Mottainai, a charity program launched by Phu nu Viet Nam (Vietnam’s Women) Newspaper to support orphans and disadvantaged children, was held at the pedestrian zone of Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi this weekend.

Themed "Giving love, receiving happiness", the event is among series of activities commemorating the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Japan (1973 - 2023), the 93rd anniversary of the establishment of the Vietnam Women's Union (1930 - 2023).

Mottainai, which is a Japanese term conveying a sense of regret over waste, aims to raise public awareness about recycling and traffic safety, and call for support from the community for disadvantaged children, especially orphans and victims of traffic accidents.

Organized since 2013, the program is based on the sale and exchange of used goods to raise funds for charity. It has become a popular event attracting locals and foreigners in Vietnam.

Nguyen Thi Thuc Hanh, Editor-in-Chief of the Vietnam’s Women Newspaper, Head of the Mottainai Program Organizing Committee, affirmed: “Over the past ten years, the Mottainai has carried out many meaningful activities to promote green lifestyle, protect the environment, reuse millions of items to donate orphans and children affected by traffic accidents and the Covid -19 pandemic nationwide.”

After the nine editions, Mottainai attracted more than 500,000 participants, and supported nearly 6,000 disadvantaged children. It is highly valued by the Japanese Embassy, winning the "Innovative Women of 2017" Award.

The 2023 Mottainai awarded nearly 300 scholarships to children in difficult circumstances in all parts of the country, each worth VND3 million (US$123) and gifts.

President of the Vietnam Women's Union Ha Thi Nga appreciated the efforts of the Vietnam’s Women Newspaper, organizations and individuals who joined hands to hold the program.

“A Mottainai Green Library will be opened at Hoang Ngan Secondary School in Vietnam’s northern province of Thai Nguyen. Thanks to that, hundreds of ethnic children will be benefited, affirming the sustainability and wide spread of the program,” Nga said.

Below are some photos taken at the 2023 Mottainai: 

President of the Vietnam Women's Union Ha Thi Nga and Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam Yamada Takio present gifts to representatives of Children's Villages and Centers for looking after children with difficulties. Photos: Mottainai Program Organizer

Disadvantaged children receive gilfts.

Red Cross President Bui Thi Hoa awards scholarships to orphaned children affected by traffic accidents.

Artists participate in the Mottainai Run competition with the theme of “Run for strong kids - Run for strong children”.

Vietnamese Artist Xuan Bac, a Mottainai Ambassador, expressed his hope to contribute his small part to spreading love to disadvantaged children.

After nine editions, Mottainai has become the largest program to donate used items for humanitarian purposes, honoring green lifestyles in Vietnam.