Community Walkathon Raises $22,000 for Students in Need

On August 23, 2024, the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Rach Dua ward in Ho Chi Minh City organized a fundraising walkathon to support students from low-income families for the upcoming school year. The event, themed “One Step, One Dream,” attracted hundreds of local residents, who paid a registration fee and made additional donations.

The walkathon collected a total of 531,190,000 Vietnamese đồng (approximately $22,000 USD). Of that, 170,590,000 VND was donated in cash on the day, and 360,600,000 VND was transferred via bank accounts. The money will be used to provide school supplies, uniforms, tuition assistance, and other necessities for children facing economic hardship.

The activity also served as a celebration of the 79th anniversary of the August Revolution (August 19, 1945) and Vietnam’s National Day (September 2, 1945). Organizers saw it as a way to reinforce community spirit and national pride while addressing a pressing social need.

Mr. Nguyen Phuc Hoang, Secretary of the Party Committee of Rach Dua ward, said this was the second year the program has been held. “Behind each student in difficult circumstances is a story, a family, and a dream. Some simply want to stay in school; others hope for new books or clothes. Even a small contribution helps,” he said. He noted that every step taken during the walkathon brings a child closer to finishing their education and building a better future.

In addition to the walkathon, the ward has been coordinating ongoing support for vulnerable children. Over the past year, the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Rach Dua has connected with organizations, individuals, and philanthropists to sponsor 121 orphans. Of these, 20 children receive monthly support until they turn 18. According to local officials, this long-term commitment provides stability and hope for children who have lost parents.

The success of this year’s walkathon reflects a growing trend of grassroots fundraising for education in Vietnam. While government programs exist, community-led initiatives fill critical gaps, especially for families in urban wards where the cost of living is rising. In the United States, similar back-to-school drives and walkathons are common, often organized by local churches, schools, or nonprofits. The Rach Dua model offers a replicable template: a low-cost, high-engagement event that leverages local networks and social media.

Experts in education equity note that direct community involvement can be more effective than large, impersonal donations. “When a neighbor walks for a child, it creates a personal connection that goes beyond money,” said Dr. Linh Tran, a professor of social work at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities in Ho Chi Minh City. “The child knows that people in their own community care about their future.”

The event also received support from local businesses, which provided refreshments, medical aid, and prizes for participants. The walkathon route was about 3 kilometers through the ward’s main streets, accompanied by volunteers and traffic police.

As the new school year begins in September, the funds will be distributed to 530 students identified by the ward’s education office. Each student will receive a voucher worth about 1 million VND ($42) to buy school supplies. The remaining funds will be used for emergency grants for students facing sudden family crises, such as illness or job loss.

The Rach Dua approach is part of a wider effort across Vietnam to reduce dropout rates and improve educational outcomes. According to the Ministry of Education and Training, the national primary school completion rate is over 97%, but disparities persist in urban poor areas and among ethnic minority groups. Programs like this walkathon help close the gap between policy and