Da Nang consistently implements effective programmes for the protection, care, and education of children, fostering an environment that enables their holistic development and contributes to the goal of creating a safe, child-friendly city.

Mrs. Nguyen Thi Kim Phuong, Head of the Office of Social Protection and Children at the municipal Department of Labour, Invalids, and Social Affairs, reported that Da Nang is home to over 329,700 children under 16, representing 25.5% of the population. Among them, 3,589 are in special circumstances, accounting for 1.09% of the child population, with nearly 10,500 children at risk of facing such circumstances (such as children from impoverished or socially vulnerable families).

Each month, the city provides social assistance to over 2,200 children without caregivers and those with disabilities, ensuring a nurturing environment for their development. Recently, in cooperation with the Women and Children's Support Association, the city initiated a congenital heart disease screening programme for more than 38,000 children across districts, funded with VND 120 million from the AOG World Relief (AOGWR). This effort has identified 23 disadvantaged children who received heart surgeries with nearly VND 90 million in support. Furthermore, the department collaborated with the Viet Nam Children's Fund and Nestle Viet Nam Ltd. to provide 192 boxes of nutritional products worth over VND 660 million to children in three social support centres across the city.

Since the beginning of the year, the Department of Labour, Invalids, and Social Affairs, the Department of Education and Training, and the Social Work Centre have jointly organised nine training courses on mental health care for nearly 400 teachers, healthcare staff at schools, and charity and children's rights advocates. In addition, various agencies, organisations, and local authorities have organised numerous activities to support children, ensuring their rights to education, talent development, recreation, and participation in issues affecting them.

In 2024's Children’s Action Month, the Da Nang People's Council and the People's Committee held a dialogue between city leaders and children. During this dialogue, 24 children expressed their concerns and suggestions on child-related issues. "The children’s aspirations will be studied, and proposals will be made for the city to develop action plans to support children in future, contributing to their comprehensive development," shared Ms. Phuong.

In recent years, the city has effectively implemented the "5 No's," "3 Have's," and "4 Safe's" programmes, particularly the goal of "No School Dropouts," which has been successfully maintained. The education sector has coordinated with relevant departments and local authorities to implement timely educational policies, such as tuition fee exemptions, reductions, educational support, and lunch subsidies for children. Especially in the 2023-2024 academic year, the Da Nang People's Council passed a resolution supporting tuition fees for preschool and general education students, as well as those in vocational education institutions.

According to Mr. Doan Ngoc Son, Vice Chairman of the Da Nang Association of Charities and Children's Rights Protection, during Children's Action Month and International Children's Day (June 1), the association collaborated with the Municipal Youth Union and the Women's Union to host the 5^th annual "Childhood Festival" themed "For the Happiness of Children," featuring various activities for 300 children in challenging circumstances, including art competitions, debates, folk culture knowledge quizzes, and more.

Since the beginning of the year, the association has raised funds to build three new homes and repair 14 houses for impoverished families with children, with a total budget of over VND 420 million. Additionally, the association has been proactive in communication, counselling, and monitoring to protect children’s rights, especially through the establishment of the Children's Rights Protection Lawyers Association. This body has contributed significantly to overseeing, identifying, and collaborating with relevant agencies to address many cases of child abuse effectively.

Ms. Phuong added that the Social Work Centre, under the Department of Labour, Invalids, and Social Affairs, serves as a resource for receiving, supporting, and intervening in cases where children are at risk of or have been abused, through the National Child Protection Hotline 111, the city’s Hotline 1022, and direct counselling at the centre. Thanks to the concerted efforts of various departments, humane policies from the Party and State, the active involvement of society, and effective support from international organisations, many children now enjoy their fundamental rights and better protection, care, and education.

Reporting by THIEN AN - Translating by TRUC VY