The Cam Nghia Center for Disabled Children Care and Rehabilitation in Cam Lo District, Quang Tri Province, was established in 2008. Its mission is to provide daily care and rehabilitation services to children with disabilities in the Cua region, encompassing the Cam Chinh and Cam Nghia Communes.

This area was heavily affected by Agent Orange during the war, leading to a significantly higher rate of disabled children compared to other areas. According to Food & Environment Reporting Network, a New York-based non-profit news organization, this area, due to its proximity to two former U.S. military bases (Camp Mai Loc and Camp Carroll), was sprayed with 14,350 gallons of Agent Orange and other herbicides between 1966 and 1967.

With a critical need for medical care and rehabilitation support, the Center was established to meet this need, providing a safe and supportive environment for children with disabilities. Since 2021, Project RENEW has supported the Cam Nghia Center under its Victim Assistance/Disability Assistance Program. This support has helped the Center sustain its operations and improve the quality of care for the children. As of October 2024, through funding from the Irish Government via the Embassy of Ireland in Vietnam, the Center has received continued support to expand its capacity. This annual funding enables the Center to provide daily care for 15 severely disabled children between the ages of 6 and 30. The funding covers the children’s living expenses, supports the costs of two experienced caregivers, and provides essential supplies and equipment for operations.

Children with severe disabilities, including developmental delays, cerebral palsy, and sensory impairments, find hope and progress at the Center. Its daily rehabilitation services, offered Monday through Friday, help stabilize their routines and enhance their abilities.

Thanks to the support of Project RENEW and the Irish Government, families with children at the Center experience reduced caregiving burdens. This allows them to work and increase their income, ultimately improving their living conditions. The Center’s dedicated staff work tirelessly to provide comprehensive and compassionate care to every child.

Despite these efforts, the Center faces numerous challenges in maintaining the children’s quality of life and nutrition due to rising costs. The limited facilities, including an old building for care and accommodation, hinder the Center’s ability to provide optimal care.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Thuong, a dedicated staff member with 17 years of rehabilitation experience, has been working at the Center since its early days. Despite the challenges, her love and special bond with the disabled children continue to inspire her.

“We hope to receive additional funding to enhance nutrition, improve living conditions, and provide training for the children,” said Ms. Thuong. “Specifically, we need to increase staffing to ensure that every child receives the most attentive care possible.

Project RENEW extends its heartfelt gratitude to the Irish Government and the Embassy of Ireland in Vietnam for their continued support of the Cam Nghia Disabled Children’s Care and Rehabilitation Center. This funding has enabled local disabled children to access essential care services and reintegrate into their communities.

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