Family Day at ChildFund Vietnam offices has truly become an emotional and meaningful bonding journey. This occasion is not only an opportunity for ChildFunders and their families to momentarily step away from the work routine but also a chance to share warm and intimate moments. The event was organised with a series of diverse and engaging activities, from lively team games to cosy parties filled with laughter. Family Day is not merely a celebration of joy but also a solid bridge that strengthens the connection between employees, their families, and the organisation, spreading a spirit of unity and sharing in a friendly and humane working environment.
ChildFund Vietnam receives a Certificate from Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations
News by: Communications team
On the afternoon of 20th December in Hanoi, the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations (VUFO) held an…
On the afternoon of 20 December in Hanoi, the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations (VUFO) held an Information Sharing Conference and a Ceremony to Acknowledge the Contributions of Foreign Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) to Vietnam in 2024. The event was attended by representatives of foreign NGOs operating in Vietnam, along with various ministries, sectors, and localities that have strong partnerships with these organisations.
Mr Phan Anh Son, President of VUFO, expressed sincere appreciation and gratitude for the valuable efforts of foreign NGOs that have made significant contributions to the country’s overall development.
At the Ceremony recognising the contributions of foreign NGOs to Vietnam in 2024, ChildFund Vietnam was honoured to be one of 35 organisations awarded a certificate of merit by VUFO. ChildFund is committed to continuing its collaboration with the government, constantly innovating to ensure its development programmes create positive changes in the lives of children and their families
ChildFund Vietnam’s Mark at the Aid Mobilisation Conference in Hoa Binh
News by: Tran Van Tu – Project Coordination Officer
On 23 December 2024, the Aid Mobilisation Conference for Foreign Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) in…
On 23 December 2024, the Aid Mobilisation Conference for Foreign Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) in Hoa Binh took place with the aim of strengthening cooperation between NGOs and local authorities to promote sustainable development.
At the conference, ChildFund Vietnam was proudly recognised by the leadership of the Department of Planning and Investment (DPI) for nearly 30 years of partnership with Hoa Binh province. Mr Bui Quang Diep, Director of the DPI, highly appreciated ChildFund’s projects and programmes, noting that they not only align with the province’s development plans but also contribute to enhancing the management capacity of local agencies and organisations, while driving positive changes within the community.
Speaking at the conference, Mr. Nguyen Sang, ChildFund’s Regional Manager in Hoa Binh, reaffirmed ChildFund’s commitment to continuing its partnership with the province by expanding development programmes and seeking additional international funding to support disadvantaged communities in areas such as child protection, education, healthcare, digital transformation, and climate change adaptation. He also expressed confidence that, under the wise leadership of the Provincial People’s Committee, along with the joint efforts of NGOs and local communities, Hoa Binh will continue to achieve new milestones on its path towards sustainable development.
Promoting Social-Emotional through Training Sessions for Students in Hoa Binh
News by: Ung Thi Hien – Project Coordination Officer
In December 2024, training sessions promoting the practice of Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) were organised with…
In December 2024, training sessions promoting the practice of Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) were organised with the participation of 209 core students from seven lower secondary schools in the project areas of Tan Lac District, Hoa Binh Province.
These sessions equipped students with essential and systematic knowledge of SEL to develop project implementation plans, providing opportunities to practise through the formation of “SEL Squads.” These squads will brainstorm ideas, plan their team projects, and implement them over a period of 4–8 weeks. Throughout the project, student leaders will guide their teams under the supervision and support of teachers. The “SEL Squads” will hold regular meetings to conduct project reflection sessions, summarising lessons learned in SEL and sharing the knowledge they have gained.
This event is part of the “Healthy and Happy Students” project, aimed at spreading SEL knowledge more widely among students and fostering related skills through project-based learning.
The “Little Soldier” Immersive Role-Playing Experience Activity
News by: Dinh Thi Thu Ha – Project Coordination Officer
On 22 December 2024, a special event titled “Little Soldier” was held at Phu Cuong and Phu Vinh Kindergarten in…
On 22 December 2024, a special event titled “Little Soldier” was held at Phu Cuong and Phu Vinh Kindergarten in Tan Lac District, Hoa Binh Province, as part of the “Ready for Primary School” project. This engaging experience activity was designed to support children during the transition from preschool to primary school, incorporating content on gender equality to help children develop holistically in areas such as physical, cognitive, language, emotional, and social skills.
The event attracted the participation of not only preschool children and primary school students but also parents, teachers, and local leaders from Phu Cuong and Phu Vinh communes. During the programme, children learned about the significance of 22 December – Vietnam People’s Army Day – and took part in activities such as making greeting cards for soldiers, watching educational videos, interacting with older primary school students, and participating in games and quizzes.
The event was not only a meaningful playtime but also conveyed the importance of the transition period, laying a strong foundation for children as they prepare to enter grade one. Moreover, the activity helped ethnic minority children improve their Vietnamese language skills and reinforced gender equality rights in both learning and play experiences.
