In a significant move to protect vulnerable children in Vietnam's Nghe An province, the Blue Dragon Children's Foundation has launched a comprehensive two-year project aimed at enhancing social services and assistance for children in special circumstances, including victims affected by human trafficking and abuse. This initiative, backed by a generous 3.3 billion VND grant from Blue Dragon International, was officially adopted by the Nghe An Provincial People's Committee on January 10, 2025.
The project focuses particularly on mountainous and remote areas such as Kỳ Sơn and Tương Dương, where poverty and the risk of human trafficking remain alarmingly high. Local authorities, health officials, and community leaders gathered at a recent conference to discuss the project's implementation, underscoring its critical role in safeguarding children’s rights and well-being.
According to Ms. Skye Maconachie, Co-Executive Director of Blue Dragon International in Vietnam, "This is an important project with profound humanitarian significance. Every child deserves a good life." Her words resonate deeply, considering the project's ambitious goals to not only rescue children from dangerous situations but also to reunite them with their families whenever possible and provide all necessary services for their recovery and development.
The project is spearheaded by the Nghe An Provincial Children's Protection Fund and operates with a clear three-pronged strategy. First, it provides social services and emergency support to children who are victims of trafficking or abuse, as well as their families. This includes covering travel expenses, accommodation, essential supplies, and long-term protection measures such as school supplies, medical care, psychological counseling, vocational training, livelihood support, and even home repairs.
Second, the initiative focuses on education, healthcare, and protection for children in highland regions. Scholarships are awarded to 220 students at high risk of dropping out, while six student clubs have been established across local schools, engaging 90 members and attracting over 2,300 participants in various school activities. These clubs foster a supportive community for children, promoting life skills and awareness about child protection and early marriage prevention.
Third, the project emphasizes monitoring, field visits, and robust project management to ensure transparency, effectiveness, and adherence to legal standards. The Nghe An Department of Health plays a pivotal role, committing to active collaboration in health examinations, psychological counseling, and treatment support for the beneficiary children.
Local law enforcement agencies are also on board, with representatives from the Provincial Police and local authorities pledging close cooperation to enhance child safety and community security. Phó Trưởng phòng Cảnh sát hình sự, Thượng tá Trần Văn Hùng, shared insights on combating human trafficking and rescuing victims, highlighting the importance of coordinated efforts.
Furthermore, the project addresses the social welfare needs of children in difficult circumstances by providing monthly allowances, school supplies, health checkups, and livelihood support to over 140 children in the community. It also supports 41 child victims or suspected victims of trafficking with initial care and emergency services, while 61 victims and their families receive ongoing support to stabilize their lives.
Education and community engagement are central pillars of the initiative. Approximately 4,800 children and students participate in communication campaigns and extracurricular activities designed to raise awareness about child protection and prevent early marriage. Additionally, 100 students, teachers, and child protection officers receive capacity-building training covering presentation skills, life skills, and preventive measures.
Recognizing the importance of cultural and social inclusion, the project organizes recreational activities for 2,200 children during holidays and festivals, and distributes gifts and warm clothing packages to over 1,300 children in special circumstances. Meanwhile, around 400 students and 100 teachers benefit from upgraded school facilities and equipment, enhancing the learning environment.
Phó Giám đốc Sở Y tế Nguyễn Văn Nam expressed gratitude towards Blue Dragon International for their support, emphasizing the Department of Health's dedication to working alongside the Children's Protection Fund for the successful rollout of the project. He stated, "We commit to accompanying the Children's Protection Fund to effectively implement this project in the province, delivering practical value to the children." His remarks highlight the spirit of partnership vital to the project's success.
Local leaders, such as Phó Chủ tịch UBND xã Hữu Kiệm Nguyễn Xuân Bắc, shared positive feedback on the project's impact within their communities, especially in combating human trafficking and the illegal trade of fetuses. These testimonies underscore the tangible benefits the project brings to remote and vulnerable populations.
As the project unfolds over the next two years, its comprehensive approach aims to create a safer, healthier, and more supportive environment for children at risk. By combining rescue operations, social service provision, education, healthcare, and community engagement, the initiative sets a new benchmark for child protection efforts in Vietnam’s most vulnerable regions.
The Blue Dragon Children's Foundation and its partners demonstrate a powerful commitment to transforming the lives of children who face the gravest dangers. Their work embodies hope and resilience, ensuring that these children are not only protected but also empowered to thrive in their communities.
