Since German Chancellor Angela Merkel called on people across the country to fight the pandemic and declared a state of emergency last month, all shops, restaurants, amusement parks, etc., including Vietnamese ones, must close, except for places meeting essential needs such as food or medicine. As a result, thousands of Vietnamese nationals living in Germany were affected.
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Vietnamese nationals in Germany sew face masks to support the host country in the COVID-19 fight. |
In response to the complicated developments of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Vietnamese community in Germany has launched a movement themed “Joining hands to fight COVID-19,” which calls on Vietnamese nationals in the host country to donate medical supplies to hospitals and nursing homes.
In particular, the Sen Vang Berline Charity Association (Senvangberlin) called on the Vietnamese community in Germany to join hands to sew face masks to support the host country in the COVID-19 fight. By April 8 the association’s members had sewn over 4,500 face masks, worth approximately EUR 20,000.
The movement was also assisted by Vietnamese nationals living in other cities in Germany. The Vietnamese Cultural Association, the Vietnamese Women Union, and the Charity Group of Vo Thi Thien Nga in Dresden City have made thousands of face masks for Vincentius Hospital, nursing homes, and people in the locality.
In the North Sea coastal area of Germany, the Vietnamese Women Association of Rostock City has made 2,500 face masks for Klinikum Südstadt Hospital.
Meanwhile, many other Vietnamese businesses, groups and individuals have sent food to German doctors and medical workers at hospitals. These gifts are not only to encourage German friends in the fight against the pandemic, but also to show the spirit of solidarity and gratitude of the Vietnamese community for the host country, which is also their second homeland.
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Thousands of gifts have been given to needy Vietnamese in Germany. |
In addition to the movement, other activities in support of needy Vietnamese people in Germany were also launched. On April 4 and 5, small businesses at Dong Xuan Trade Center in Berlin raised tens of thousands of euros for them. Nguyen Thi Ha, a Vietnamese living in Berlin, donated 120 boxes of medical masks, 150 boxes of medical gloves, and 120 liters of antibacterial liquid. Furthermore, thousands of gifts were sent to needy Vietnamese nationals in the country. Vietnamese enterprises and supermarkets also implemented support policies to share difficulties with fellow Vietnamese during this period of time.
The activities of the Vietnamese community in Germany have contributed to displaying the sound friendship between the two countries and enhancing solidarity among members of the community.
Translated by Trung Thanh