President Nguyen Xuan Phuc along with relevant national and Hanoi authorities visited a care center for children with disabilities in the capital city’s outskirt district of Chuong My, where he called for a safe, healthy, and friendly environment for children on the occasion of the International Children Day [June 1].

The president commended the children at Hanoi Center for Nurturing Children with Disabilities for their extraordinary efforts to surmount difficulties and expressed his hope that they will keep learning and making self-improvement to achieve better academic results and become good citizens in the future.

President Nguyen Xuan Phuc presents gifts and money to children with disabilities at Hanoi’s care center. Photo: Tran Oanh

Phuc also praised the enormous dedication of the center’s teachers and staff, noting that they act not only as parents of the children but also as doctors and psychologists to give the best care for the children and nurture their will to move forwards.

“Vietnam now has more than 100 educational establishments for children with disabilities, which demonstrate our consistent policy of leaving no one behind. These facilities will provide the foundation for children with disabilities to grow up and contribute to society,” said the State leader.

There are nearly 700,000 infants with disabilities among more than 20 million children in Vietnam, President Phuc noted, adding the Party and State pay great attention to social security, especially that of infants with disabilities.

“Child protection and education is a strategic and long-term assignment, and investing in children also means investing in the country’s future,” Phuc affirmed.

He stressed the need to keep refining the legal system to guarantee children’s rights and create a safe, healthy, and friendly living environment for people with disabilities, orphans, the poor, and migrant minors.

On this occasion, President Phuc donated the center a financial aid of VND100 million (US$4,300) and a set of learning equipment worth VND200 million ($8,600).

He also urged ministries and sectors at all levels to create better conditions for Hanoi  Centre for Nurturing  Children with Disabilities, especially to further involve the private sector in child care.

Since its establishment in 1978, the center has given care to over 500 children with disabilities. Among a total of 137 children at the center, there are 111 with hearing impairment and 26 with intellectual disability. The center has opened 11 classes for children, providing them with life skills to integrate into the community.

For his part, Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee Chu Ngoc Anh reported that there were 12,560 children with disabilities in the capital city.

Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee Chu Ngoc Anh presents gifts to children at Hanoi Nurturing Disabled Children Centre. Photo: Tran Oanh

“The protection, care and education of children with disabilities had been prioritized with many policies on social benefits, as well as access to health, education, vocational training and tuition fee exemption,” Ngoc Anh said.

He added that on this occasion, Hanoi has many exciting and practical activities in response to the International Children Day and Action Month for Children in 2022.

“In addition to implementing Party and State policies, the Hanoi authorities have enhanced support and mobilized benefactors to provide scholarships and donate bicycles for underprivileged children,” said the Hanoi mayor.

He asserted that Hanoi is more determined to promote the care, protection, and education of children, including children with disabilities.