"Lighting up the Future" for dioxin victims: Art and Exchange programme in Hanoi

WVR/VNA - On August 8, in Hanoi, an art and exchange programme titled “Lighting up the Future” was held to commend Agent Orange (AO)/dioxin victims who have overcome difficulties for a stable life, and honour outstanding organisations and individuals in and outside the country in support of the victims.
"Lighting up the Future" for dioxin victims: An art performance at the programme (Photo: NDO)

Jointly held by the Vietnam Association for Victims of AO/Dioxin (VAVA) Central Committee, the office of the standing board of the National Steering Committee on Overcoming Post-War Unexploded Ordnance and Toxic Chemical Consequences, and the Army Radio-Television Centre, the programme aims to mark the 63 years of the AO disaster in Vietnam (August 10, 1961 - 2024), the Day for AO/Dioxin Victims (August 10), and the 20th founding anniversary of the VAVA (2000-2024).

Through media reports and interactions with individuals who are victims and families of victims of Agent Orange, interwoven with special artistic performances, the “Lighting Up the Future” Art and Exchange Program aims to widely promote and raise public awareness of the severe consequences of chemical agents used during the war in Vietnam.

"Lighting up the Future" for dioxin victims: Art and Exchange programme
"Lighting up the Future" for dioxin victims:

From 1961-1971, US troops sprayed more than 80 million litres of herbicides - 44 million litres of which were AO, containing around 366 kilograms of dioxin - over southern Vietnam.

As a result, around 4.8 million Vietnamese have been exposed to the toxic chemical, with about 3.2 million victims.

VAVA Chairman Lieut. Gen. Nguyen Huu Chinh stressed that AO victims are the poorest among the poor, and the most disadvantaged among the disadvantaged. Most victims and their families are facing many difficulties and shortages, both materially and spiritually.

"Lighting up the Future" for dioxin victims: Art and Exchange programme
Every act of assistance and sharing is a significant contribution to ensuring that no victim across the country is left behind. (Photo: VNA)

Therefore, there is a great need for the collective efforts of society and the support of the international community in healing the wounds of war and alleviating the pain caused by Agent Orange, Chinh said, adding that every act of assistance and sharing is a significant contribution to ensuring that no victim across the country is left behind.

The programme offered the audience an insight into the severe consequences of chemical toxins used during the war in Vietnam. It underscores the concern and efforts of the Party, State, political system, and the VAVAs at all levels, as well as the support and assistance from domestic and foreign donors in addressing the aftermath of chemical toxins, caring for and helping victims, and seeking justice for them.

"Lighting up the Future" for dioxin victims: Art and Exchange programme
"Lighting up the Future" for dioxin victims: Ms. Nguyen Thi Dan shares the difficulties and hardships when all four children are second-generation victims of Agent Orange. (Photo: Hoang Hieu/VNA)

At the event, the organising board received support from organisations, individuals, and the audience nationwide, and international friends. The VAVA is mobilising support through two ways: by scanning a QR code or transferring money to account number 1961 at the Military Bank (MB Bank), via the account 'Vietnam Fund for Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin'; or by scanning a QR code for donations through the VTC e-wallet.

"Lighting up the Future" for dioxin victims: Art and Exchange programme
"Lighting up the Future" for dioxin victims: VAVA members and AO victim Tran To Nga. (Photo: Thai Nguyen)
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(Source: WVR/VNA)