Warm Embrace of the “Godmother” Program
The “Godmother” program launched by the Vietnam Women's Union has become a source of love and support for thousands of orphaned and disadvantaged children across Vietnam. Through the collective efforts of communities and benefactors, many children have found renewed strength to overcome hardship, continue their education and hold on to their dreams.
Mothers of Compassion
Inside a small house tucked away in Residential Group 13, Phan Thiet Ward, a ceremony to present support to young Pham Ngoc Truc Ngan unfolded in a warm and intimate atmosphere.
Truc Ngan, a fourth-grade student at Duc Nghia Primary School, shyly received a support package from the Women’s Union of Phan Thiet Ward and representatives of VFC500 (Vietnam Family Coaching). Her eyes reflected both joy and nervousness as she learned she would receive financial assistance of VND 3 million per month starting from May 2026 until she turns 18.
For many people, the amount may not seem significant. But for Ngan’s family, it represents hope.
Behind the small and quiet schoolgirl is a family facing severe hardship, with the pressures of daily life and earning a living often putting her education at risk.
The support ceremony for Truc Ngan is one of many meaningful activities carried out by the Women’s Union of Phan Thiet Ward under the “Godmother” program.
According to Bui Thuy Xuan Toan, Vice Chairwoman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Phan Thiet Ward, the program carries profound humanitarian significance, embodying compassion and providing encouragement for orphaned and disadvantaged children.
Through the program, strong community support has enabled many children to continue learning and growing in a safe environment, contributing to the protection of children’s rights while helping reduce social challenges within local communities.
However, alongside the positive results, mobilizing resources remains a considerable challenge. The number of children needing support is still high, while the ability to connect with social resources has yet to fully meet practical demands.
Many orphaned and disadvantaged children still have not been able to access regular, long-term assistance through the program.
Despite those difficulties, with dedication and a strong sense of responsibility, the Women’s Union of Phan Thiet Ward has continued to maintain and expand the “Godmother” model.
As of July 2025, the ward-level Women’s Union had sponsored eight orphaned and disadvantaged children. Since the beginning of 2026, the organization has successfully connected support for two additional cases.
Although five children have now reached the age of 18 and completed the program, the union continues to provide monthly support ranging from VND 200,000 to VND 3 million for five children currently under its care.
Spreading Kindness across the Community
The effectiveness of the program at the grassroots level shows that the “Godmother” program is more than a simple social welfare activity. It has become a bridge connecting and spreading compassion throughout society.
What makes the program especially meaningful is the long-term companionship it offers.
Those who act as “godmothers” not only provide financial assistance, but also offer emotional support and encouragement, helping children build confidence and resilience in life.
That care and compassion have enabled many children to overcome feelings of inferiority, pursue their education with confidence and integrate more fully into society.
For Pham Ngoc Truc Ngan, the monthly support of VND 3 million will help cover educational expenses, daily living costs and other essential needs.
More importantly, it gives her greater motivation to continue going to school and nurturing hopes for a brighter future.
From modest homes like Ngan’s, the “Godmother” program continues to spread profound human values each day through practical and compassionate actions.
It also serves as a vivid example of the important role played by women’s organizations in social welfare efforts, child protection and strengthening solidarity within the community.
It is hoped that in the coming years, more organizations, businesses and benefactors will join hands with women’s unions at all levels so that this journey of compassion can continue, offering protection, encouragement and opportunities for more disadvantaged children to move forward confidently in their education and lives.