International Day of Peopl with Disabilities Seminar on 3 December
News by: Hoang Ngoc Huan – Project Coordination Officer
On 3 December 2024, a seminar to commemorate International Day of Persons with Disabilities was…
On 3 December 2024, a seminar to commemorate International Day of Persons with Disabilities was successfully held in Na Ri District, Bac Kan Province, under the theme “Enhancing the Leadership Role of Persons with Disabilities for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future.”
The seminar was attended by 133 delegates, including local authorities, social organisations, and a large number of persons with disabilities. It provided a platform for sharing, listening, and collective action to create a barrier-free, inclusive society.
During the seminar, delegates focused on solutions to promote social inclusion, improve livelihoods, and strengthen the leadership capacity of persons with disabilities in Na Rì District.
In his speech, a representative of the organisers stated: “This seminar is not only an opportunity to hear the stories, challenges, and aspirations of persons with disabilities but also a bridge for all parties to take action towards a barrier-free society, where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”
The event concluded with a commitment from local authorities to continue supporting and providing the best conditions for persons with disabilities in Na Rì District to play an active role in all fields.
Training Sessions for Village Health Groups and Core Parents
News by: Nguyen Thi Phuong – Senior Project Coordination Officer
In December 2024, 10 training sessions on nutrition knowledge and early interactive education were held…
In December 2024, 10 training sessions on nutrition knowledge and early interactive education were held in 10 communes in Ngan Son District, Bac Kan Province, and Thach An District, Cao Bang Province. The event attracted 102 participants from local health groups and core parents in the project areas, including 32 males and 70 females.
The training sessions equipped core parents with essential knowledge on nutrition care during the first 1,000 days of life, early education, and interactive methods to support children’s holistic development. Additionally, participants were trained in organising communication sessions and engaging in community-based activities.
After the programme, the core parents gained the knowledge and skills needed to organise communication activities and effectively support local families. These efforts not only improve the health and development of children but also help raise awareness and promote positive behaviour changes within the community.
“Then singing” and “Dan tinh” is a distinctive cultural feature of the Tay people, deeply imbued with spiritual values and emotional life. Since ancient times, “Then singing” has been considered a bridge between humans and deities during rituals for peace and good harvests, with the hope for prosperous crops and a prosperous life. Besides its spiritual significance, “Then singing” and “Dan tinh” also serve as entertainment, an outlet for expressing emotions, and a way to praise the homeland, love, and labor, enriching the spiritual and cultural life of the community.
In Bac Kan Province, the art of “Then singing” and “Dan tinh” has been passionately preserved and promoted by dedicated artisans. Cultural activities such as Then singing festivals and summer classes for children have become important bridges, helping the younger generation better understand and appreciate traditional cultural values.
Especially, since UNESCO recognised “Then singing” and “Dan tinh” as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, Bac Kan Province has strengthened activities to conserve and promote this heritage. These programs are meticulously organised, carrying the distinctive sounds of the highlands, contributing to the wide promotion of ethnic culture.
Efforts to preserve and promote “Then singing” and “Dan tinh” not only safeguard ethnic cultural identity but also play an important role in socio-economic development, boosting local tourism.
Christmas is a festive occasion filled with vibrant colours and joy, intertwined with many customs and fascinating stories. From the origins of the holiday to iconic symbols like the Christmas tree and Santa Claus, every detail carries deep historical and cultural significance. Let’s explore 5 special facts about Christmas, ChildFunders!
Although Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, 25th December is never mentioned in the Bible. Most historians believe that Jesus was born in the spring. It wasn’t until the 3rd century that this date was officially chosen as the holiday. Many studies suggest that it was selected because it coincided with the Roman festival of Saturnalia — a celebration of the god Saturn, known for its long feasts and the tradition of exchanging gifts.
Not many people know that Santa Claus is based on the figure of St. Nicholas, a 4th-century Christian bishop. St. Nicholas used all his inherited wealth to help the poor. Over time, his legend spread, and he became known as Sinter Klaas in the Netherlands, which gradually evolved into Santa Claus. Today, the jolly, plump Santa has become a symbol of the protector of children, a kind and benevolent figure who brings joy (gifts) to well-behaved children.
Santa Claus used to wear various coloured outfits over the years, including red, blue, white, and green. However, the image of the legendary figure became widely popular when he was depicted wearing a red suit in Coca-Cola advertisements in the 1930s.
Stockings hung by the fireplace are an iconic part of Christmas, and the tradition originated in the Netherlands. It all began with a heartwarming story: A poor man could not afford dowries for his three daughters as they were about to marry. St. Nicholas, wanting to surprise them, secretly dropped a bag of gold down the family’s chimney. The bag landed in one of the stockings hanging to dry by the fireplace. This act of kindness became a symbol of love, and thus, the tradition of hanging stockings for gifts was born.
Lames Lord Pierpont, an organist from Savannah, Georgia, first performed his composition “The One Horse Open Sleigh” at a Thanksgiving concert at his church. The song was later republished in 1857 under the title “Jingle Bells.” Interestingly, it was also the first song ever played in space, when the Gemini 6 crew played it on 16th December 1965.