To promptly assist and support underprivileged pupils in their education, contributing to the effective promotion of local educational activities, the Women’s Union of Hoa Khe Ward, Thanh Khe District, Da Nang has effectively maintained the model “Supporting pupils to school” through many meaningful and practical actions.

Recently, the officials and members of the Women’s Union in Hoa Khe Ward have been hastily sewing and completing 25 sets of school uniforms and white ‘ao dai’ to prepare for the donation to underprivileged pupils before the new school year 2024-2025.

According to Truong Thi Ngoc Lien, President of the Women’s Union of Hoa Khe Ward, the programme “White ‘ao dai’ for pupils” has been launched since early 2023.

Accordingly, in early May each year, the chapter raises awareness among benefactors and its members about the programme’s significance and to encourage contributions.

Subsequently, the 22 local associations survey information and compile a list of orphaned pupils facing hardships and needy children with a desire to learn.

They also take measurements for each pupil to tailor the uniforms accordingly. Based on the number of pupils, the ward-based Women’s Union allocates funds to purchase fabric and encourages members skilled in sewing to contribute their time to cut and sew green trousers and white shirts, ensuring completion before August 5 each year to deliver them to pupils.

Mrs. Phan Thi Kim Yen, Chairwoman of the Women’s Union No.1 in Thanh Khe District, is one of the core members of the “White ao dai for pupils” programme. Being skilled in sewing and knowledgeable about fabric sources, she is tasked with purchasing materials and taking measurements for each pupil.

Mrs. Pham Thi Lan, Chairwoman of the Women’s Union No.4 in Thanh Khe District, has got involved in the programme and is one of the main tailors.

In addition, the Women’s Union of Hoa Khe Ward also provides books, school bags, and scholarships to needy children; and health insurance cards for single mothers facing difficulties while raising their children.

Since 2023, the Women’s Union of Hoa Khe Ward has sewn and donated nearly 50 school uniforms, including 7 ‘ao dai’ for poor, orphaned pupils; donated over 500 notebooks and 25 scholarships, each worth VND 300,000 for underprivileged children; and provided 17 health insurance cards for single mothers in need.

As part of the “Godmother” programme initiated by higher authorities, since 2022, the ward-based Women’s Union and its chapters have taken responsibility for 6 orphans with exceptionally difficult circumstances. Each month, the godmothers visit these children’s homes to offer spiritual encouragement, and financial support, valued at at least VND 500,000; as well as share knowledge and life skills with the aim to help cover their educational and living expenses. This initiative serves to motivate these children and their families to overcome challenges.

Bui Cong Tien, a 12th-grader at Thanh Khe District’s Continuing Education Centre in residential group No.59, Hoa Khe Ward, is an orphaned child whose father is a mason, and he lives with his grandmother along with two siblings.

Since being supported by the ward-based Women’s Union, Tien has gained “second mothers” to help him fill the emotional void. Every month, the mothers visit him, give spiritual encouragement, share knowledge, and offer a gift of VND 500,000 to ease his family’s financial struggles.

According to leaders of the Women’s Union of Hoa Khe Ward, besides the fixed monthly support of at least VND 500,000 for each child, local chapters frequently visit and offer gifts of encouragement at the end of the school year, on International Children’s Day (June 1), the Mid-Autumn Festival, and the Lunar New Year; while also providing assistance in case of unexpected hardships faced by the families.

The total annual budget for social welfare activities and educational promotion amounts to approximately VND 25-30 million, sourced from funds raised through waste classification by 22 local chapters and contributions from benefactors.

“With a sense of responsibility, compassion, and the heart of a mother, the models and actions of the officials and members of the Women’s Union of Hoa Khe Ward have promptly supported and accompanied underprivileged students and orphans on their educational journeys, allowing them to study with peace of mind, contributing to social welfare and spreading the spirit of mutual support within the community” shared Nguyen Thi Nga, Vice Chairwoman of Hoa Khe ward-based People’s Committee.

Reporting by LAM PHUONG - Translating by TRUC VY