Nguyen Thi My Linh received help of neighbors and Women's Union. (Photo: VOV)

Nguyen Thi My Linh of Ray village, Bo Trach district, is one of the more than 900 orphans in Quang Binh province. Linh lost her parents and has lived with her grandmother since childhood. After her grandmother passed away recently, Linh's life became more difficult. But in her time of desperation, Linh was helped by her neighbor, Mrs. Nguyen Thi Kien, who was an orphan herself as a child. Mrs. Kien says she understands and shares Linh's loss. Every day she comes to take care of Linh. 

Nguyen Thi My Linh said: "I usually go to school in the morning, come home to cook at noon, and then in the afternoon I go to herd cows. I do everything by myself. Sometimes, I get help from relatives and neighbors. Mrs. Kien often gives me food. She is not only my neighbor but also my second grandmother."

Losing both father and mother is a huge challenge for a child, especially dealing with the mental anguish. Orphans need special attention, care, and support for a long time. In Quang Binh province, there are more than 900 orphans, of whom more than 400 are in extremely difficult circumstances.

For two years the program "Godmother - Connecting love" has been mobilizing resources to support orphaned children affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Mr. Ho Bao Long, Director of the An Phat Investment and Development Company, which supports the program, said that his company wants to provide orphans with a better life by giving them a saving account.

Mr Bao Long said: "We, like many other benefactors, want to do our small part to help orphans overcome their loss and misfortune and give them a better, brighter future."

Orphaned students in difficult circumstances receive timely help. (Photo: VOV)

In addition to mobilizing donations, the Women's Union also implements economic development models and waste recycling models to raise more money for underprivileged orphans.

Under the program "Godmother - Loving Connection", organizations, and individuals directly take care of children at home or give them sponsorship  So far 150 orphans in especially difficult circumstances have been given 175,000 USD.

Ms. Diep Thi Minh Quyet, Chairwoman of the Quang Binh provincial Women's Union, said: "The ‘Godmother - Loving Connection’ program has received support from many organizations and individuals. This is a source of encouragement for orphans and the Women's Union of Quang Binh province to continue its journey to help those in need."

The program has received nearly 400,000 USD. The Women’s Union hopes to raise more money to support all 400 orphans in difficult circumstances in the province.