Hanoi youth's acts of kindness comfort patients in need

THE HANOI TIMES — High school students in Hanoi has launched the Lumie’re Project with a charity meal campaign at Viet Duc Hospital to create a space that connects families and spreads positive values.

Inspired by a US Embassy leadership camp, the Lumie’re Project, now in its fifth season, has evolved from family-oriented discussions and workshops to significant social outreach services.

By providing free meals to hospital patients, the team is taking a heartfelt step toward turning compassion into action.

According to the project's communication coordinator Bao Minh, not all hospital visitors can afford a satisfying meal. Although a warm dinner isn't much, it lets them know they're not alone.

“I’ve been here taking care of my wife for many days. I was delighted and surprised that these kids were providing me with this meal. I was pleasantly surprised by how considerate and eager these young people were to help others," Nguyen Van Du of Thanh Hoa Province said as he held a box of steaming hot food.

It wasn't just the recipients who felt the warmth; for the young volunteers, each meal delivered offered meaningful experiences and life lessons that went far beyond any textbook.

Truong Quynh Anh, a first-time volunteer and group member, shared: "I was shy at first because I wasn’t used to handing out charity meals. But when I saw the warm smiles and heard the sincere thanks from people, I realized that helping others doesn’t require something grand; just a genuine heart will do.”

"Though the work was tiring, from cooking and packing to delivering, doing it together toward a common goal made me happy," said Ta Dang Khanh, another active group member.

The program will continue on August 2 with the hope of reaching more patients in need and inspiring more young people to show compassion.