Together

April 2022



Story of the Month

A 20-year journey of pride

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Tin tin Tick & Talk

“My right to education” project – A look back

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Culture Corner

The 3rd Anniversary of the launch of new core values

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Did you know?

Mini contest on values

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STORY OF THE MONTH

A 20-year journey of pride

Photos: Hoang Van Hung – Project Coordinator, Nguyen Thi Thom – Sponsor Relations Assistant
 
Rarely does a person have an occasion to celebrate 20-year anniversary of work. It must be a journey full of love and dedication that makes a person spend two decades working in an organisation. In this issue, let’s take a few minutes to chat with Nguyen Thi Le Thu, who has spent the past 20 years working with children and sponsors through Child Sponsorship Program. 

 

“In those days, there were not any roads leading to this village, so we had to walk 30 km across the forest and stream. I also carried a bag containing gifts for children there. Everyone in the team was bitten by insects in the forest. My feet were hurt as I did not wear sandals to avoid slipping…”

 

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You know, everything happens for a reason. So can you share with us what made you choose ChildFund? 
 
In 2002, I was having quite a decent job in a governmental agency in Thai Nguyen province while my husband was working in Bac Kan. Thanks to some of my friends, I was informed about the recruitment of ChildFund Vietnam regarding the position of Sponsor Relations cum Administration Officer based in Bac Kan. I decided to apply for this position, my purpose during that time was to shorten the geographical distance between me and my husband. 
 
How were your first days working in Bac Kan Office?
 
At that time, Bac Kan Office was just a small room located in a hotel. There were only four people in the office, including me and other three colleagues. My work revolved around ensuring the quality of children’s letters, carrying out medical checkups for children or organising events and annual excursion for them, etc. The first children whom I had the chance to support and work with are now grown up and some have become doctors and nurses working in the provincial hospital. I’m happy to know that they still remember me.  
 
Means of transport were extremely difficult. The roads were too narrow, to the extent that its width only equaled the width of my motorbike wheels. There were times when clay stuck to the bike, and I was unable to go any further. I had to walk the bike myself and tried to remove all the dirt from the wheels. A prime example was the road leading to Tu Tri Commune (Bach Thong District), which was really slippery and made it difficult for us to access. As a consequence, we could not go to this place during rainy days due to high water level and the lack of bridges. 
 
Regarding your work, can you share with us your most memorable moments?
 
I have a lot of memorable moments. One of which is a Child Enrollment trip in Nam Toc Village, Don Phong Commune. In those days, there were not any roads leading to this village, so we had to walk 30 km across the forest and stream. I also carried a bag containing gifts for children there. Everyone in the team was bitten by insects in the forest. My feet were hurt as I did not wear sandals to avoid slipping. We began our journey early in the morning but we did not reach Nam Toc Village until 1pm. Though we could not manage to arrive earlier, locals there were still waiting for us when we set our foot on the village. 
   
 
Therefore, we decided to have a quick meal with instant noodles and started our work.
 
Another memorable day is the day when ChildFund started projects in Na Ri. At first, everyone was reluctant to carry out activities in Na Ri because the road to Na Ri was also very difficult. But after seeing that the local people and children are very cooperative, I and other colleagues were energized and determined to go there.  
 
What are you most proud of in your work? 
 
I take full pride in my work as I am conscious of benefits which children and their community can derive from my work. For instance, when I first entered a certain area, I realised that the majority of children tended to be shy and timid. However, after participating in our projects, they usually gain a lot of confidence.    
 
What do ChildFund and Bac Kan Office mean to you? 
 
To me, everyone at ChildFund is my family member. Everyone cares and shares with one another, from managers to employees and among peers. When I suffered from health issues, I was touched by the care and support from my colleagues. People think I’m emotionally stable, but actually there are times when I feel discouraged. However, when I am surrounded by the love of everyone like that, I remind myself to try to overcome all difficulties.  

I think I am fortunate to become a ChildFund member and I am pleased to witness ChildFund’s growth over the years. 

How have you changed throughout the last 20 years? 
 
Thu in the past was only 45kg, so Thu in the past was still fit (laughing). Back in the day, I never thought about cutting my hair short, but when my hair came back (after the treatment), I decided to never have long hair again. After all the ups and downs in life, I am now calmer and more patient.
 
