, 52 orphaned children being cared for at Phu Hoa Orphanage in Tinh An Tay commune ( Quang Ngai City) had a vibrant and meaningful Children's Day celebration when the Provincial Association of People with Disabilities, the Friends Fund, and the GV Dance Center organized the "Wonderful Summer" program. The children enjoyed cultural performances and a delicious meal. "We organized this program to bring the orphaned children a happy and joyful Children's Day," shared Ms. Truong Duyen, a member of the Friends Fund. Currently, 130 orphaned and abandoned children are being cared for and nurtured in public and private facilities throughout the province. All children receive attentive care, regular health check-ups, education, participation in activities that promote holistic development, and monthly allowances as prescribed. Since the beginning of the year, through the Provincial Children's Protection Fund, donations totaling 11 billion VND have been solicited from organizations and individuals both domestically and internationally to support nearly 14,000 children with special and difficult circumstances in the province through various practical activities. These include: providing scholarships; surgery for children with congenital heart defects; surgery for cleft lip, cleft palate, and motor disabilities; providing bicycles and school supplies; supporting milk and nutritious food; building classrooms and friendly libraries; and supporting clean water projects for schools. Supporting cancer treatment for children... Listening to and protecting children. In addition to caregiving activities, sectors and localities in the province also organize forums to listen to children's voices in order to better understand their needs and adjust activities accordingly.

The province has over 312,000 children under 16 years old, accounting for nearly 25.1% of the total population. Of these, 9,110 children are in special circumstances and more than 33,800 children are at risk of falling into special circumstances.

Recently, the Standing Committee of the Provincial People's Council organized a meeting and dialogue between the Provincial People's Council and the Children's Council and representatives of outstanding children in the province in 2024; the Provincial Youth Union, in coordination with the People's Committee of Tra Bong district, organized a forum to promote children's participation rights, with the participation of 1,000 children. At this forum, representatives of outstanding children in the province expressed their opinions and aspirations to relevant agencies and organizations regarding issues related to children in their localities, thereby leading to more appropriate and useful solutions and policies for the protection and care of children.

According to a representative from the Department of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs, the forum "Children and the issue of preventing and combating domestic violence and child marriage" will also be held at the end of June 2024, with the participation of children throughout the province. The Provincial People's Committee has issued a plan to implement the 2024 Action Month for Children with the theme "Practical actions, prioritizing resources for children," with many meaningful and practical activities directed towards the grassroots level. These activities focus on mobilizing businesses, organizations, and individuals to support and assist children who are victims of abuse and violence; donating gifts, scholarships, and providing medical care for poor children; supporting models of child protection, accident and injury prevention, and building playgrounds and recreational areas for children...

VU YEN

Source