AWARDED 4 ROUNDS OF SUPPORT WITH 123 SCHOLARSHIPS WORTH 323 MILLION VND TO PEDIATRIC PATIENTS UNDERGOING TREATMENT AT THE CENTRAL HOSPITALS IN HA NOI (NATIONAL CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL, BACH MAI HOSPITAL, NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF HEMATOLOGY AND BLOOD TRANSFUSION)

On the occasion of International Children's Day, June 1, 2024, the "Happy Shelter Fund" and the Vingroup Young Female Leadership Club (VINLADIES) visited major hospitals in Hanoi, such as the National Children's Hospital, Bach Mai Hospital, and the National Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion. They provided support over four sessions, distributing 123 gifts worth a total of VND 323 million to pediatric patients being treated at these hospitals.

Additionally, they organized for hundreds of pediatric patients to visit the modern entertainment facilities at Vinhomes Ocean Park, with total ticket costs amounting to VND 56,751,500.

These children are from disadvantaged backgrounds, policy families, remote areas, and ethnic minorities. They are suffering from serious illnesses requiring long-term, specialized treatment at major hospitals. The goal was to offer them care, encouragement, and support to help them overcome their conditions and return to normal life as soon as possible.

         International Children's Day, celebrated on June 1, is known as a holiday for children. It is an opportunity for children to enjoy themselves and receive meaningful gifts from their loved ones. The origin of this day stems from a tragic story. On the morning of June 1, 1942, Nazi forces surrounded the village of Lidice (formerly in Czechoslovakia, now the Czech Republic), capturing 173 men and 196 women and children. Sixty-six people were killed, and 104 children were sent to concentration camps, where 88 perished in gas chambers, and nine were forced to work for the Nazis. Two years later, on June 10, 1944, Nazi forces surrounded the town of Oradour (France), herded 400 people into a church, including many women and over 100 children, and set it on fire, killing everyone inside. To honor the memory of the hundreds of innocent children brutally murdered by the Nazis, in 1949, the International Democratic Women's Federation decided to designate June 1 as International Children's Day, calling on governments to take responsibility for children's welfare, reduce military spending, and increase funding for education, protection, and care for children. Since 1950, June 1 has been celebrated as Children's Day worldwide.

Vietnam was the first country in Asia and the second in the world to ratify the Convention on the Rights of the Child. After gaining independence, June 1 and the Mid-Autumn Festival (on the 15th of the 8th lunar month) became festive occasions for children nationwide. On the first Children's Day (June 1, 1950), during the most difficult period of the resistance against French colonialism, President Ho Chi Minh still took the time to think of the nation's children and sent a congratulatory letter to the young pioneers. From then on, each year on Children's Day and Mid-Autumn Festival, children across the country eagerly awaited letters of congratulations from Uncle Ho.

President Ho Chi Minh cared deeply about children and offered them guidance to become good people. His "Five Teachings" for children became a key component of the education system for the Ho Chi Minh Young Pioneers Organization.

During his lifetime, President Ho Chi Minh was known for his love of children. He always devoted attention, care, and education to children, and his teachings and writings for the youth are considered priceless legacies of the nation and future generations of Vietnam.

On International Children's Day, June 1, 1969, President Ho Chi Minh urged the entire Party and the people to take greater responsibility for the care and education of children. In his Will, he affirmed, "Fostering the revolutionary generation for the future is very important and very necessary."

The letters from President Hồ Chí Minh to children on International Children's Day:

1. Letter to the children of the nation on June 1st

“Dear children, June 1st is the day for children all over the world.

All children should have enough to eat, play happily, and study like the children in the Soviet Union.

However, in capitalist countries, where workers are exploited, children are also exploited and must endure hardship.

For example: in America, one of the richest countries, there are wealthy people who live in luxury. But the children of workers, at the age of five or six, already have to work.

In our Vietnam, because of the war caused by the French, they burn houses, kill people, and steal from us. Therefore, adults must resist, and children must also resist.

I love you very much. I promise that when the French invaders are completely expelled, when we succeed in our resistance, I, along with the government and organizations, will strive to ensure that all children are well-fed, can play, study, and be happy.

I hope you will be well-behaved. I wish you good health. I send you many kisses."

UNCLE HỒ

Truth Newspaper, Issue 134, June 1st, 1950

2. Letter to the children of the nation on International Children's Day

"Affectionate greetings to the children of the nation,

The 1st of last month was International Workers' Day,

The 1st of this month is International Children's Day,

May 1st is a day when workers around the world show their solidarity and strength in struggle.

