On Sunday, April 20, 2025, the Red Cross Association at all levels in Cao Bang province has promoted its core role, coordinating humanitarian and charitable work, helping many difficult circumstances and less fortunate lives rise up in life. The association, under the leadership of its president, Vuong Van Thuan, has played a pivotal role in advising the Provincial Party Committee on effective implementation of humanitarian activities across the region.
Each year, the Red Cross Association focuses on encouraging and supporting the poor and those in challenging situations to reintegrate into the community. In 2024, the total value of humanitarian activities conducted by the association reached nearly 48 billion VND, assisting over 20,000 individuals in need.
Throughout the year, the association coordinated with various local sectors and organizations to regularly assess the needs of individuals facing hardships. This proactive approach has allowed them to mobilize resources effectively, ensuring that aid is both relevant and impactful. In 2024, they successfully supported the construction of 11 Great Solidarity houses and built or repaired 7 Red Cross houses for families in difficult circumstances across several districts, including Ha Quang, Hoa An, and Thach An.
Moreover, the association awarded scholarships from the Thien Tam Fund of Vingroup Group to 93 academically gifted but underprivileged students, providing them with opportunities to succeed in their education. They also offered livelihood support for raising breeding cows to 150 households affected by Storm No. 3, showcasing their commitment to sustainable development and poverty alleviation.
During the "Tet of Compassion" campaign in 2024, the Red Cross mobilized 9,468 gift packages for the poor, amounting to nearly 6 billion VND. This initiative not only provided immediate relief but also fostered a spirit of community and compassion among the residents.
In addition to direct aid, the association has been instrumental in providing educational materials to students. They distributed over 1,600 packages of milk, cakes, and school supplies to children in the districts of Hoa An, Ha Quang, and Bảo Lâm.
Emergency support also remains a priority for the Red Cross. In 2024, they provided urgent assistance to 19 individuals who suffered unexpected accidents, with a total value of nearly 100 million VND. Furthermore, they coordinated to raise 173 million VND to sustain the "Nutritious Porridge for Poor Patients" and "Loving Meal" initiatives at local hospitals. These programs provided over 13,770 bowls of porridge and 1,460 meals to underprivileged patients, ensuring they received nutritious food during their recovery.
The health and well-being of the community are paramount to the association. They collaborated with the health sector to organize numerous free medical examinations and distribute medications to 6,500 individuals, including war veterans, disabled persons, and impoverished families, with a total assistance value exceeding 2 billion VND.
Voluntary blood donation drives have also seen significant participation, with more than 10,000 people registering to donate blood across 30 events. The Provincial Red Cross successfully organized the "Red Journey - Drops of Hong Mien Non Nuoc" program, attracting over 1,500 participants and collecting 737 units of blood. Additionally, the event provided gifts to 27 children with congenital blood disorders being treated at the Provincial General Hospital.
In a related effort, Long Nang village, located in Ngoc Linh commune, has also benefited from community support. This village, home to 95 households primarily consisting of the Xo Dang ethnic minority, has faced significant economic challenges. The average income per person is about 12 million VND annually, with 27 households classified as poor.
Thanks to the collaborative efforts of educators, a "Community Library" was established, equipped with books, a television, computers with internet access, and outdoor toys, valued at over 180 million VND. This initiative was supported by the Ly Tu Trong Practice High School and Kon Tum Practice Kindergarten.
Phạm Đức Phước, the principal of Ly Tu Trong Practice High School, expressed pride in the project, stating, "When we initiated the library for the ethnic minority students in Long Nang, the entire school community rallied behind the cause." The library, which was renovated from an old school site, includes various educational resources aimed at fostering lifelong learning and creativity among the children.
Efforts to support Long Nang have been ongoing. The Department of Education and Training of Kon Tum province has invested over 600 million VND since 2024 to assist the village, including the construction of two learning promotion houses and outdoor play equipment for children.
In a heartfelt reflection, A Ây, a resident of Long Nang, shared, "We are grateful for the support that has provided us with a new home, allowing us to focus on our children's education and improving our living conditions." The local government has committed to further supporting the village in achieving rural development goals.
On April 19, 2025, the Thien Nhan Social Protection Center celebrated its 10th anniversary, highlighting its dedication to supporting children with autism and other disabilities. Founded by Nguyen Thi Thanh Tuyen, the center has provided care and educational resources to nearly 150 children over the past decade.
During the anniversary celebration, Lưu Thị Bích Ngọc, the center's director, emphasized the importance of early intervention for children with autism, noting that many parents still struggle to recognize the need for support. The center has successfully implemented various programs to enhance the children's language, social skills, and overall development.
As part of the celebration, Vietcombank's Hoi An branch donated a ball house to the center, creating additional recreational space for the children.
In Mang Yang district, the family of Mr. Dinh Hyon moved into a new home, thanks to the Ministry of Public Security's assistance program. The family received 60 million VND for construction, and local authorities provided additional support.
In conclusion, the collective efforts of various organizations, local governments, and community members have made significant strides in improving the lives of those in need across the regions of Cao Bang, Kon Tum, and Gia Lai. These initiatives not only provide immediate relief but also foster long-term development and community resilience.