A night of performances to raise money for anti-drowning programmes in Vietnam was recently co-organised by the Vietnamese Consulate General and the Rotary Club of Hillarys in the Australian city of Perth.

Addressing the event, Club President David Siddall noted that Vietnamese children are prone to drowning accidents, with the average rate of deaths by drowning standing at 10 children a day.

The performances aimed to raise donations for Vietnamese swimming teachers to take refresher courses in Australia, the president explained.

Consul General Le Viet Duyen highlighted the initiative in organising the event, handing a 1,000 AUD cheque donated by one overseas Vietnamese entrepreneur in Perth city over to the Australian club.

A combined collection of 2,000 AUD was made in total through various activities, including traditional Vietnamese dances and an auction of souvenirs.

The club has worked together with the Austswim and Swim Vietnam organisations to hold training for Vietnamese swimming teachers and has also raised money to provide wheelchairs to Vietnamese children with disabilities.

The programmes so far have helped train four Vietnamese swimming teachers in accordance with Australian standards.-VNA