Do you have any hobbies? 
 
It’s definitely traveling. Ever since I had my children, my children have always been my top priority. Maybe in the near future, I will spend time to go on a trip. 
 
What do people usually think about you? 
 
People usually say that I am always nervous, looking busy and in a hurry. I think it’s true, but that’s my nature, and it’s hard to change (laughing).  
 
 
"When I suffered from health issues, I was touched by the care and support from my colleagues. People think I'm emotionally stable, but actually there are times when I feel discouraged. However, when I am surrounded by the love of everyone like that, I remind myself to try to overcome all difficulties."
Nguyen Thi Le Thu
Nguyen Thi Le ThuSponsor Relations Officer - Bac Kan Office
"Back in the day, I never thought about cutting my hair short, but when my hair came back (after the treatment), I decided to never have long hair again. After all the ups and downs in life, I am now calmer and more patient."
Nguyen Thi Le Thu
Nguyen Thi Le ThuSponsor Relations Officer - Bac Kan Office
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TIN TIN TICK & TALK

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Introducing “Lead Tenants” in Cao Bang!

News by Hoang Quoc Huy – Project Officer

Recently, 50 secondary school students from Quang Trong and Duc Thong schools were appointed “lead tenants”…

Recently, 50 secondary school students from Quang Trong and Duc Thong schools were appointed “lead tenants”. As a representative for each room in the school’s boarding area and temporary shacks near the school, these “lead tenants” will participate in a training on safe independent living skills, then, with the support of community facilitators, give guidance to their roommates.
 
In the introduction session on 31 March at Quang Trong School, the students learned about responsibilities and rights of the “lead tenants” and were given the opportunity to share their expectations when taking on a new role.
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Training course on gender for kindergarten and primary school 

News by Dinh Thi Thu Ha – Project Officer

In early April, within the framework of the project “Ready for Primary School”, ChildFund Vietnam organised…

In early April, within the framework of the project “Ready for Primary School”, ChildFund Vietnam organised a training course on gender in schools for key kindergarten and primary school teachers in Kim Boi, Hoa Binh.
 
Through games and group discussions, teachers shared their views about parents’ expectations when raising boys and girls, then further analysed to see how gender stereotypes are formed and how they contribute to perpetuating gender inequality. They were also encouraged to build new inspirational and loving messages such as “You can study according to your interests and talents” or “We believe in you” to use in class and conversations with children.
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The gift of boots for children in Cao Bang

News by Nong Thi Doanh – Sponsor Relations Officer

Every year in May – the beginning of Cao Bang province’s rainy season, the daily path to school of students…

Every year in May – the beginning of Cao Bang province’s rainy season, the daily path to school of students in Quang Hoa and Trung Khanh districts becomes even more challenging and dangerous due to slippery slopes and snakes.
 
This year, that familiar journey has become much safer and warmer for nearly 3,000 children thanks to the rain boots gifted by sponsors from France through Un Enfant par la Main and ChildFund Vietnam.
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Workshop to receive comments on the draft Circular regulating organisation and operation of ethnic minority semi-boarding schools

News by Hoang Van Hung – Project Coordinator

On 19 – 20 April 2022, representatives from the Ethnic Minority Education Department organised a fact-finding trip…
On 19 – 20 April 2022, representatives from the Ethnic Minority Education Department organised a fact-finding trip to some ethnic minority semi-boarding schools and schools with semi-boarding students in ChildFund’s project areas with the aim to draft Circulars to replace Circulars 24/2010/TT-BGDĐT and 30/2015/TT-BGDĐT regulating on organisation and operation of ethnic minority semi-boarding schools.
 
During this trip, the Ethnic Minority Education Department coordinated with ChildFund to organise a workshop to receive comments on the draft Circular regulating organisation and operation of ethnic minority semi-boarding schools. Attending the workshop were 105 delegates from 15 Departments of Education and Training, 15 ethnic minority semi-boarding schools/schools with semi-boarding students from 15 districts in Bac Kan and Cao Bang provinces. Participants actively shared information and contributed 15 comments focusing on core issues in the Circular.
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Series of events to celebrate Day of Persons with Disabilities

News by Ta Doanh Thu Hoai – Intern

“Inclusion and adaption – Shape a future” – that is the theme of Vietnamese Day of Persons with Disabilities this year
On 4 April, ChildFund and our local partners have organised a series of activities to celebrate this special day…
“Inclusion and adaption – Shape a future” – that is the theme of Vietnamese Day of Persons with Disabilities this year. On 4 April, ChildFund and our local partners have organised a series of activities to celebrate this special day.
 
