Ho Chi Minh City is taking substantial measures to support vulnerable children through the launch of the project "Connecting and Providing Support Services for Groups of Children with Special Circumstances and at Risk of Special Circumstances." This initiative, announced on February 19, 2025, is backed by the Ho Chi Minh City Children’s Rights Protection Association and the Saigon Children’s Charity, with total funding exceeding 8.5 billion VND.
Targeted at children who are at risk of falling through the cracks of society, this project aims to improve intervention effectiveness and provide comprehensive development opportunities—mentally, physically, and emotionally—for affected children and youth.
One poignant example is the story of T, a 12-year-old boy who used to make ends meet by performing dangerous street acts. T’s life changed dramatically when he was discovered by benevolent parties who connected him to educational opportunities, allowing him to enroll in informal classes. “This job is hazardous and not good for my health. I don’t want to go back anymore. I just want to go to school and become a great chef one day,” T shared, reflecting the aspirations now ignited within him.
At the project's announcement, Pham Dinh Nghinh, the Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Children’s Rights Protection Association stated, "The project not only provides food, nutrition, health insurance, and educational support for these children; it also includes training programs to raise awareness about child protection among teachers and caregivers. Legal assistance, documentation support, and psychological intervention packages will help these families break barriers and access education more effectively."
Damien Robert, the Executive Director of Saigon Children’s Charity, shared the organization's motivation for backing this project. “Saigon Children’s Charity is registered in the UK and has been operating entirely within Vietnam since 1992, focusing on education with the mission of removing barriers to schooling for disadvantaged children. We learned about the challenges faced by children with special circumstances who, for various reasons like lack of documentation and tough family situations, miss out on education and enter the workforce early, often facing abuse and societal dangers. We desire to see no child left outside the school gates due to difficult circumstances.”
The project is set to offer nutritional and healthcare support for approximately 270 to 300 children annually by 2028 and will finance educational expenses, equipment, and uniforms for at least 80 at-risk children each year. It will also conduct training programs to raise awareness about children’s rights for over 40 to 50 educators and caregivers working with disadvantaged children who cannot attend formal schools.
Notably, Saigon Children’s Charity operates under four primary programs: building schools in remote areas, providing scholarships for disadvantaged children, supporting youth with vocational skills, and delivering special education for children with disabilities. The organization transparently reports its finances annually on both the UK Charity Commission website and its own site, ensuring accountability and trust.
Legal assistance provides another layer of protection and advocacy for vulnerable children. According to the Legal Aid Center of Hanoi, legal support for minors has made significant strides. With 146,000 cases since the program's inception, many have resulted successfully through judicial proceedings.
On February 23, 2024, a notable case involved N, a minor accused of public disorder after igniting firecrackers outside his home. His actions led to legal scrutiny, and his potential imprisonment loomed. The legal aid staff swiftly intervened, guiding N through the legal process and advocating for minimal sentencing. Notably, thanks to the legal support, N was sentenced to 18 months probation instead of incarceration, allowing him to continue his education and live with his family.
The enhancement of legal aid for children under 18 is rooted deeply within Vietnam's legal framework. Thanks to the 2017 Legal Aid Law, minors facing financial difficulties are entitled to free legal support. When the Juvenile Justice Law takes effect on January 1, 2026, all underage individuals involved in criminal cases will automatically qualify for free legal aid.
Phan Thi Thu Trang, Deputy Director of the Hanoi Legal Aid Center, reported impressive statistics for 2024, reflecting the organization's impact—3,284 cases were received, including 653 for minors. A focus on proactive legal assistance is fundamental to protecting the rights and interests of children.
The project, which supports disadvantaged children and families, is not only addressing immediate educational needs but also working to reduce future risks of exploitation and poverty, aligning with broader goals of social equity and support for vulnerable populations.
With these initiatives, Ho Chi Minh City demonstrates its commitment to safeguarding children’s rights, ensuring they have access to educational opportunities, protection from harm, and the chance to succeed regardless of their circumstances. Each child, like T, carries the hope for brighter futures, emphasizing the urgent need for continued support and effective intervention.