The country of Vietnam is perhaps best known for its wars which left its people shattered and economy terribly weak. One of the under developed nations in Southern Asia, Vietnam is still struggling to rebuilt itself even after 33 years since its war with the US ended. The future of a country is its children and this rings true even for the country of Vietnam where the only hope left is from the children. However, the pathetic conditions that the children here live in moved a retired person from the United States who decided to do something for them.

Bored with the monotony of life and blessed with a philanthropic soul with the wish of doing his bit for the society, Ben Wilson decided to start an organization called the Children of Vietnam (COV). When the organization was started ten years ago, Ben Wilson, then 65 had never thought of the big response it will fetch and the kind of difference it will make to millions in Vietnam.

The country has very poor health care, residential and educational facilities and is too poor to afford any thing better. The economy of the country is so weak that it can hardly provide its citizens with aids required for survival. Even those seeking medical help often die as they cannot afford the prescribed medicines. The COV has made it their mission to not let any child die for the lack of medical help and fund medical operations of anyone who seeks their help. The organization has funded many orphanages and kindergartens in the country which also house children with deformities, thus educating and feeding them for their future lives. The money required for these funds are raised in the US by Ben Wilson, who couldn’t have a busier retired life.

The organization has various designated teams that visit the under privileged areas and inspect the living and sanitation conditions there, funding the repairs wherever required. The COV has rebuilt many mud houses into fully cemented ones providing better standard of living to the Vietnamese. Those below the poverty line are also provided with food allowances so that at least basic survival is ensured. The importance of this charitable work can be seen in the eyes of those at the receiving end, which well up with tears with the kind of help they get from the people of the same country which once destroyed all its resources. Funds are raised for the COV through www.childrenscultureconnection.org, a non-profit organization that raises money for 12 children’s charities which includes the Children of Vietnam (COV).

Via: Cannonfalls

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