To improve the community’s awareness on persons with disabilities (PWDs) and issues surrounding disabilities with an aim to promoting the inclusion of PWDs, Na Ri District Organisation of Persons with Disabilities (OPD) in cooperation with Na Ri District Project Management Board and ChildFund Vietnam has successfully organised the celebration of Vietnamese Day of Persons with Disabilities 2022 with the participation of nearly 100 delegates.
 
During the ceremony, 6 wheelchairs were given to the people with disabilities. At the end of the event, a communications parade took place in great excitement in Yen Lac town, Na Ri District. The event is an important milestone for the newly established Na Ri District OPD and all the people with disabilities in the district.
 
On the same day, a series of events were also held at schools in project communes of Cao Bang province. Through exciting games and experimental activities, teachers and students learnt more about disability-inclusive education in schools. The students, regardless of their physical characteristics, had moments of fun and sharing to understand each other better.
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Children’s Forum 2022: “Join hands to protect children – Speak up to prevent child abuse and violence”

News by Tran Thu Giang – Project Officer

With the theme “Join hands to protect children – Speak up to prevent child abuse and violence”, the forum received participation from the commune’s Department of Labor…
With the theme “Join hands to protect children – Speak up to prevent child abuse and violence”, the forum received participation from the communes’ Department of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs, commune leaders, police, medical staff, teachers, and 200 children living in the area.
 
Held simultaneously in four communes, the forum has created a great buzz locally on issues regarding child abuse and violence. In addition to discussing those issues, children also had the opportunity to directly speak with commune leaders, who are directly in charge of education, security, and children’s health in the commune. After the event, children understood more about child abuse risks, how to seek help as well as how to prevent and stop child abuse and violence.
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Parents of CwD receiving awareness raising training
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Supporting rooms for inclusive education built and equipped​
More details on results of "My right to education" project
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"My right to education project" on Thời Đại News
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CULTURE CORNER

The 3rd anniversary of the launch of new core values

To celebrate the 3rd anniversary of the launch of new core values (10 May, 2019 – 10 May, 2022), Hanoi Office Staff has gathered to reminisce about the past journey as well as achievements and propose ideas for the upcoming time. During the exciting event, staff also participated in quick games related to core values.

ADOs are looking forward to celebrating this 3rd anniversary shortly. ChildFund members will jointly elect “Value Champions” to develop an action plan, thus bringing the organisational values to life in ChildFund.

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  • Have a laugh with this fun little video! 

An interview with rapper Den Vau?

Have you ever wondered what would happen if rapper Den Vau applied for a position in ChildFund? Watch the video and find out!

Community Culture: Traditional Costumes of the Muong ethnic group

Content: Ha Thi Thu Dao – Admin and Project Support Officer

In Hoa Binh – a province where ChildFund has been carrying out projects, approximately 63% of the population belongs to the Muong ethnic group. Talking about the cultural distinctiveness of the Muong ethnic group, it is impossible not to mention the costumes of Muong women.

A Muong female costume consists of many elements such as the shirt, the bib, the headscarf, the belt, and the skirt (which includes two main parts: the waistband and the skirt). The most noticeable part of the Muong women’s costume is the skirt waistband, which is arranged in three parts. In these three parts, the Muong creatively duplicates symbols and patterns on the Dong Son drum in a delicate and sophisticated manner.

The jewelry set of Muong women is mainly made of silver and is divided into many types: sashes, peach boxes, bracelets, beads…

DID YOU KNOW?

Mini contest on organisational values

Players will need to answer 05 questions on organisational values on Quizizz platform. Please click on the button below, enter your name, press Start and then click on Start Game to start playing.
The quiz will be open until 12 May, 2022. The winners will receive amazing prizes. Good luck!
Click here

Together

April 2022

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