"Being a godmother" should be a persistent and loving journey.
After nearly three years of implementation across all levels of the Nghe An Provincial Trade Union, the "Godmother" Program has transcended the boundaries of a humanitarian activity, becoming a symbol of humanism within the entire provincial trade union system. A reporter from Nghe An Newspaper had a conversation with Ms. Nguyen Thi Thu Nhi – Vice President of the Provincial Federation of Labor – about this "journey of love".
Diep Thanh (editor) - Publication date: April 15, 2025
After nearly three years of implementation across all levels of the Nghe An Provincial Trade Union, the "Godmother" Program has transcended the boundaries of a humanitarian activity, becoming a symbol of humanism within the entire provincial trade union system. A reporter from Nghe An Newspaper had a conversation with Ms. Nguyen Thi Thu Nhi – Vice President of the Provincial Federation of Labor – about this "journey of love".
PV:To date, what specific results has the "Godmother Program" implemented by the Nghe An Provincial Trade Union achieved? Could you share the highlights after nearly three years of implementation?
GrandmaNguyen Thi Thu Nhi:The "Godmother" program has been implemented by trade unions at all levels in Nghe An province since the end of 2022, based on a collaborative program between the Provincial Federation of Labor and the Provincial Women's Union. To date, after nearly three years of implementation across all levels of trade unions, we have supported and sponsored 377 orphaned children out of 1,400 orphaned children of union members and workers throughout the province. The majority of these orphans are children of civil servants, public employees, and workers who were orphaned due to the Covid-19 pandemic or other causes.
All the resources supporting these children are mobilized from social contributions, including organizations, individuals, businesses, trade union members, and trade union officials at all levels. Some affiliated grassroots trade unions, despite facing many difficulties, still directly support and care for these children through practical contributions from their own salaries. Some units, such as the Trade Union of Tuong Duong District, with only 4 staff members, have taken in two children, including one orphaned child who is the child of a trade union member.
The program's most significant impact lies not only in the numbers, but also in the emotions, responsibility, and sustainability it conveys. We don't provide one-time support; we commit to sponsoring for at least three years, and in some cases, support continues even into the third year.
PV: During the implementation of the program, what difficulties and obstacles did trade unions at all levels encounter, and how did they overcome them, Madam?
GrandmaNguyen Thi Thu Nhi:The biggest challenge in implementing the "Godmother" Program is maintaining its sustainability. This is not a temporary activity, but a long-term commitment requiring stable resources and genuine involvement from organizations and individuals. Meanwhile, the actual conditions of grassroots trade unions vary greatly; many face difficulties with budgets and regulations regarding charitable fundraising, especially in mountainous and remote areas. Furthermore, a significant challenge is verifying the true circumstances and needs of orphaned children, and then selecting the appropriate form of support.
To address this issue, the Provincial Labor Union issued specific guidelines, emphasizing the principles of voluntariness, openness, transparency, respect for children's rights, and prioritizing forms of support appropriate to each circumstance. We also directed all levels of trade unions to proactively socialize resources, encouraging union members and workers to voluntarily deduct from their salaries to care for the children, while also mobilizing philanthropists and businesses to participate. A very positive aspect is the close cooperation between the trade union and the women's union at the same level, which has created a widespread and effective care network.
PV: Many trade union organizations, even at the grassroots level with limited staff, have sponsored and cared for these children for many years. In your opinion, what has fostered this valuable sense of responsibility and sharing?
GrandmaNguyen Thi Thu Nhi:That's right. For example, at the Tuong Duong District Labor Union, four union officials have been sponsoring two orphaned children for three consecutive years, each receiving 12 million VND annually, deducted from their monthly salaries. The Education Sector Labor Union has five full-time officials sponsoring two children, each receiving 5 million VND annually for five years. In addition, they are also sponsoring one more child with 5 million VND annually, using profits from their membership welfare store. The Hoang Mai Town Labor Union has three full-time officials contributing 3.6 million VND annually for one child for five years. The Nghi Loc District Labor Union has four full-time officials sponsoring two children, each receiving 3.6 million VND annually for three years... These are not just material contributions, but acts of responsibility and compassion.
