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| He shared that: Save the Children International (SCI) officially registered to operate in Vietnam in 1990. Today, the organization focuses on six key areas including education, health and nutrition, child protection, governance of children's rights, poverty alleviation for children and youth, disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation across 22 provinces and cities. From 1990 to 2024, SCI’s total budget in Vietnam is estimated at over US$170 million, implemented through more than 400 projects and programs. Notably, since 2017, SCI’s annual budget in Vietnam has consistently ranged between US$8 million and US$10 million. On average, SCI supports approximately 7.7 million children annually. In 2023 alone, SCI-backed projects benefited over 9.8 million people, including 8.7 million direct beneficiaries, with 8.4 million being children. |
| SCI has maintained close cooperation with central and local agencies, creating far-reaching and sustainable impacts highly valued by its partners and communities. Most recently, on December 26, 2023, in Hanoi, the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations (VUFO) - the Standing Agency of the Committee on Foreign Non-Governmental Organizations—awarded certificates of merit to 35 foreign NGOs for their significant contributions to Vietnam’s economic and social development in 2023. SCI was one of the honorees. Previously, in 2022, SCI was also recognized by VUFO for its vital contributions to Vietnam's sustainable development during 2020-2022. |
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| The Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations (VUFO) awarded a certificate of merit to SCI for its outstanding activities in 2024. (Photo: Dinh Hoa) |
| - What contributions of SCI to people’s aid work impress and resonate with you the most? |
| SCI has been in Vietnam for more than three decades. During this journey, SCI has continuously enhanced and expanded the scope and quality of its projects and programs to better fulfill its mission. Your contributions—whether in the form of material support, expertise, knowledge, or human resources—have helped change the future and improve the lives of many Vietnamese people, especially children.
Moreover, you act as ambassadors, showcasing the image of Vietnam’s land, people, policies, traditions, and humanitarian values to the world by regularly sharing success stories and exemplary cases from projects in Vietnam with donors and through SCI’s regional and global communication channels. These stories also reflect Vietnam's unwavering efforts to protect children’s rights and promote child-focused initiatives, thereby fostering a positive image of Vietnam in the international community. SCI’s activities span diverse fields, but I am particularly impressed by its contributions in emergency relief. Over the years, SCI has been among the few organizations capable of providing timely and effective support to children and people affected by natural disasters. Notably, after the severe impacts of Typhoon Yagi (Storm No. 3) in 2024, SCI successfully mobilized nearly US$1.5 million (over VND36 billion) to assist the provinces of Lao Cai and Yen Bai. This underscores the organization’s strong and consistent commitment to emergency response efforts in Vietnam. |
| - In your opinion, how can SCI continue to fulfill its role and mission in Vietnam in the future? |
| Moving forward, SCI should focus on areas that address practical needs and create long-term impacts for children and communities, particularly emerging challenges that negatively affect children's comprehensive development in the digital age. For instance, in response to climate change challenges and Vietnam’s commitments, SCI could prioritize education and awareness campaigns on climate change alongside sustainable livelihood solutions, helping children and communities build resilience to complex environmental impacts. Additionally, SCI could continue to innovate in education by leveraging technology, equipping children—especially youth—with the skills needed to confidently enter the labor market. |
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| "Forest for Children" project implemented by SCI in Tam Giang commune (Nam Can district, Ca Mau province). |
| I believe that by expanding partnerships and optimizing resources, SCI can continue to drive sustainable and widespread change, not only improving the lives of millions of children but also contributing to Vietnam’s prosperity and sustainable development. As the focal unit for foreign NGO relations and aid mobilization, and in collaboration with central ministries and localities, the People’s Aid Coordinating Committee extends heartfelt gratitude and appreciation for SCI’s invaluable support for Vietnam and its people. We are committed to accompanying, supporting, and facilitating foreign NGO aid activities for humanitarian purposes, fostering friendly cooperation between the people of Vietnam and the world, contributing to national development, and strengthening global peace. |
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| VNT Writers |