June 1st is the day for children to show their solidarity and strength in their struggle. Adults show their love for children and fight to protect children's rights.

Uncles, aunts, brothers, and sisters are fighting hard in the resistance, destroying French colonialists and defeating American intervention so that you may have freedom and not live in slavery.

They are also competing to increase production so that you may have enough food and clothes.

Thus, adults are fighting for the children.

But children also fight. How do children fight? By:

– Competing in study,

– Helping the families of wounded and fallen soldiers.

That is how you fight.

You must unite and love one another, among Vietnamese children, between Vietnamese children and the children of China, the Soviet Union, and other countries.

This is the spirit of internationalism. With that spirit, when you grow up, the world's children will not oppress, conflict with, or fight each other. Instead, you will be affectionate, help one another, and together enjoy the happiness of peace and democracy.

This time, I have spoken too long, can you understand? If any child does not understand, write me a letter.

I wish you good health, happiness, and diligence. I send you and your brothers and sisters around the world many kisses."

Uncle Hồ

Salvation Newspaper, Issue 1828, May 29, 1951

3. Letter to children inside and outside the country on June 1st

"Dear children,

Today, International Children's Day, I send warm greetings to children inside the country, to children in friendly nations, and to children around the world. I wish you joy, good health, good behavior, and progress.

I especially praise the children in temporarily occupied regions for actively participating in the resistance.

I send you many kisses."

June 1st, 1953

UNCLE HỒ

People's Newspaper, Issue 115, June 1–5, 1953

4. Letter to children across the country on June 1st

"To the children,

On the occasion of your International Festival, I affectionately wish you to be well-behaved, healthy, happy, and progressive. I send you kisses.

I also send, on your behalf, many kisses to the children of our friendly countries and the world."

Uncle Hồ

People's Newspaper, Issue 190, June 1–3, 1954

5. Letter to the children and staff of Southern schools (June 1st, 1955)

"Affectionate greetings to the children and staff of Southern schools,

I would like to visit you, but due to many tasks, I haven’t been able to. On the occasion of International Children's Day (June 1st), I affectionately wish you good health and happiness. I advise you as follows:

– First of all, love and help one another and stay united. Unite among older and younger children. Unite among children from different regions. Unite between children in the South and the local people. Unite between children and the staff.

– You must love labor and maintain discipline. Don't be too free, as too much freedom is not good.

– In daily life, you should practice self-reliance. Even the younger children should not be pampered.

– Compete in studying and in all activities to become organized, disciplined, innovative, and strong children.

As for the staff:

– You should feel at ease in your work. No job is as glorious as caring for and nurturing the future leaders of our nation.

– To fulfill this glorious task, you must truly unite, increase your sense of responsibility, and avoid competing for positions or wanting to change jobs.

– Love the children as your own, without discrimination between those from different regions. Every child is part of our great family and entrusted to you by the Party and Government to care for and educate.

– In work and study, strive to compete, share experiences, and continuously improve.

During your time here, close to the Party, the Government, and me, you should actively study and work: So that when the country is unified, when you return to your homeland, you will be exemplary in thought, morality, and in all aspects.

From now on, you and the staff should organize competitions. On National Day (September 2nd), I will award prizes to the children and staff with the best achievements. I send you many kisses."

June 1st, 1955

Hồ Chí Minh

Document preserved at Hồ Chí Minh Museum

6. Also on June 1, 1955, President Hồ Chí Minh published an article in Nhân Dân newspaper (Issue 455) addressing parents, organizations, and associations about their responsibility towards children.

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The children joyfully celebrate their International Children's Day, just as the working people cheerfully celebrate International Workers' Day on May 1.

At the same time, June 1 reminds adults (especially parents, teachers, and youth organizations) of their duties towards children.

Loving children means educating them with a modern democratic spirit and teaching them the "Five Loves": Love for the country, love for the people, love for labor, love for science, and love for public property.

We must skillfully nurture and educate the children, helping them to develop their health and intellect, becoming children with "Four Good Qualities": Active, bold, simple, and honest.

We must cultivate in the children the habits of solidarity and collectivism, foster their enthusiasm and creativity. We should help them gradually develop the character of new people: not afraid of difficulties, not afraid of hardships, bold and persistent.

Besides studying, we should guide children in collective and cultural recreational activities such as singing, dancing, acting, camping... and encourage them to participate in activities like increasing production, visiting wounded soldiers, and helping the families of martyrs.

