“Loving leaves”

Through the model “loving leaves,” Nha Trang City Women’s Union has helped many women and children in need. This humane model has created widespread social influence.

“The undamaged leaf would support the torn leaf”

Vinh Hoa Ward Women’s Union has been maintaining 7 “loving leaves” to help women and children since 2022. Accordingly, one woman provides financial support for another woman or a child in a disadvantaged situation  for at least 18 months.

Hoang Thi Quynh Tram receives aid from Nguyen Thi Tu.

Do Minh Nguyet, Vinh Hoa Ward, is living with her 9-year-old daughter and 76-year-old mother. Do Minh Nguyet herself is suffering from epilepsy. In addition to a monthly allowance of VND750,000 for the disabled, she earns a living by scrap collection. Do Thi Lien living in the same residential quarter offers VND500,000-1 million/ month to the family. Besides, she also gives rice, clothes, books and notebooks to Do Minh Nguyet’s daughter.

Hoang Thi Quynh Tram born in 2011 residing in Residential Quarter 5 Hoa Nam, Vinh Hoa Ward) has been supported by Nguyen Thi Tu residing in the same residential quarter with VND200,000/month since 2023. Hoang Thi Quynh Tram’s father died in a work accident 7 years ago, leaving her mother and 2 children behind. Her mother takes the household cleanliness work with an income of about VND5 million/month to cover their daily expenses, including house rental, electricity and water bills.

After school, the girl helps her mom with the housework, cooking and taking care of her sibling. “I’m so grateful for the financial support for my study. I promise to study hard to reciprocate my mom and teachers’ expectations and the sponsor's kindness,” she said.

Spreading kindness

Every year, Phuoc Hai Ward Women's Union (Nha Trang City) regularly maintains the model "Loving Leaves", mobilizing donations to buy rice, VND300,000 or more/ portion, to support disadvantaged families and orphans every month. The union provides 3 disadvantaged families and 1 orphan with 15 kg of rice/household/month. In 2024, the union has offered 720 kg of rice worth VND18 million in total. In addition, the women's union in the ward also gives 10kg of rice/household/month to 6 other families in need.

In Phuoc Long Ward, every year, Phuoc Trung Residential Group Women’s Association Branch saves money to help 1 child with VND300,000/month. Since 2021, the Women’s Association Branch has provided aid to 4 children in need. Besides, The Women’s Union of other communes and wards in the city has also effectively implemented the model of “loving leaves” such as Vinh Luong, Phuong Sai, Xuong Huan, Vinh Thanh, Phuoc Hoa, Vinh Tho, Tan Lap, Van Thang, Phuong Son, etc.

According to Le Thi Bich Huyen, Vice-Chairperson of Nha Trang City Women’s Union, since 2021, the Women’s Union at all levels in the city has effectively developed the model of “loving leaves”, providing grants worth VND300,000/ month to cover daily expenses and school items for kids. The Women’s Union at all levels has assisted 68 women and children in need with more than VND900 million. The model has helped the disadvantaged to partly overcome difficulties and contribute to social security.

The Women's Union at all levels in Nha Trang City has implemented various models to support women and children in financial hardship. The model "loving leaves" has proved effective and helpful to many to cover their basic needs. More support and contribution are required to promptly assist those in need, according to Nguyen Hoang Van Ha, Vice-Chairperson of the Provincial Women’s Union.

H.T

Translated by N.T