Since 2004, the Central Association for the Protection of People with Disabilities and Orphans in Vietnam has hosted the "One Heart - One World" charity art exchange program every April 18 to commemorate Vietnam Disability Day. Over the past two decades, this initiative has garnered significant attention from the Party, State, and society, including contributions from sponsors and international friends, highlighting a collective effort to support individuals with disabilities and orphans.
In 2024 alone, the Central Association and its member organizations mobilized an impressive 622 billion VND in cash and in-kind donations, which facilitated support for over 3 million beneficiaries through various activities. This remarkable funding allowed for substantial medical assistance, educational support, and improvements in living conditions for those in need.
Specifically, medical assistance was provided to 169,060 individuals, with a total value of 117 billion VND, covering essential services such as eye and heart surgeries, cleft lip and palate repairs, and health insurance cards. Additionally, the educational support program awarded 23,717 scholarships, both short-term and long-term, valued at over 42 billion VND. The initiative also donated 3,150 bicycles worth 5.6 billion VND to help children in need.
Beyond education, the Central Association has focused on improving living conditions for 1,029 households, with investments nearing 37 billion VND. This included the construction of 1,996 access roads, sanitation projects, and water systems, valued at 3.017 billion VND. Furthermore, gifts were distributed to over 634,000 individuals, totaling 235 billion VND, showcasing the extensive outreach of the program.
Moreover, the association provided livelihood and poverty reduction support to 3,793 people with disabilities and orphans, allocating 28.1 billion VND for this purpose. In a significant move towards digital inclusion, the program distributed 190 computers and smart devices, valued at over 1.7 billion VND, to help people with disabilities and orphans engage in online business and learning.
As part of its ongoing efforts, the association also launched a free online sales training program for nearly 200 individuals with disabilities, enabling 150 of them to earn between 2 to 5 million VND per month. The "Joining Hands to Support People with Disabilities and Orphans" QR code scanning initiative has raised over 530 million VND, further aiding in the provision of scholarships, bicycles, and wheelchairs.
Since 2018, Agribank has been a steadfast supporter of the Central Association Fund, contributing 2.5 billion VND for bicycles, scholarships, and Tet gifts. Looking ahead, Agribank plans to continue its support with an additional 300 million VND in 2025, reinforcing its commitment to this vital cause.
In response to the call from the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee, various provinces and cities, along with benefactors, have mobilized over 12 billion VND in funds and goods to assist individuals affected by natural disasters. This outreach has reached 14 provinces, providing essential support in the wake of devastating storms.
On the local level, the Association for the Protection of People with Disabilities and Orphans in Hoa Binh province has also actively participated in the celebrations for Vietnam Disability Day. The provincial association presented bicycles and scholarships to poor students and children with disabilities in Luong Son district, further emphasizing the importance of community engagement in supporting vulnerable populations.
As part of its efforts, the provincial Department of Health issued Official Dispatch No. 1059/SYT-CSXH on April 8, 2025, detailing plans for the Vietnam Disability Day celebration. The theme for this year is "Digital Technology and Accessibility for People with Disabilities," aiming to promote the use of technology to enhance access to information, education, and sustainable employment for individuals with disabilities.
In Hoa Binh province, there are currently 15,660 people with disabilities, including 3,373 with particularly severe disabilities and 9,919 with severe disabilities. The provincial association has coordinated with various agencies, departments, and organizations to organize activities such as cultural and sports exchanges, job counseling, and free medical examinations for people with disabilities.
In line with the theme of Vietnam Disability Day, the provincial association has planned promotional activities through public media and local outreach. They will donate 100 bicycles worth 167 million VND and 20 scholarships worth 1 million VND each to 120 poor students and children with disabilities in Mong Hoa commune and Luong Son district.
Additionally, the Center for Vocational Training for the Disabled, Minh Tam, located in Thach That district of Hanoi, is recruiting students for industrial sewing and office informatics classes. This initiative aims to provide vocational training and improve employment opportunities for people with disabilities, with successful participants receiving vocational certificates and potential job placements at local companies.
To further support people with disabilities, the association is also implementing a plan for free online sales training, connecting individuals with businesses to foster entrepreneurship. Notably, a Disability Singing Contest is scheduled for May 2025 in Thai Nguyen City, promoting artistic expression among individuals with disabilities.
On April 18, the Long Thanh Private Vocational Training Center in Hoa Binh plans to host an event welcoming sponsors and providing gifts to people with disabilities, further highlighting community involvement in supporting these individuals.
Moreover, various local units will organize cultural and sporting activities for people with disabilities, including tug-of-war competitions and singing contests, fostering a spirit of unity and celebration.
The commitment to social welfare in Hoa Binh province continues to grow, with initiatives focusing on supporting individuals with disabilities, orphans, and those in need. The ongoing efforts to enhance access to technology, vocational training, and social services aim to empower these vulnerable groups, allowing them to achieve greater independence and improved quality of life.
The actions taken by various organizations and individuals reflect a deepening commitment to social responsibility, creating a supportive environment for people with disabilities that resonates throughout the community and reinforces the cultural values of compassion and solidarity.
