(VOVWORLD) - Vu Thi Dung, a 47-year-old Hanoi woman, gave up a stable job with a good income to travel across Vietnam helping disadvantaged children. The Hope Charity Fund founded by Dung has helped more than 400 children in 30 provinces and cities in the past 10 years.
 Ms. Vu Thi Dung and her “children.” (Photo: VOV) |
10 years ago, Nguyen Thi Thuong of Thach That district, Hanoi, had a difficult life. Her mother and sister both suffered from mental illness. Thanks to the support from Vu Thi Dung and her Hope Charity Fund, Thuong was able to complete her education and realize her goal. She is now a junior in the Department of Psychology at Fulbright University Vietnam, and the youngest member of the Future For Women program, whose aim is to strengthen the community of startups founded by women.
“I used to be reserved and have an inferiority complex. It was not until I was in the 10th grade that I became more open. Ms. Dung talked to me so patiently and gave me a sense of belonging. She has always supported me and created the best possible conditions for me to work toward my goals,” said Thuong.
Thuong is one of 400 underprivileged children who have been helped by Dung and her fund. Over the past 10 years, many generous people have donated to the Hope Charity Fund to provide disadvantaged children with money for tuition, food, and accommodations, and job opportunities.
“With the help of the fund, many children have achieved their goals and returned to help others. I am touched seeing these children being given hope and confidence to overcome their life difficulties,” said Nguyet Minh of Hanoi, who has been a donor for years.
The children think of Dung as their mother and have close relations with one another like sisters and brothers under the same roof. Nguyen Thi Oanh, who is now a student at British University Vietnam and was the first to win the University’s Lion's Heart Scholarship.
“Following Dung’s example, I’m continuing her charity work. Right now I’m sponsoring five children under the Hope Charity Fund. Each month, I call them and talk to them. I consider them family. I hope that after graduation I can get a job and continue to support underprivileged children,” said Oanh.
Ms. Dung said a House of Hope is being built in Phu Tho province to bring hope to underprivileged children so they can overcome their difficulties, become productive citizens, and contribute to society.
"We hope the Hope Charity Fund model will be replicated and get more individuals involved,” she said.