Spreading Compassion for Agent Orange Victims

(DTO) As Vietnam prepares to commemorate the 65th Anniversary of the Agent Orange Disaster (August 10, 1961 – August 10, 2026) and the 2026–2031 Congress of Exemplary Individuals and Collectives, the Dong Thap Provincial Association for Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin is reflecting on a five-year journey marked by significant achievements in its patriotic emulation movement. 

Through simple yet deeply meaningful deeds, the association's chapters have mobilized tens of billions of VND in social resources, helping ease the suffering of Agent Orange victims while bringing renewed hope and fortitude for thousands of affected people across the province.

PRACTICAL ACTIONS FUEL THE EMULATION MOVEMENT

Sixty-five years have passed since the U.S. military began spraying chemical defoliants over the Vietnam battlefield, yet the devastating consequences of Agent Orange continue to affect generations of Vietnamese people.

Millions of people have suffered, and continue to suffer, from both physical and psychological trauma due to Agent Orange.

The 2026–2031 Congress of Exemplary Individuals and Collectives of the Dong Thap Provincial Association for Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin provides an opportunity to look back on a five-year journey filled with tireless efforts by the association's cadres, members, and supporters who have remained steadfast in assisting Agent Orange victims throughout the province.

The emulation movement, themed "For Agent Orange Victims," has been implemented on a regular basis, closely integrated with the association's mandated responsibilities and social welfare activities.

In every program and initiative, the association has consistently placed individuals affected by Agent Orange at the center of its support efforts.

Despite numerous challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, drought, saltwater intrusion, and the organizational restructuring process following administrative unit mergers, the association's operations have continued to receive strong leadership from the Provincial Party Committee, the Provincial People's Committee and the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of the province, along with coordination from provincial departments, sectors, localities, and benefactors.

Thanks to this support, the emulation movement has been sustained, with many targets fulfilled or exceeded.

One of its highlights has been publicity and advocacy work. Every year, association chapters have proactively coordinated campaigns to disseminate the Party's guidelines and the State's policies on support for Agent Orange victims, while promoting activities marking Vietnam Agent Orange Day (August 10), major national holidays, and exemplary models and individuals within the association's activities.

The association has also collaborated in producing television feature reports portraying the lives of victims, inspiring stories of overcoming adversity, and humanitarian activities, thereby raising public awareness and attracting greater social support.

The emulation movement has gone beyond awareness campaigns by translating compassion into practical assistance for those affected.

Over the past five years, the association's chapters have mobilized more than VND 80.26 billion from organizations, businesses, and benefactors both within and outside the province to support Agent Orange victims.

Behind this figure lie countless stories of benevolence: charity homes erected from kind hearts, wheelchairs that have given people greater mobility and independence, and scholarships that have enabled the children of victims to continue their education with undeterred spirits.

The movement has also generated a strong ripple effect, inspiring businesses, religious organizations, volunteer groups, and individual benefactors near and far.

As a result, an increasing number of sustainable support models have been established, helping victims improve their livelihoods and rise above hardships through their own willpower and perseverance.

LIGHTING UP THE EMULATION MOVEMENT

A patriotic emulation movement truly flourishes when it is driven by ordinary people who are devoted to their work and wholeheartedly committed to serving the community.

For the Dong Thap Provincial Association for Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin, every association cadre, volunteer, and patron is a "core element" in spreading compassion and humanity.

Throughout the past term, association chapters at all levels have consistently maintained emulation commitments, conducted periodic reviews, and recognized outstanding collectives and individuals for their achievements.

As a result, the "For Agent Orange Victims" emulation movement has continued to gain momentum and depth, becoming a key driver that encourages local chapters to successfully fulfill their assigned responsibilities.

These achievements have been widely acknowledged through various forms of commendation.

During the 2021–2026 period, the Dong Thap Provincial Association for Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin was awarded numerous Emulation Flags, Certificates of Merit, and Certificates of Commendation by the Commission for Mass Mobilization of the Party Central Committee, the Central Association, the Provincial People's Committee, the Provincial Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee, and the Provincial Association itself for exemplary collectives and individuals.

These honors not only recognize years of quiet dedication but also serve as an important source of encouragement for the continued development of the movement.

Beyond providing welfare support, association chapters have actively participated in efforts to struggle for justice for Agent Orange victims while coordinating with non-governmental organizations, friendship associations, and overseas Vietnamese communities to mobilize scholarships, production capital, and housing support for those affected.

These people-to-people diplomacy activities have helped enhance the association's standing while expanding resources to support the disadvantaged.

Entering the 2026–2031 period, the Dong Thap Provincial Association for Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin has identified several key priorities, including strengthening its organizational structure, improving operational quality, expanding publicity and advocacy work, accelerating digital transformation, conducting comprehensive surveys to closely monitor victims' circumstances, and mobilizing greater social resources.

The association aims to raise approximately VND 4 billion each year to support Agent Orange victims while continuing to respond actively to patriotic emulation movements launched by the province and the national association.

Ms. Tran Thi Quy Mao, President of the Dong Thap Provincial Association for Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin, stated: "The Congress of Exemplary Individuals and Collectives is an opportunity to recognize the valuable contributions of outstanding collectives and individuals, while inspiring our cadres and members to further promote solidarity, innovation, creativity, and responsibility. The association will continue to mobilize the strength of the entire community to better care for Agent Orange victims, ensuring that no one is left behind."

The 65th Anniversary of the Agent Orange Disaster in Vietnam provides an opportunity for society to reflect more deeply on the enduring consequences of war and to continue supporting Agent Orange victims through practical actions.

The advanced examples honored today represent the "seeds" of compassion, helping to spread a spirit of solidarity and sharing throughout the community.

Building on the achievements of recent years and with a strong commitment to innovation in the years ahead, the "For Agent Orange Victims" emulation movement of the Dong Thap Provincial Association for Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin will continue to grow, contributing to more effective social welfare efforts, preserving Dong Thap's tradition of compassion and solidarity, and bringing renewed hope to those who continue to overcome the lasting effects of Agent Orange.

BY SONG AN
Translated by X.QUANG