VietNamNet Bridge - Hanoi authorities have been promoting the socialization of child care by providing loans for families with street children, organizing vocational training courses and generating jobs for disadvantaged children.

The Hanoi Population, Family and Children Committee has two major projects to help street children who have to earn their living, and to promote communication among media workers in the five key inner districts of Hoan Kiem, Hai Ba Trung, Dong Da, Thanh Xuan and Ba Dinh. The aim is to reduce the number of street children and prevent child abuse.

With the assistance of the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the Hanoi Youth Union and the Hanoi Women’s Union have set up healthy life clubs in two districts, drawing the participation of many underprivileged children.

In particular, the free hotline 18001567 has provided needed consultancy to more than 2,100 street children and has helped them make a more stable life in the social support centres. As a result, the number of street children in 2007 dropped to 102.  

(Source: VOV)