Tuần Giáo, June 2023 – World Vision Việt Nam corporate with local partners in Tuần Giáo District to launch the “Smiles & Health for Children” project, funded by MORINAGA MILK INDUSTRY CO., LTD in Japan through World Vision Japan to improve the health and nutritional status of children in the mountainous area.

Located 80km east of Điện Biên Phủ city, Tuần Giáo district is a near-poor district focusing on difficult conditions of both natural geography and economy. The poverty rate is high with 49.72% in 2021. Ta Ma is one of the poorest communes in the district, where the major local people earn their living from agro-forestry activities.

Mother and child participating in nutrition training as part of acitivities of the Child Sponsor Program in Tuần Giáo District.

There are three kindergartens with 100 children. Although many children in these communes are unable to have breakfast at home, and school lunches and mid-afternoon are the main sources of nutrition for them, there are many challenges with school meals at kindergartens, especially the lack of nutritional balance knowledge and the bad condition of kitchens. The kitchens were built of wood, the water system is not clean and safe for use, and the cooking equipment is not full and reaching the standards. The proportion of malnutrition rate (stunting) is high in Ta Ma with 28,5%.

Current cooking facilities at supported kindergartens

Therefore, the project “Smiles & Health for Children”, which is funded by Morinaga Milk through the support of World Vision Japan, is implemented in about 1 year to improve the health and nutritional status of 100 children and 8 teachers in 3 kindergartens. It will focus on developing an environment that can provide nutritious school lunches at kindergartens through 3 main support activities: (1) Improving food service and cooking facilities; (2) Enhancing knowledge and skills in nutrition and hygiene; and (3) Strengthening the knowledge and skills of teachers and health staff in measuring children’s nutrition and health. The project will be led by teachers at the targeted kindergartens, working with local health centres and the Ministry of Education and Training through World Vision Vietnam.

The project kick-off meeting on June 6th, 2023

World Vision Việt Nam Tuần Giáo Area Program Manager Nguyễn Thị Hương Giang sharing about the project: “World Vision Việt Nam aspires to see all children enjoy good health and thrive. Therefore, through this meaningful project, we hope to be able to get closer to our desires and expectations. We are proud to continue our longstanding collaboration with our partners in Tuần Giáo District, our colleagues at World Vision Japan and our sponsor Morinaga Milk and are committed to constantly working and working together for a full and meaningful life for all children.”

Ms. Nguyễn Thị Hương Giang sharing about the project

“We highly appreciate the efforts from World Vision and sponsor – Morinaga Milk in supporting community groups in Ta Ma commune in particular and Tuần Giáo district in general. We strongly believe that the project will achieve good results, thereby contributing to improving children’s health and nutrition, and bringing healthier and better lives for children.” – Speaking of Mr Mùa Va Hồ, Vice President of Tuần Giáo District People’s Committee.

Besides being provided documents and training on meal nutrition, food safety and hygiene from the project, school staff will receive support from the District Health Centre and Department of Education and Training on relevant topics. This will ensure the meal preparation served at target schools is aligned with the Ministry of Health standards for school meals.

A representative from the kindergarten expressed gratitude: “This is a great joy for the school and the students. We sincerely appreciate the support from the project and will join hands to achieve g results for the project.”

The Morinaga Milk-funded“Smiles & Health for Children” Project is part of World Vision Japan and World Vision Việt Nam’s efforts to improve children’s well-being in Tuần Giáo District, Điện Biên Province. Over the years, numerous local people have benefited from World Vision’s holistic interventions in different priority sectors, including Child Protection & Participation, Health & Nutrition, and Sustainable Livelihoods. In addition, Child Sponsorship is being implemented from 2010 to 2026.

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About Morinaga Milk

Morinaga Milk is a Japanese dairy company that celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2017.

Vietnam is one of the countries where the company is focusing its business efforts on production and sales, as part of its 2030 Sustainability Medium-to-Long-Term Plan.This is the first time that Morinaga Milk has carried out health and nutrition-related support in Vietnam.

For more information: https://www.morinagamilk.co.jp/english/

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About World Vision Japan

An international NGO based on the Christian spirit that works for children living in difficult conditions due to poverty, conflict and natural disasters. World Vision Japan office is accredited and registered by the United Nations Economic and Social Council and operates among World Vision’s nearly 100 international offices.

For more information: https://www.worldvision.jp

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About World Vision Việt Nam

World Vision started working in Việt Nam in 1988. Since then, World Vision has implemented many relief and development programs, partnering with the Vietnamese government, other NGOs, and communities. World Vision helps all who are in need regardless of their religion, race, ethnicity, or gender. World Vision’s long-term development programs are currently operated in 18 cities and provinces throughout Việt Nam.

In commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Vietnam, Smiles & Health for Children was selected as one of the authorized projects by the Japanese Executive Committee of the 50th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between Japan and Vietnam.

Media Contact:

Mr Ông Văn Thanh Hồi | Acting Communications & Public Engagement Manager

Email: ong_thanh_hoi@wvi.org | Tel.: (+84) 982 001 050

Ms. Chu Thu Hà | Communications & Public Engagement Officer

Email: Chu_thu_ha@wvi.org | Tel.: (+84) 852577220

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