President Truong Tan Sang on May 31 met underprivileged children who are visiting Hanoi on the occasion of Children’s Day (June 1).

The children informed the President of their educational achievements, and expressed their sentiments, expectations, intentions and dreams for the future.

President Sang praised their achievements in school and life, stressing that they are great examples for children nationwide to follow.

He said he hopes that they will persevere to see their dreams come true, and to become helpful citizens for the cause of national construction and protection.

Agencies and units across the country, especially the National Fund for Vietnamese Children, should join hands to carry out activities to encourage underprivileged children to overcome difficulties and strive for good results at school, as well as actively respond to Action Month for Children themed “Creating equal development opportunities for poor and ethnic minority children”, the President said.

According to the fund’s statistics, there are almost 1.5 million children in difficult circumstances in Vietnam , and over 2.5 million children in need of care from relevant agencies and society.

Over the past 20 years, the fund has mobilised 4 billion VND to support 28 million disadvantaged children nationwide.

Also the same day, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc visited and presented gifts to children with HIV at the Center for Social Education-Labour in Ba Vi, Hanoi.

He urged leaders of relevant ministries, branches, local authorities and the centre to pay more attention to the children’s material and spiritual life.

The Deputy PM presented 15 scholarships to the unfortunate children who had achievements in their study in the 2012-2013 academic year.

Nearly 100 children with HIV are nurtured at the centre.

Many activities for underprivileged children have been held nationwide for Action Month for Children and Children’s Day (June 1).

On the occasion, the Sponsoring Association for Disabled People and Orphans in the central province of Thua Thien-Hue in coordination with the provincial Study Promotion Association and the Investment Joint Stock Company and Urban Development granted nearly 100 scholarships for disabled children and orphans.

Meanwhile, the Thua Thien-Hue fund for child protection worked with Bao Viet Life Company to present gifts and scholarships to 200 children who have overcome difficulties.

The Department of Labour, Invalids, and Social Affairs presented gifts to 20 centres of sponsoring and caring children in the provincial area.

An art programme for disabled children was held at Big C supermarket in Thua Thien-Hue province.-VNA