In everything, we should guide children to act independently. Adults should not interfere in everything or take over all tasks; we should avoid being too rigid or restrictive, which could make children overly formal and timid, turning them into "old" children.

For the past 8-9 years, we have fought a resolute resistance war; now, we are determined to fight for peace, unity, independence, and democracy throughout the country—all with the aim of building a happy, joyful, peaceful, and prosperous life for our descendants. At the same time, we must carefully educate the children so that they grow into talented, virtuous citizens worthy of being the masters of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam.

C.B.

People's newspaper, Issue 455, June 1, 1955.

7. On June 1, 1956, President Hồ Chí Minh published an article in Nhân Dân newspaper (Issue 819):

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Today is International Children's Day. Schools, organizations, and associations help children organize enjoyable and beneficial activities.

June 1 reminds us that: Parents, teachers, and youth organizations are directly responsible for children, and all adults have a duty to contribute to the proper upbringing of the future generation of the nation.

We are working hard to carry out land reform. We are competing to restore the economy and develop culture. We are strengthening the North while caring for the South. We are determined to struggle to build a peaceful, unified, independent, democratic, and prosperous Vietnam. All our efforts and sacrifices aim to create a happy life for our children.

In both work and daily life, we strive to set a good example. The combined educational efforts of family and society will deeply instill in children a passionate love for the country, labor, and learning. This will help them grow into healthy, active, brave, and honest individuals. In the future, they will undoubtedly become good citizens and capable officials.

On this occasion, Nhân Dân newspaper wishes Vietnamese children and children around the world a very joyful holiday.

C.B.

People's newspaper, Issue 819, June 1, 1956.

8. On June 1, 1969, under the pen name T.L., President Hồ Chí Minh wrote an article titled "Increasing Responsibility for the Care and Education of Youth and Children" in Nhân Dân newspaper (Issue 5526). This was the last article out of more than 1,000 articles he wrote during his revolutionary career. The article was brief and addressed the achievements of children in both North and South Vietnam, as well as the existing challenges. From there, he outlined the responsibilities of organizations and institutions in caring for and educating the children.

Increasing Responsibility for the Care and Education of Youth and Children

In general, our children are very good.

In the South, the children are very brave, actively helping soldiers and families of those fighting in the resistance, serving as messengers, and even fighting guerrillas. Many children, just over 10 years old, have become heroes in the fight against the Americans.

In the North, children enthusiastically compete to perform “a thousand good deeds,” such as helping soldiers’ families, returning lost items, and bravely risking their lives to save friends...

In rural areas, children in many places help cooperatives care for healthy livestock, plant trees, and protect green spaces. Even though they are evacuated far from their families, they strive to overcome difficulties, respect their teachers, love their friends, unite with local people, and excel in both study and work. Many children excel in all subjects, earning high grades and receiving awards from Uncle Hồ.

Hundreds of children with outstanding achievements have been awarded Hồ Chí Minh badges. More than two million children have been recognized as “Uncle Hồ’s Good Children.”

Our people are very proud of having such progressive children. I hope they continue to strive and improve.

However, there are still a few children who are falling behind because they haven’t been properly cared for and educated.

Youth and children are the future masters of our country. Therefore, taking good care of and educating them is the duty of the entire Party and people. This task must be pursued persistently and consistently. In the coming time and during this summer, we must intensify our efforts in youth and children's work to achieve significant and practical results.

First, families (i.e., grandparents, parents, siblings) must do this work well. Local Party committees, neighborhoods, and cooperatives must take practical and regular responsibility. The Youth Union, education sector, and other sectors and associations must have concrete plans to care for and educate children, helping them become healthier and more progressive. Provincial and city Party committees must oversee and ensure good results.

For the future of our children and nation, everyone in every sector must be determined to provide the best care and education for our children. 

People's newspaper, Issue 5526, June 1, 1969.

Reading the letters and writings that President Hồ Chí Minh dedicated to children on each Children's Day, throughout the revolutionary periods of the country and in his life full of dedication and sacrifice, we see how deeply he cared about children. His concern for the younger generation and children was evident in his way of living, his ethics, and his strategic and scientific vision. In his will, he also mentioned children twice. In the opening paragraph, he wrote: “I intend that, on that day, I will travel across both North and South Vietnam to congratulate our heroic comrades, visit the elderly, and meet with our beloved youth and children.”

In the concluding section, he wrote: “Finally, I leave behind boundless love for all people, for the Party, for the military, and for the youth and children.”

