Prioritize resources for children

“Practical actions, prioritizing resources for children” is the theme of the Month of Action for Children in 2024 (from June 1 to 30), which has also been implemented throughout the province over the past years. Children are increasingly protected, cared for and educated better, prioritized and affirmed in socio-economic development plans at many levels and sectors, meeting the basic rights of children.

Care for poor children

Orphaned by her mother and father who have disappeared, Dinh Thi Thao Quyen (9 years old) lives with her elderly grandmother in an old house in Ha Xuyen village, Long Hiep commune (Minh Long). All of Quyen's daily living expenses depend on her grandmother's meager wages. Knowing Quyen's situation, as soon as she entered first grade, a member of the Long Hiep commune Women's Union took Quyen under her wing.

Every month, the godmothers take time to visit and encourage Quyen in her studies. In early June, the godmothers came to visit her again, bringing the little girl some candy, a new shirt... "The godmothers often come to visit me, bring me milk, candy, clothes, and ask me about my studies. I am very happy to receive such care," Quyen shared.

A representative of the Provincial Women's Union said that after more than 2 years of implementing the "Godmother" program, all levels of the provincial Women's Union have connected with many organizations and individuals to sponsor more than 700 orphans, with a total support amount of about 3 billion VND (from 300 - 600 thousand VND/child/month).

Student Dinh Thi Vuong, Son Tay Secondary Boarding School for Ethnic Minorities (Son Tay) expressed her opinion at the Conference on contact and dialogue between the Provincial People's Council and the Provincial Children's Council and representatives of outstanding children in 2024. Photo: THANH NHAN

The month of action for children started on International Children's Day (June 1), many agencies, units and philanthropists organized meaningful programs, bringing children a joyful and exciting atmosphere. For example, 52 orphans being raised at Phu Hoa Orphanage, Tinh An Tay Commune ( Quang Ngai City) had a vibrant and meaningful Children's Day, when the Provincial Association of People with Disabilities, the Friends Fund and the GV Dance Center organized the program "Wonderful Summer" here. The children enjoyed performances and had a delicious meal. "We organized this program to bring orphans a joyful and happy Children's Day", Ms. Truong Duyen - a member of the Friends Fund, shared. Currently, public and non-public facilities in the province are caring for and raising 130 orphans and abandoned children. All children are well cared for, have regular health check-ups, go to school, participate in activities to help children develop comprehensively and receive monthly allowances according to regulations. Since the beginning of the year, through the Provincial Children's Support Fund, we have called for sponsorship from domestic and foreign organizations and individuals, with a total budget of 11 billion VND to support nearly 14,000 children in special and difficult circumstances in the province through many practical activities. These include granting scholarships and surgeries for children with congenital heart disease; cleft lip and palate surgeries, and motor disabilities in children; giving bicycles and school supplies to students; supporting milk and nutritious food; building friendly classrooms and libraries; supporting clean water facilities for schools; Supporting cancer treatment for children... Listening to and protecting children In addition to caring activities, sectors and localities in the province also organize forums to listen to children speak to better understand their needs and adjust activities accordingly.

The province has more than 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 conference to meet 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 coordinated with the People's Committee of Tra Bong district to organize a Forum to promote children's participation rights, with the participation of 1,000 children. Here, representatives of outstanding children in the province were able to express their opinions and aspirations to agencies and organizations on issues related to children in the locality, thereby having more appropriate and useful solutions and policies for the work of protecting and caring for children.

According to the representative of the Department of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs, at the end of June 2024, the Forum "Children with the issue of preventing and combating domestic violence and child marriage" will also be held with the participation of children across the province. The Provincial People's Committee has issued a Plan to implement the Month of Action for Children in 2024 with the theme "Practical actions, prioritizing resources for children" with many meaningful and practical activities towards the grassroots. In particular, focusing on mobilizing businesses, organizations and individuals to participate in supporting and assisting children who are victims of abuse and violence; giving gifts, scholarships and supporting medical examination and treatment for poor children; supporting models of child protection activities, preventing and combating accidents and injuries in children, building entertainment venues for children, etc.

VU YEN

Source