At SOS Children's Village Pleiku (Thong Nhat Ward, Gia Lai Province), 105 children, mothers, and aunts joined hands to craft colorful lanterns, play games, and share mooncakes.
The event, themed “Loving Mid-Autumn Festival”, was organized by Nguyen Hoang Nam, runner-up of En Xuan 2021, alongside the Youth Union of the Gia Lai Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and several donors.
Organizers presented 150 gift sets, including cakes, milk, and lanterns, and 10 scholarships to the children. Each gift set, valued at approximately VND 150,000 (about USD 6), brought smiles and joy to the young participants.
"I love watching the lion dance and receiving gifts and cakes. I hope we can have this festival every year," said Rơ mah H’Ly, a Grade 5 student of the Jrai ethnic group.
For many caregivers, the celebration was just as meaningful. “My children and I made lanterns together. Seeing them laugh makes me incredibly happy,” shared Ms. Nay H’Kram, mother of the “Hoa Tuong Vi” family.
The event also carried a deeper meaning amid the village’s management transition. Following a decision by the Provincial People’s Committee, the Pleiku Village now operates under the Department of Health after the Department of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs was dissolved. The change follows the withdrawal of SOS Norway’s funding in October 2023.
Vo Van Hai, Director of the Pleiku Village, said authorities have provided timely support, though challenges remain during this adjustment period. “This Mid-Autumn Festival, laughter still echoes throughout the village—a source of warmth for all of us,” he said.
Meanwhile, at SOS Children’s Village Quy Nhon (Quy Nhon Dong Ward, Binh Dinh Province), the celebrations on October 2 and 5 were equally vibrant. Children took part in lantern-making contests and the “Full Moon Festival Night”, featuring lion dances, musical performances, and a lantern parade.
The Provincial Association for the Support of People with Disabilities and the Protection of Children’s Rights donated 75 gift sets worth around VND 100,000 (USD 4) each. The joy multiplied when former SOS children, now adults, returned to offer milk, essential supplies, and encouragement.
Nguyen Thi Hong Nga, 24, who grew up at the Village and now works in the pharmaceutical sector, said: “I was cared for here since I was 13. I hope these small gifts show the next generation that love and sharing always remain.”
Nguyen Xuan Cuong, Director of the Quy Nhon Village, said the return of former residents was “the greatest happiness” for caregivers. “We want our children to have not only a complete Mid-Autumn Festival but also a childhood full of love.”