Meals of Compassion Vouchers

In its efforts to ensure daily meals and nurture compassion among young children, the “Meals of Compassion Vouchers” model of Phu Rieng Kindergarten in Phu Rieng commune, Dong Nai province, has emerged as a notable highlight. The model not only helps students overcome difficulties and continue their education, but also contributes to the strengthening of a responsible and humane educational environment. Recently, the “Meals of Compassion Vouchers” model was commended as an exemplary initiative in studying and following Ho Chi Minh’s thought, morality and style in the southern region in 2025, affirming its practical effectiveness and sustained impact.

A warm lunchtime at Phu Rieng Kindergarten in Phu Rieng commune. Photo: Ngoc Thao

Small voucher, big meaning

Each morning for Le Huy Hieu, a preschool student at Phu Rieng Kindergarten, begins with familiar bustle in a small home. Economic hardship once made enrolling her child in full-day schooling a difficult challenge for Nguyen Thi Huong, Hieu’s mother. However, for more than two years now, since the school provided the family with a meal support voucher, concerns over her child’s lunchtime meals have gradually been eased.

Huong shared emotionally: “My family used to be in a tough situation. There were times when even putting a meal on the table at home was a struggle, let alone affording full-day schooling for my child. Receiving the school's meals of compassion voucher felt like part of the burden had been lifted. Thanks to these vouchers, my child can now attend school regularly and no longer has to miss classes because of a lack of lunch money. I am truly grateful to the school for supporting my child, so he can enjoy a warm meal and have the same learning opportunities as his peers.”

Hieu’s story is also shared by many families whose children attend Phu Rieng Kindergarten. Amidst the pressures of making a living, the cost of full-day meals can become a significant concern, leaving children vulnerable to interrupted schooling simply because they lack access to a proper lunch. In this context, the “Meals of Compassion Vouchers” model has become a warm source of support, enabling children to continue attending school without being held back by financial burdens.

For Le My Duyen, that support carries even greater meaning. Having lost her father at a young age, Duyen’s mother, Nguyen Thi Mai An, shoulders the family’s financial responsibilities while caring for her child alone. The meal support vouchers came as timely helping hands, allowing Duyen to have a full meal and maintain regular attendance at school. For An, the assistance is not only financial support but also reassurance that her child can grow up with care and compassion.

Mai An shared: “I am deeply grateful for the support of the school and the community. Thanks to these vouchers, my child receives proper nutrition and goes to school with a relaxed mind, without feeling disadvantaged compared to her classmates. I sincerely hope this model will be maintained and expanded further, as it truly brings joy and peace of mind to families in difficult circumstances like ours.”

Many parents like An, who work hard to overcome adversity so their children can attend school, have seen part of their burden eased. When a child’s lunch is guaranteed, parents gain renewed trust; when a child no longer has to leave school because of a lack of meal fees, the entire community is empowered to carry forward the future.

Continuing the path to school

Over the years, the “Meals of Compassion Vouchers” model has supported hundreds of children, helping maintain regular school attendance and ensuring that every lunchtime meal is nutritionally sufficient. For young children, this is an essential condition for physical development and the ability to concentrate on learning. For parents, it is timely support. For teachers, it is a reassurance that no child is left behind. Looking back on the journey, teachers have come to deeply appreciate the value of these small vouchers with far-reaching impact. This spirit of humanity has contributed to Phu Rieng Kindergarten being recognized as an exemplary model in studying and following Ho Chi Minh’s thought, morality and style in the southern region in 2025.

The “Meals of Compassion Vouchers” model was initiated by Phu Rieng Kindergarten in the 2019-2020 school year, stemming from concern over the number of children missing school because their families could not afford full-day meal fees. Determined to find a solution, the school’s teaching staff took proactive steps by organizing teachers and students to create handmade products for sale, thereby raising funds to sustain the model. Each meal voucher was thus created – simple in appearance, yet carrying the compassion and responsibility of those working in education.

Dang Thi Lien, Vice Principal of Phu Rieng Kindergarten, shared: “The ‘Meals of Compassion Vouchers’ model was born from the very real concerns of our teaching staff. Many children come from extremely challenging circumstances, with parents lacking stable jobs and unable to pay for full-day meals, causing their children to leave school partway through the year. This reality pains us deeply because, at the preschool level, even a short disruption can significantly impact a child’s habits and ability to absorb knowledge. From the belief that 'no child should have to leave school because of a lack of one meal', the school decided to implement this model and call for support from the community. The results have been clear: children are attending class more regularly, becoming more confident, and integrating better into activities. We hope to continue and expand the model, so these meal vouchers can remain a source of support for disadvantaged children, helping them attend school each day in a loving and equitable environment.”

Behind each smile lies a story of timely support extended to a child. In every clear, innocent gaze is the belief that the path to school will always remain open. The “Meals of Compassion Vouchers” model has helped continue the journey so that young children’s steps to school are not interrupted. More importantly, it has affirmed that education is only truly complete when it is rooted in compassion and responsibility toward future generations. When kindness is cultivated through the simplest actions, the path to school for each child will continue to be broad and bright, as clear and hopeful as the young shoots growing stronger each day in the sunlight.

By Thanh Thao – Translated by Huyen Trang, Minho