The event was jointly organized by the Dong Nai provincial Association for Victims of Agent Orange (AO)/Dioxin, Dinh Quan district’s Association for Victims of AO/Dioxin, and local party committees and authorities.
Bui Ho Quoc An's grandfather took part in the resistance war and was exposed to toxic chemicals. An's family has four members and is facing numerous financial difficulties since his father is currently working as a daily wage laborer with unstable income, while his mother sells vegetables. Meanwhile, An's younger sister has intellectual disabilities. Before being given land to build a house by his grandfather, An’s family lived in a rented house.
The spacious house for the family of Bui Ho Quoc An was built at a total cost of VND 120 million, of which benefactors donated VND 80 million through the provincial Association for Victims of AO/Dioxin, while the remaining was from his family and relatives.
At the handover ceremony, benefactors and units presented necessities, an electric fan and a rice cooker, to help his family soon stabilize their life.
Sharing the same happiness with Bui Ho Quoc An’s family was Vu Thi Hoa’s family in Phu Loc commune, Tan Phu district. Hoa is the mother of Dinh Vu Khoa, an AO victims, who has received donations from agencies and associations in the province and the district and benefactors to build a house. The project was conducted at a total cost of VND 80 million, of which benefactors donated VND 50 million, and the Dong Nai provincial Association for Victims of AO/Dioxin gave VND 30 million. Speaking at the handover ceremony, Hoa thanked local party committee, authorities, the associations for victims of AO/dioxin at all levels, and benefactors for their kind hearts. “This is a priceless gift that will help my family stabilize our life and continue to work to improve living standards,” said Hoa.
The above are two of many families of AO victims in Dong Nai province that have received housing support. At present, the province has more than 5,500 families with AO/dioxin victims, of which more than 3,300 families have three to five AO/dioxin members. To share difficulties with the victims and their families, various practical activities have been conducted by the associations for victims of AO/dioxin at all levels in the province.
According to Chairman of the Dong Nai provincial Association for Victims of AO/Dioxin Mai Van Nho, in addition to the state's policies, the chapters of provincial association have contacted benefactors to take care of the victims. During the past tenure, the association has mobilized more than VND 55 billion in cash and goods to provide capital for victims' families to promote production; build and repair houses for the victims; give scholarships to help children continue their education; offer vocational training; present regular allowances, free medical examinations and medicine; hold gift presentation events on special occasions and Lunar New Year (Tet).
Translated by Tran Hoai