Not limited toorphansAs children of civil servants, public employees, and workers, many trade union units have extended their helping hands to students with particularly difficult circumstances in the community. Given the unique nature of its profession, the Education Sector Trade Union is one of the pioneering units that has implemented this systematically and persistently. In the 2024-2025 school year, the entire sector sponsored 69 students, with a total amount of 640 million VND. In addition, there are many individual sponsors who quietly provide support with money, books, or simply accompany the students in their studies and training. Notably, the Education Sector Trade Union also opened a welfare store for its members, selling clean fruits and donating profits to support orphans.
I believe that what creates such a powerful impact is human compassion and class solidarity – the core and enduring values of the trade union organization. Furthermore, I think a very large part comes from the exemplary conduct and inspiration provided by the trade union officials themselves.
PV:Besides the "Godmother" Program, the systemThe trade union also carries out many other activities aimed at orphaned children and children in difficult circumstances.Could you elaborate on the coordination of resources and the ripple effect of these activities?
GrandmaNguyen Thi Thu Nhi:Besides the "Godmother" Program, in recent times, the Trade Unions at all levels in Nghe An have implemented many practical and humane activities to support children. Programs such as "Sharing Love with Children to School," "Warm Mid-Autumn Festival," "Sharing Tet," and "Summer Camp for Orphans" have also been integrated to create a sustainable ecosystem to support children, not only materially but also spiritually.
In particular, the most memorable event was the Summer Camp for Orphans – a gathering of 200 resilient children. Some came from remote mountainous districts, leaving their villages for the first time, their eyes still hesitant; others, accustomed to the absence of love, were now sitting in a space with many friends, their names called out amidst applause. The games, the drawings of dreams, the candles lit during the farewell night… all became tender memories that the children will carry throughout their childhood. Many parents shed tears seeing their children smiling, socializing, and participating in the performances, even though they were previously quiet and withdrawn – these responses moved us deeply. One child, upon saying goodbye to the Summer Camp, hugged the union official tightly and asked, "Will you organize it again next year, teacher? I still want to go!"
What is particularly noteworthy is that these programs are not organized solely by trade unions, but always involve close coordination with women's associations, local authorities, and businesses, creating a sustainable and widespread social resource. This coordination extends beyond the provincial level to communes and villages. This collaboration not only avoids duplication and fragmentation but also optimizes resources, spreading love to the right place at the right time.
PV:In the coming period, what directions will the Provincial Labor Union take to further enhance the effectiveness of the "Godmother Program" in particular, as well as activities caring for disadvantaged children in general?
GrandmaNguyen Thi Thu Nhi:Programme "Godmother"This will not stop at numbers or implementation phases, but will continue as a long journey, requiring creativity, support, and perseverance from the trade union organization."
Looking ahead, we have identified several key priorities. First, we will continue to maintain and expand the "Godmother Program" based on practical surveys, ensuring that support is provided to the right people. The number of orphaned children sponsored by trade unions at all levels in the province will continue to increase, but not in a race, but through a long-term commitment and genuine support for the children in their daily lives.
Secondly, we need to strengthen social mobilization efforts, leveraging resources from businesses, philanthropists, and organizations, especially within the trade union system. We understand that the lives of workers and laborers are still fraught with difficulties. But it is precisely from these difficulties that a beautiful sentiment emerges – human kindness, camaraderie, and community spirit.
Thirdly, we will coordinate the organization of activities to improve the children's spiritual well-being, not just through material support. Finally, we will also strengthen communication efforts, spreading the examples of exemplary "godmothers" to further cultivate a spirit of sharing within the community.
PV:Thank you for the conversation!
