STORY OF THE MONTH
CHILDFUND VIETNAM HONORED TO RECEIVE A CERTIFICATE OF COMMENDATION FROM THE PEOPLE'S COMMITTEE OF TAN LAC DISTRICT
In June 2025, at the Conference on Reviewing Non-Governmental Work in Tan Lac District, Hoa Binh Province, ChildFund Vietnam was honored to receive a Certificate of Commendation from the Tan Lac District People’s Committee in recognition of its positive contributions to the implementation of development programs in the locality.
Over the years, ChildFund has closely collaborated with Tan Lac District across various areas such as child protection, education, health, and community development, contributing to improving the quality of life and building capacity for children and residents in six project communes. ChildFund representatives attending the conference, especially staff from the Hoa Binh Office, expressed their pride and emotion in having their community-centered efforts acknowledged and appreciated by local authorities.
The Certificate of Commendation is a meaningful source of encouragement for ChildFund to continue fulfilling its role as a trusted development partner, working together for a better future for children.
TIN TIN TICK & TALK
Ngan Son District Children’s forum 2025: “Listen to Children’s voices”
News: Bui Xuan Hoe – Project Coordination Officer
On June 3–4, 2025, 100 children — including 50 girls and 4 children with disabilities — representing over 8,000 children in Ngan Son District (Bac Kan Province) came together for the district-level Children’s Forum under the meaningful theme…
On June 3–4, 2025, 100 children — including 50 girls and 4 children with disabilities — representing over 8,000 children in Ngan Son District (Bac Kan Province) came together for the district-level Children’s Forum under the meaningful theme: “Listen to Children’s Voices.” This was not just an event, but a safe, friendly space that respected and amplified children’s voices.
Through creative and heartfelt skits written and performed by the children themselves, powerful messages were delivered on topics such as child abuse prevention, injury prevention, and ending violence against children. Lively group discussions tackled pressing local issues such as early marriage, school dropout, online grooming and scams, and child injuries — leading to open dialogue between children and local authorities, ensuring their voices were truly heard.
The 2025 Ngan Son Children’s Forum served not only as a platform for children to express themselves, but also as a moment for government, organizations, and society at large to reflect, assess, and commit to stronger, more practical actions to protect, care for, and support the holistic development of every child.
Summer Communication on Reproductive and Mental Health for Children in Tan Lac
News: Ung Thi Hien – Project Coordination Officer
In June 2025, more than 1,500 children across 48 hamlets in six communes of Tan Lac district, Hoa Binh province (including Phu Cuong, Phu Vinh, Ngoc My,…
In June 2025, more than 1,500 children across 48 hamlets in six communes of Tan Lac district, Hoa Binh province (including Phu Cuong, Phu Vinh, Ngoc My, Ngo Luong, Quyet Chien, and Suoi Hoa) participated in summer activities that integrated communication sessions on Adolescent Reproductive Health (ARH) and Mental Health/Social and Emotional Learning (SEL).
The sessions provided essential knowledge such as physical and emotional changes during puberty, menstrual hygiene, safe contraception, gender and sexual diversity, active listening, building positive relationships, managing conflicts, and relieving stress.
These activities helped children enhance their awareness, develop self-care confidence, and understand how to seek support when needed. The initiative also enriched summer programming and fostered a safe, supportive environment for children’s holistic development.
Conference on Project Review and Implementation Orientation in the Context of Administrative Merger
News: Hoang Ngoc Huan – Project Coordination Officer
On June 3rd, 2025, at the Na Ri District People’s Committee, ChildFund Vietnam and the Community Development Program Management Board co-hosted the FY2024–2025…
On June 3rd, 2025, at the Na Ri District People’s Committee, ChildFund Vietnam and the Community Development Program Management Board co-hosted the FY2024–2025 Review and Planning Conference for the upcoming phase.
In the context of administrative merger, delegates discussed options to adjust the project model, particularly the operation of the Na Ri District Association of People with Disabilities, whose project has recently been approved by the Bac Kan Provincial People’s Committee for an implementation extension.
The conference concluded with strong consensus on maintaining the commitment to support the community and flexibly adapting to administrative changes.
Celebrating the 2025 Vietnam Book and Reading Culture Day
News: Dinh Thi Thu Ha – Project Coordination Officer
As part of the “Ready to enter Primary school” project, a vibrant event celebrating the 2025 Book and Reading Culture Day was held at Phu Vinh Primary & Secondary School…
As part of the “Ready to enter Primary school” project, a vibrant event celebrating the 2025 Book and Reading Culture Day was held at Phu Vinh Primary & Secondary School (Tan Lac, Hoa Binh). The event aimed to promote an inclusive and friendly learning environment for all children and attracted nearly 550 participants, including 18 children with disabilities, spreading a love for books and the message of equality and inclusion.
