Since the beginning of the year, the "Farmers - Godfathers" model, developed by the Thanh Khe District Farmers' Association in Da Nang has proven effective in supporting numerous students in difficult circumstances. This initiative has provided the opportunity for disadvantaged and orphaned children to pursue their academic dreams, contributing significantly to ensure the effective implementation of the city’s social welfare program.

The Farmers' Association of An Khe Ward, Thanh Khe District, provides financial support for Dang Nguyen Ha Linh (2nd, left) and Nguyen Nhat Long (3rd, left). Photo: T.H

According to the Thanh Khe District Farmers' Association, many students in especially difficult circumstances and the orphans in the district are at high risk for dropping out of school due to a lack of money to cover their living expenses and tuition fees. Therefore, the Thanh Khe District Farmers' Association launched the "Farmers - Godfathers" model in 2023 with the aim of calling for care and financial support from its members, along with organizations, and individuals across the district in order to allow these students to continue their studies until they graduate from junior high schools. After almost a year of implementation, the association has provided practical support for eight students in an effort to encourage them to overcome difficulties to achieve their dreams.

Dang Nguyen Ha Linh, a ninth grader at Le Thi Hong Gam Junior High School, is a typical example. She faced early school leaving risk but she now can continue her studies with the help from the An Khe Ward Chapter of the Thanh Khe District Farmers' Association. She received a financial support worth VND 3 million at the beginning of the 2023-2024 academic year.

Linh was born into a financially struggling family, and she lost her father. Previously, she had considered dropping out of school to ease the economic burden on her mother. However, the support and encouragement from her family and local communities motivated Linh to continue her studies. The financial aid from the An Khe Ward Chapter helped Linh buy clothes, books, and learning tools before the school year started.

Apart from Ha Linh, the An Khe Ward Chapter is providing support for Nguyen Nhat Long, an eighth grader at Nguyen Dinh Chieu Junior High School. Due to the loss of their mother, Long and his brother are living with their grandfather. However, due to his age, their grandfather faced challenges in ensuring the continuity of their studies so they were at high risk for school dropout.

Mr. Tran Hung, the Chairman of the An Khe Ward Chapter, disclosed that since the beginning of the year, the organization has provided financial assistance to Ha Linh and Nhat Long for two times, and each of them has received a total of VND 6 million VND for financial aid. The funding came from the An Khe Ward Club of good production and business farmers, along with cash contributions by generous organizations and individuals.

Mr Dam Van Hung, the Chairman of the Thanh Khe District Farmers' Association said that the first-ever ‘Farmers – Godfathers’ program has been launched across the district in a bid to support students living under especially difficult circumstances and the orphans. This program will run until the end of 2028.

It is expected to deploy across 93 member organizations in 2024, and each of them will be able to support one or two students in need. Importance will be attached to calling on organizations, and individuals to provide financial support to help local disadvantaged children.

Reporting by NGOC QUOC - Translating by HOAI TRANG