President Hồ Chí Minh's affection for Vietnamese children is as vast as the sky and sea. His love and concern for the children never diminished. Following his philosophy of “Taking good care of and educating children is the duty of the entire Party and people,” our Party, government, and people have always placed great importance on protecting, caring for, and educating children.

          1. Donating 70 million VND to 32 pediatric patients at the National Children's Hospital (Hanoi)

On May 31, 2024, the Happy Home Foundation, in collaboration with the National Children's Hospital under the Ministry of Health (Hanoi), provided financial support for 32 pediatric patients from disadvantaged backgrounds, suffering from serious illnesses, requiring long-term and specialized treatments at the hospital. A total of 70 million VND in cash was distributed to aid in their treatment.

At the donation ceremony, Associate Professor Dr. Nguyễn Thị Tố Quyên, Chairwoman of the Management Council and Executive Director of the Happy Home Foundation, expressed her sympathy for the hardships faced by the young patients and their parents whose children must undergo long-term, specialized treatments. She wished for the children’s speedy recovery so they could return to their families, communities, and society.

The leadership of the National Children's Hospital thanked the Happy Home Foundation for its ongoing support over the years. On the occasion of International Children's Day on June 1st, the foundation extended its care to the children undergoing treatment at the hospital.

2. Support for 30 pediatric patients at Bạch Mai Hospital, Hanoi

         

On June 1, 2024, in celebration of International Children's Day, the Happy Home Foundation and Vingroup's Young Female Leaders Club (VINLADIES), in collaboration with the leadership of Bạch Mai Hospital and the hospital's Social Work Department, provided assistance to 30 pediatric patients suffering from serious illnesses. These children come from policy beneficiary families, families of war veterans, ethnic minority communities, and remote areas, requiring long-term and specialized treatment at the Pediatrics Center of Bạch Mai Hospital. The total support amount was 72 million VND, along with gifts such as sweets and toys.

At the gift-giving ceremony, a representative of Vingroup's Young Female Leaders Club (VILADIES) expressed that the young female leaders of Vingroup are always concerned about children in difficult situations, especially those who are seriously ill. This time, the club was delighted and honored to collaborate with the Happy Home Foundation, the leadership of Bạch Mai Hospital, and the Social Work Department to offer support and gifts to the children being treated at the Pediatrics Center of Bạch Mai Hospital. They also hope to continue such charitable activities in the future.

Representatives of families expressed their gratitude to the sponsors for their care, sharing, and encouragement of children on the occasion of Children's Day, June 1, 2024.

 

3.Awarded 30 scholarships with a total value of 90 million VND to pediatric patients at the Central Hospital of Hematology and Blood Transfusion

On June 15, 2024, continuing the charity journey on the occasion of Children's Day, the Happy Shelter Fund, the Vingroup Young Female Leaders Club (VINLADIES) in collaboration with the leaders of the Central Hospital of Hematology and Blood Transfusion presented support to 30 pediatric patients with serious illnesses, children of policy families, families of meritorious people, ethnic minority families, remote and isolated areas who are receiving long-term treatment and intensive treatment at the Central Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion with an amount of 90 million VND and some gifts in kind such as candy and children's toys.

Speaking at the gift-giving ceremony, Dr. Nguyen Tuyet Minh, representing the leaders of the Happy Shelter Fund, thanked the leaders of the Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion for having, and continuing to accompany the Happy Shelter Fund to share the difficulties of the pediatric patients being treated at the Institute. Dr. Nguyen Tuyet Minh wishes the patients good luck and to try to actively treat themselves so that they can soon return to their families, schools, and society.

4. Awarded 31 scholarships with a total value of 91 million VND to pediatric patients at the National Children's Hospital

On June 15, 2024, Happy Home Fund coordinated with the National Children's Hospital to provide support to 31 seriously ill children being treated at the National Children's Hospital, with an amount of VND 91 million. The Vingroup Young Female Leaders Club (VINLADIES) also presented additional gifts of candy and toys to the children.

 

5. Taking children being treated at hospitals in Hanoi to visit entertainment areas at Vinhomes Ocean Park Urban Area with a total ticket value of 56,751,500 VND

Along with providing cash support and gifts to children (cakes, candies, toys, etc.), the Happy Home Fund and Vinladies organized hundreds of children being treated at hospitals in Hanoi to visit and play at the most modern entertainment areas in Vinhomes Ocean Park Urban Area, Hanoi.

This is a very meaningful activity on the occasion of Children's Day, June 1, 2024; it is a great spiritual gift to encourage children to overcome difficulties and illnesses, wishing to be lucky enough to return to the community, school, and society.