The Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (M o LISA), and the Association for the Support of Vietnamese Handicapped and Orphans (ASVHO) on April 14 jointly host a meeting to honour outstanding people with disabilities, orphans and patrons.

The event, the 4th of its kind, saw the presence of President Truong Tan Sang and 325 delegates from every corner of the country.

Held every three years, the meeting aims to recognise and honour kind-hearted people, and those who have overcome difficulties despite their disabilities.

Addressing the meeting, President Sang highly valued the exceptional efforts of people with disabilities to contribute to social development. He praised and expressed his beloved sentiments to orphans who have suffered from many disadvantages but are still self-confident and study hard.

The president applauded and thanked patrons, organisations and individuals nationwide for supporting and encouraging vulnerable people, and motivating many people with disabilities and orphans to better themselves.

Party organisations, authorities, and the Fatherland Front at all levels, as well as other social organisation across the country were praised for creating favourable conditions and participating in activities to care for, encourage and support disadvantaged people.

The President spoke highly of the ASVHO for its array of creative and practical activities to support disabled people and orphans.

Sang also expressed gratitude to the support, both material and spiritual, from embassies, international non-governmental organisations and individuals.

In recent years, Vietnam has gained positive results in protecting, caring for and helping disadvantaged people.

“Under any circumstances, the Party, State and people will pay attention, take care and wholeheartedly support orphans and people with disabilities. It is a noble job, requiring the sentiment, responsibility and united efforts of the Party, political system and the whole of society,” he added.

President Sang urged Party committees, government agencies, social organisations, enterprises and patrons to do more to help disadvantaged people.

Earlier on April 13, the 10 th charitable art exchange “One heart – One world” was held in Hanoi to call for more support to help orphans and disabled people integrate into the community and acknowledge donors that have contributed to the programme.

The programme featured reportage of exemplary disabled people and orphans from across the country, providing an opportunity for the audience to meet and speak with outstanding disadvantaged people, and confirmed the importance of supporting orphans and people with disabilities.

The annual art exchange received 22 billion VND (10 million USD) from patrons, in and outside the country.-VNA