Warmth of godparents’ embrace
The ‘Godparents’ program run by the Hai Phong Women's Union at all levels provides encouragement and affection, helping orphaned children grow up with confidence.
A new source of support for orphaned children
For Nguyen Thi N., a student at Kinh Mon Senior High School, the “Godmother” program has brought great comfort following the losses she has experienced in life. N. lost her father when she was in fourth grade. Without her father's care, she has faced many difficulties, particularly financial worries and concerns about continuing her education.
Through the program, N. was connected with a godmother who regularly checks on her, offers encouragement and provides financial support so she can continue attending school. This assistance not only eases the family's financial burden but also helps her feel the love and protection of someone who is not related to her by blood.
The program's greatest contribution goes beyond material assistance. It also provides affection, confidence and motivation, encouraging children to pursue their dreams. Having experienced such kindness, they come to better understand the value of compassion and hope to pass on that kindness when they are able.
In Hung Dao Ward, through outreach and resource mobilization, the Ward Women's Union has sponsored 22 local orphans with VND 500,000 per children per month. In addition to financial assistance, Women's Union officials and members regularly visit the children, keep track of their circumstances and provide timely encouragement to them and their families.
To date, the Women's Union of Hong Chau Commune has become the godparent of 10 orphaned children. Despite the locality's difficult conditions, the union has sustained the program thanks to contributions from its members. More than 6,300 members each contribute VND 6,000 annually to a fund supporting orphaned children.
Through flexible approaches tailored to local conditions, Women's Unions at all levels have become a bridge connecting disadvantaged children with compassionate organizations and individuals. Each successful connection gives another child an opportunity to receive care, support and long-term companionship.
Spreading kindness so no orphan is left alone
According to the Hai Phong Women's Union, the city has more than 5,500 orphaned children, many of whom have lost both parents and lack not only material necessities but also the care and guidance they need as they grow up. They urgently need long-term attention and support from families and the community.
After four years of implementing the “Godmother” program, Women's Unions at all levels across the city have sponsored 1,838 disadvantaged orphaned children, providing total support worth more than VND 22 billion.
Building on these results, the City Women's Union is gradually developing and expanding the initiative into the “Godparents” program, encouraging broader participation from men, women, organizations, agencies, businesses and responsible members of the community.
Tran Thu Huong, Standing Vice Chairwoman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Hai Phong and Chairwoman of the City Women's Union, said: “Through the ‘Godparents’ program, we hope to mobilize more organizations, individuals, businesspeople, officials, armed forces personnel, workers and intellectuals to participate. Children need not only material support but also companions and mentors who can guide them and help them develop life skills, resilience and the confidence to overcome life's challenges.”
From devoted godmothers to responsible godfathers, every act of kindness helps create a wider embrace of love for orphaned children.
MINH NGUYET