For over two decades, the Blue Dragon centre in Hanoi has been a place of joy and refuge where vulnerable children can transform their lives.
As we begin building our new children’s centre in Ho Chi Minh City, we asked a simple question to a few of the children who have played, learned and thrived at our centre in Hanoi:
“What does the Blue Dragon centre mean to you?”
“The Blue Dragon centre is a space that gives us a sense of belonging, making us feel safe, understood and confident – a place that captures the joy and innocence of childhood.”
Quyet met Blue Dragon after spending three years living on the streets of Hanoi. Read his incredible journey from sleeping on the streets to running his own business.
“It’s a place that protects all children, no matter what difficulties they face. It’s a really safe place, and I always feel super happy when I come here. I hope other kids who are having a hard time can also come here to play!”
Keo loves drawing and making new friends.
“The centre is a part of my everyday life. I get to learn and play here!”
Linh loves taking younger kids under his wing and helping them to grow alongside him – especially in hip hop class!
“I love coming here. I always have so much fun. I can meet all the teachers, who are really nice and sweet. I like them a lot!”
Nhim loves cooking class and learning English.
“The Blue Dragon centre holds a special and profound meaning for me. It’s an inseparable part of who I am today.”
Read how Phi survived a grave illness and went on to follow his dreams of becoming a graphic designer – giving back to Blue Dragon kids along the way.
“The centre feels like my childhood. Before, I spent most of my time at home, without friends or a place to truly belong. Then I had a space where I could make friends and do activities with people who cared about me. “
Now, Nhung’s journey continues as she fulfills her dream of studying International Business at British University Vietnam.
“When I first saw the Blue Dragon centre, I was really surprised. It felt so big – so full of colour, sound, and joy. It just felt… Wow!”
Trong met Blue Dragon as a lost, vulnerable child. Today, he works as a Blue Dragon social worker, filling kids’ days with the same joy and wonder that he felt when he first arrived here.
“It’s a place that always makes me happy. I play with lots of friends and join in fun activities. I can learn so many things. I feel really safe here because no one gets bullied. All the teachers are so kind.”
Khoai loves swimming, running, and especially drawing.
“It’s the safest place. I can be creative, hang out and play UNO with friends. I take English classes, and learn musical instruments like piano, guitar and drums, which makes me so happy. My favourite subject is drums.”
Nam dreams of becoming a social worker so that he can help children like him to thrive.
“It’s where everyone plays and learns, especially in summer vacation. A great memory is when my friends and I helped do up the library. I still love seeing everyone there.”
Ti is following her dream of working in the tourism industry. Read her inspirational story here.
“It’s so safe and fun at the centre. I can come here when I’m feeling down, play with my friends, try new activities and learn skills to prepare me for getting a job. I really love it here.”
Tuan recently began a scholarship at Park Hang Seo football academy in Hanoi, and loves sharing his new footballing knowledge with other Blue Dragon kids.
“The Blue Dragon centre is my home, and the people there are my family. It’s a place for me to freely create, learn new things and come up with good ideas. It’s a really important place for me.”
Tien loves running and supporting other children around the centre.
Until now, the children we meet in Ho Chi Minh City haven’t had that same safe haven as these children. With support from our generous global community, that can change.
We’re opening a new centre in Ho Chi Minh City where children will have classrooms, rooms for psychological counselling, a library and spaces for all kinds of fun activities.
You can bring all of that joy to life!
Thank you!
