Care for vulnerable people



Ha Noi, March 19 (VNA) --

* VND 10 Billion to Help the Blind

The Viet Nam Assocation for the Blind plans to provide loans worth VND 10 billion, almost USD 700,000, to its members to start their own businesses.

The money will also help the association publish 1,000 sets of books and six newspapers in Braille and open five rehabilitation classes for another 2,000 blind people.

The association, which has 31,730 members, reports that the rate of poor blind fell by 11.74 percent last year.

* Ha Noi Cares for Disadvantaged Children

Ha Noi has provided more than 90 percent of its disadvantaged children with effective support in healthcare, education and vocational training.

About 5,000 of the city's orphans have been raised in children's homes by social organizations and more than 3,000 disabled children given education and care.

The city People's Committee has also extended financial support to more than 1,050 deformed children of parents exposed to Agent Orange.--VNA