Spouse of National Assembly Chairman tours child support facility in Senegal
The ESTEL centre in Dakar, Senegal, is a beacon of hope for children and adolescents with intellectual and cognitive disabilities. This model institution focuses on the protection, empowerment, and social integration of people with disabilities through a specialized teaching program that combines basic education, art therapy, ceramics, cooking, gardening, outdoor activities, family awareness, and career integration efforts.
On June 23, 2025, Nguyễn Thị Thanh Nga, spouse of the Vietnamese National Assembly Chairman, visited the ESTEL centre during her official visit to Senegal. Nga was deeply moved by the centre's work and praised its principles and mission, reaffirming the shared humanitarian values between Vietnam and Senegal in protecting vulnerable children.
The ESTEL centre's management expressed a desire for increased support and cooperation not only from Senegal's government but also from international partners, including Vietnam. In response, the Vietnamese delegation contributed tangible support by donating five computers, one printer, and gifts created by people with disabilities to the ESTEL centre, symbolizing their commitment to foster collaboration and exchange experiences in disability care and social inclusion.
This visit and collaboration mark a significant step forward in the relationship between Senegal and Vietnam, particularly in the humanitarian and social welfare sectors. Both countries may aim to develop shared strategies in protecting and empowering disadvantaged children and persons with disabilities.
Nga noted that Vietnam and Senegal share a tradition of humanity, protecting the disadvantaged, especially children. The centre managers expressed a desire for more support and cooperation from the Senegalese Government, international organizations, and countries, including Vietnam.
The donated items, including five computers, a printer, and gifts made by people with disabilities, were warmly received by the centre's representatives, who stated that the visit brought warmth to the children and staff. The centre managers briefed the guests on efforts to support children with disabilities in Senegal, and Nga expressed her hope that Vietnam and Senegal will strengthen cooperation to share experiences in protecting disadvantaged people and those with disabilities.
In conclusion, the ESTEL centre in Dakar, Senegal, serves as a shining example of how specialized teaching programs can empower and integrate individuals with intellectual and cognitive disabilities into society. The visit by Nguyễn Thị Thanh Nga and the subsequent cooperation between Vietnam and Senegal highlight the importance of international collaboration in fostering a more inclusive and supportive world for all.
In light of the visit by Nguyễn Thị Thanh Nga, the ESTEL centre in Dakar, Senegal, has expressed a desire for increased support and cooperation not only from Senegal's government but also from international partners, including Vietnam. This cooperation, as symbolized by the donated computers and gifts made by people with disabilities, reflects a shared commitment between Vietnam and Senegal towards sustainable living and social integration for people with disabilities. Both countries are now exploring opportunities to collaborate on education and lifestyle initiatives that promote a more inclusive and supportive world, extending beyond home-and-garden and art therapy, and embracing fields like AI and war-torn regions in the pursuit of a more equitable society.
