The Worldwide Orphans Foundation (WWO) in coordination with local relevant agencies is carrying out the Rainbow Project to offer help to vulnerable children in Ho Chi Minh City for three years starting from this month.

Children in an orphanage in District 8 in Ho Chi Minh City

The project, which actually started its first three-year period in the city in 2009, is extended by another three years to 2015 with a total cost of almost VND9 billion ($430,622).

Its main functions include giving technical aid to needy children, direct psychological consulting, and the provision of nutrition, health, education, vocational training and legal services to children in distress.

The project will also build two houses that act as family rooms of consultation in districts 5 and Hoc Mon to give support services to children in danger as orphans, those infected with HIV/AIDS, and others in complicated circumstances.

The support is meant to help children raise their self-esteem, be aware of their diseases and physical conditions and train their life skills.

Addressing at the meeting held on Monday to announce the project, Ngo Thi Thuy, country director in Vietnam of the WWO, said she is confident of being able to reach the targets set for the new period based on the achievements WWO had gained in the previous time.

Local partners of the project include the Department of Labor, War Invalids, and Social Affairs, and the HCMC Center of Social Works for Children.