Mr Noel Dempsey TD, Minister for Communications Marine and Natural Resources today visited the Blue Dragon Foundation for disadvantaged children and young adults in Hanoi, Vietnam. This facility has been part funded by Ireland through an Irish Aid programme.
Minister Dempsey is in Hanoi to attend the ASEM ICT Ministerial Meeting which will take place on 30 November.
The Blue Dragon shelter will provide psychological services and a range of information technology classes for approximately 150 street children and children with disabilities in Hanoi. €20,000 was recently provided by Irish Aid to cover the costs of a full time psychologist as well as IT training for the children and computer equipment and supplies for the shelter.
Speaking today Minister Dempsey said: “I am very proud of the contribution that the Irish Government has made to this wonderful shelter for disadvantaged children. Ireland Aid identified the need to help these vulnerable children and moved to make funding available for this extremely worthwhile cause. As Minister for Communications I know how important it is that children and young adults get access to IT training and equipment so that their chances of a brighter future are greatly enhanced. These children are among the most vulnerable in Vietnamese society and this shelter will provide a real chance to learn and grow in a safe and stable environment.”
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