The event created a creative space for learning and connection, featuring:
– Thematic book displays on history, science, children’s literature, life skills, and more.
– Storytelling sessions and creative dramatizations based on books.
– A book donation drive to build a “Shared Bookshelf” for the school library.
– Interactive activities and discussions on education transition, the rights of children with disabilities, and gender equality.
The event not only encouraged reading habits but also raised community awareness about the importance of reading and inclusive education.
Workshop on Project Wrap-up and Sharing Results: “Safe and Supportive Semi-boarding Schools for students”
News: Hoang Ngoc Huan – Project Coordination Officer
On June 12, 2025, in Bac Kan province, the Department of…
On June 12, 2025, in Bac Kan province, the Department of Education and Training (DoET) of Bac Kan, in collaboration with the DoET of Cao Bang, ChildFund Vietnam, and the district education offices of Ngan Son (Bac Kan) and Thach An (Cao Bang), organized a wrap-up workshop to share the results of Project VN03-042 after four years of implementation.
The workshop highlighted notable achievements in improving the living and learning environment for semi-boarding students through specialized resources such as MSC (guidelines for managing and supporting semi-boarding students), SEL (Social and Emotional Learning), and independent living skills.
The project contributed to strengthening the capacity of schools in managing, educating, and caring for students, while also promoting active engagement from parents and the wider community. A parent representative shared heartfelt reflections on the positive changes in their children, expressing deep gratitude to the teachers and project staff for their unwavering support in helping students grow and thrive.
To conclude the event, ChildFund Vietnam presented souvenirs as a gesture of appreciation to partners, educators, and community members who contributed to the project’s success.
CULTURE CORNER
THE FIRST BIRTHDAY PARTY AT THE NEW HANOI OFFICE
This June, the Hanoi Office hosted a warm and heartfelt birthday celebration for team members born between January and April. Though a small party, it was rich in meaning, reflecting the care and strong bonds among colleagues.
Notably, this was also the very first birthday party held in the newly rearranged office space, bringing a fresh, friendly, and cozy atmosphere. Heartfelt wishes, bright smiles, and small thoughtful gifts made it a truly memorable moment for everyone.
Wishing all our January, February, March and April birthday colleagues good health, happiness, and lots of positive energy in both work and life!
TREE WORSHIP - A SPIRITUAL JOURNEY AMID THE VAST FORESTS OF THE MUONG PEOPLE
In the worldview of the Muong ethnic group, nature is not only a living environment but also a sacred realm, home to deities and ancestral spirits. Among natural elements, trees – especially ancient ones like banyan, chu dong, fig, and kapok – are considered sacred entities closely intertwined with the community’s spiritual life.
The Muong believe that certain trees possess sacred qualities and serve as dwellings for supernatural beings. Thus, tree worship is not merely a folk belief but also reflects profound respect for nature and a deep humanistic spirit. Sacred trees are usually found at village entrances, water sources, or in ancient forests, places villagers dare not disturb.
On significant occasions, people offer gifts and prayers at these trees to seek protection, good harvests, and family well-being. This belief system is also embedded in the Muong people’s oral literature, most notably in the epic “De Dat, De Nuoc” (“Giving Birth to the Earth, Giving Birth to the Water”), considered their sacred text. In it, trees are personified, symbolizing the origins of life and standing witness to the creation of the land and the Muong villages.
The practice of tree worship is not unique to the Muong; many other ethnic minority groups in Vietnam also worship trees as part of traditional rituals. In some areas, sugarcane is used in funeral ceremonies or as wedding offerings. Upland rice is honored during new rice celebrations, based on the belief that the Mother Rice Spirit can call back the spirits of the rice seedlings, bringing abundance and prosperity to the community.
Tree worship, therefore, is not only a beautiful aspect of folk culture but also embodies a profound philosophy of harmony between humans and nature, a value that remains deeply relevant in today’s modern context.
DID YOU KNOW?
Walking is a simple habit that brings remarkable benefits for both physical and mental health. Depending on the number of steps taken each day, your body can experience different positive changes:
With just 5,000 steps a day, you help your body improve blood circulation, reduce stress, gently stretch your muscles, and make your joints more flexible – especially suitable for office workers and those with sedentary lifestyles.
This is considered the “gold standard” for health: 10,000 steps a day can improve cardiovascular health, lower blood pressure, boost metabolism, and release endorphins – helping you feel more refreshed, sleep better, and improve concentration.
At this level, you can burn 500–700 calories per day (depending on your pace and physical condition), enhance endurance, lose weight, and better manage blood sugar levels. This is ideal for those aiming to improve overall health or who engage in regular exercise.
- Take the stairs instead of the elevator
- Walk while talking on the phone
- Park farther away to add a few extra walking minute
- Set reminders to stand up and walk every 1–2 hours of work
- Invite friends or family for an after-dinner walk