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Thích Nu Minh Tú

Minh Tú was honoured for her almost 40-year long struggle for orphaned children and for children who cannot grow up with their families.

THE CHALLENGE

People in Vietnam today are suffering from the aftereffects of several decades of war. Many lost everything they owned and were injured and fell ill because of bombs and chemical weapons. Minh Tú grew up during the war and saw how the violence resulted in widespread poverty, hunger and millions of orphaned children. Today, children become orphaned or are abandoned due to poverty, flooding, accidents, and parents being unable to take care of them.

THE WORK

Minh Tú supports the children who live at Duc Son Pagoda by offering a place of safety, love, play, and by providing medicine. Many get help obtaining their birth certificate and are given a name, so they can start school. They are provided with school materials, uniforms, and help to go on to higher education. Differently abled children get special support. When possible, Minh Tú helps children to be reunited with their families. Minh Tú wants all children to learn to respect one another and be themselves.

RESULTS & VISION

For 40 years the Duc Son Pagoda have looked after between 150 and 250 children every year. Everyone is allowed to stay until they become adults and can manage by themselves. They are seen as saplings that, if given sun and water every day, can grow into trees that offer shade and nourishment to others.

Learn more in The Globe:

CHANGE FOR THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILD

As a changemaker, Minh Tú helps fulfil children’s rights and achieve the following Global Goals:
Goal 2: Zero hunger. Goal 3: Good health and well-being. Goal 4: Quality education. Goal 10: Equal rights.

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