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| Scholarships are presented to disadvantaged children at the ‘Celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival’ program in Phong Dien Ward |
Joy under the moon
Colourful lanterns, the lively beats of unicorn dance drums and children’s cheerful laughter filled the “Celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival” program in Phong Dien Ward with a festive atmosphere. The program, jointly organized by the Youth Union of the city’s Party agencies and the Phong Dien Ward Youth Union, was held for disadvantaged children in the area. During the program, the children enjoyed musical performances and unicorn dances, met Lady Hang and Uncle Cuoi, shared a Mid-Autumn feast and received gifts. These simple joys made their Mid-Autumn Festival all the warmer.
Holding her Mid-Autumn Festival gift, Le Ngoc Khanh Hang, a student at Nguyen Duy Secondary School, shared: “Normally, during the Mid-Autumn Festival, I just buy a lantern and play with my friends in the neighbourhood. This year, I got to join the program and received many gifts, including cakes, sweets and a lantern, so I’m very happy”.
Hang’s joy was shared by the other 100 children taking part in the program. Alongside the recreational activities, the Organizing Committee presented 15 scholarships, each worth VND 700,000, to disadvantaged children. The gifts and scholarships provide encouragement for the children to continue striving in their studies.
Mid-Autumn Festival activities were also organized in many other localities and units. At Hue City Youth and Children’s Center, the 22nd ‘Full Moon Festival’ - 2026, themed “Lanterns Lighting Up Dreams”, attracted more than 500 children aged 6 to 16 from 19 centres, social protection facilities and special schools.
The children joined Uncle Cuoi on a journey to celebrate the Full Moon Festival, watched unicorn dances, enjoyed musical performances, shared a Mid-Autumn feast and received gifts. The Organizing Committee also presented 70 scholarships, each worth VND 500,000, to disadvantaged children.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao, Director of Hue City Youth and Children’s Center, said the “Full Moon Festival” is not only a recreational event for children, but also reflects the care shown by authorities at all levels, sectors, organisations, businesses and society as a whole in caring for, protecting and educating children.
Supporting children
According to Hue City Youth Union, this year’s Mid-Autumn Festival activities are being organized in a practical and safe manner, suited to the conditions of each locality and unit. In addition to providing recreational activities, Youth Union and Young Pioneer organizations at all levels focus on teaching children the spirit of mutual support and sharing, while equipping them with knowledge and skills in self-protection and the prevention of abuse, drowning, injuries and other safety risks.
Through digital platforms and social media, models and initiatives supporting children, as well as stories of children overcoming difficult circumstances, are also being shared more widely. This helps connect more organizations, businesses and individuals willing to support disadvantaged children.
At the grassroots level, Youth Union and Young Pioneer organizations proactively review and understand each child’s circumstances to ensure that support reaches the right recipients and meets their needs. In addition to Mid-Autumn Festival gifts, scholarships, books, school supplies and essential goods, particular attention is given to orphans, children with disabilities, children in especially difficult circumstances, those living in social protection facilities, and children in disadvantaged areas or areas affected by natural disasters, storms and floods.
Alongside activities during the Mid-Autumn Festival, a number of long-term support programs continue to be maintained, including ‘Helping Children Stay in School’, ‘Border Guard Station’s Adopted Children’ and ‘Youth Union’s Foster Children’. Social resources are also mobilized to carry out projects and activities for children, such as Red Scarf houses, playgrounds, bookcases, learning spaces, and equipment for study and recreation.
Another focus is creating opportunities for children to express their opinions, propose ideas and take part in activities that directly concern them. Through recreational activities, lantern making, folk games and hands-on experiences, children are encouraged to take initiative and be creative, while developing an awareness of environmental protection and choosing safe and appropriate toys.
Mr. Nguyen Thanh Hoai, Secretary of Hue City Youth Union, said that caring for children should not stop at giving gifts during the Mid-Autumn Festival, but it should be carried out regularly through practical activities suited to each child’s circumstances. The city’s youth will continue to mobilize social resources and support children, especially those facing difficult circumstances, while focusing on child protection, equipping them with self-protection skills, and creating conditions for every child to have opportunities to study, play and develop.