The “Godmother” programme, initiated by the Da Nang's Women’s Union, has had a widespread positive impact, becoming a vital support system for orphans and children in difficult circumstances, aiding their comprehensive development and paving the way for their future success.

This initiative has garnered the collective support of various agencies, organisations, and individuals across the city. PHOTO: The Women’s Union of Hoa Lien Commune, Hoa Vang District, collaborates with various units to provide support to students overcoming difficulties to achieve academic success. Photo: X.D

Since early 2022, the municipal Women’s Union has issued a plan and launched the “Godmother” programme, aimed at supporting and nurturing orphans affected by COVID-19 and other causes.

According to the Women’s Union, nearly three years into its implementation, the programme has mobilised organisations and individuals to sponsor 772 orphans across the city, with a monthly support of VND 500,000 per child.

Annually, during the Lunar New Year, Children's Action Month, International Children's Day (June 1), and the Mid-Autumn Festival, various activities are organised by the union to engage, entertain, and present gifts to these children.

Throughout the programme's implementation, several meaningful models have emerged at the local level, such as the “Free Uniform Tailoring for Orphans” initiative by the women of Hoa Khe Ward, Thanh Khe District; the “Zero-VND Class” for orphans and children in difficult circumstances led by retired teachers in My An Ward, Ngu Hanh Son District, as well as in Hai Chau and Cam Le districts; and the “Compassionate Stall” in Son Tra District, which raises funds for the “Godmother” programme. These initiatives are vivid examples of the efforts made by the city’s Women’s Union in carrying out this programme, reflecting the beautiful and humane tradition of Vietnamese women.

In addition to the timely guidance and direction from the Women’s Union, local unions have employed various methods to implement the programme, such as providing monthly financial support, offering essential supplies and livelihood tools to the children’s families, and assigning mentors to assist with their studies and teach them cooking skills.

Hoa Vang District, which has a significant number of sponsored orphans in the city, currently has 241 out of 356 orphans receiving mentorship, with total support exceeding VND 7.2 billion over five years.

According to Mrs Le Thu Sa, Vice President of the Hoa Vang District Women’s Union, in August 2023, the Women’s Union, Youth Union, and Education and Training Department of the district signed an agreement to jointly implement the “Godmother” programme.

Under the agreement, these units regularly organise recreational activities, present gifts, provide healthcare, and tutor the children in their studies. After the 2023-2024 academic year, the majority of the children were found to be diligent and performed well academically, with 98 students achieving high grades.

The “Godmother” programme carries profound humanitarian significance, helping to soothe the pain of losing beloved ones and providing a solid foundation for children to overcome difficult circumstances and move forward into the future.

For example, Tran Dinh Lam, living in Hoa Khanh Bac Ward, Lien Chieu District, whose father passed away nearly five years ago, lives with his mother, who often falls ill and is unable to work. They rely on his grandmother’s pension for the family’s livelihood. To give a helping hand to this difficult situation, since 2022, the Women’s Union of Lien Chieu District has rallied the teaching staff at the Nguyen Luong Bang Junior High School, where Lam studies, to sponsor him with an annual support of VND 6 million.

Thanks to the support from his “Godmother”, Lam has gained a stable foundation and peace of mind in his studies. As a result, his academic performance has improved, consistently earning him honours each year.

Mrs Hoang Thi Thu Huong, President of the Da Nang Women’s Union, noted that currently, 534 orphans in the city who are in poor, under poor threshold, or in difficult circumstances have yet to be sponsored. The municipal Women’s Union calls on organisations and individuals to continue supporting the programme, aiming for 100% of orphans in difficult circumstances to have “godmothers”.

The union will actively enhance communication efforts, encouraging organisations and individuals to join the programme, directing local unions to regularly check on, support, and monitor the situation of the sponsored children, and ensuring timely updates are provided to benefactors and sponsors.

Efforts will also be made to increase awareness among members and women regarding the importance of childcare and protection through the programme. Additionally, regular monitoring of the programme's implementation will be conducted to ensure that all children receive genuine love, support, and care.

“We hope that the meaningful programme will continue to yield fruitful results, connecting compassionate hearts, so that orphans can receive the support they need to pursue their dreams” Mrs Huong expressed.

Reporting by K. NGUYEN -  Translating by TRUC VY