During the past 20 years, the Hue-based Japanese Association of Supporting Streetchildren (JASS) has increased its presence in the central province of Thua Thien-Hue and in Vietnam as a whole, making it a reliable organisation for disadvantaged children to turn to.

Nguyen Nhien, Director of the Vietnam-Japan Centre in Hue City, said that since its inception, the non-governmental organisation has provided Japanese-language courses for 350 students and cared for 214 children, both at its establishments and in the community.

Many beneficiaries have since found work as Japanese-speaking tour guides, doctors, engineers, architects and teachers.

Additionally, JASS has worked with other Japanese organisations to donate 1,000 wheelchairs to people with disabilities in the central region. It has also helped encourage Japanese businesses to invest in Vietnam, and served as a bridge for Japan’s Shizuoka prefecture and Hue city.

JASS has approximately 1,400 members providing support for street children in Vietnam, particularly in Hue city.-VNA