President Trần Đại Quang meets with 58 disadvantaged children from 11 provinces and cities at the Presidential Palace yesterday on the occasion of the International Children’s Day (June 1). — VNA/VNS Photo Nhan Sáng

HÀ NỘI — The Party and State pursue a consistent policy of protecting, caring for and educating children, President Trần Đại Quang said, stressing that investing in children is to invest in the nation’s future.

The President made the remarks while meeting with 58 disadvantaged children from 11 provinces and cities at the Presidential Palace yesterday on the occasion of the International Children’s Day (June 1).

He noted that the enforcement of policies for children had produced remarkable achievements over the past years, with children given priority in socio-economic development strategies and plans.

The State leader noted that "among 26 million children across the nation, nearly 1.5 million live in especially difficult conditions and more than 2.5 million others are at risk of falling into disadvantaged circumstances".

"They need greater attention from authorities and agencies at all levels," he said, urging society, families and schools to help provide better care and protection for those children.

President Quang praised the disadvantaged children’s resilient spirit in overcoming difficulties and demonstrating outstanding academic performances.

He also extended thanks to agencies, organisations, and individuals at home and abroad for their donations to the National Fund for Vietnamese Children (NFVC), saying that they contribute significantly to the protection, care and education of children in need.

The President also urged the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs and relevant bodies and localities to continue effectively implementing the Party’s policy and the State’s laws to safeguard, care for and educate children, including the Directive No 20/CT-TW of the 11th Politburo on strengthening the Party’s leadership of the tasks to care for, educate and protect children, the 2016 Law on Children, the national action plan for children for 2016-2020 in tandem with the Strategy for Vietnamese Family to 2020.

He called on agencies, organisations, individuals and philanthropists at home and abroad to continue contributing to the care of children. — VNS