Individuals and organizations receive awards for their outstanding contributions to the program.
On November 28, the Dong Da Ward Cultural and Sports Center hosted the five-year review of the "Unsung Heroes" communication program (2021–2025) and the awards ceremony for the 2025 writing competition of the same name.
The program is organized by Kinh te & Do thi (Economic & Urban) Newspaper in cooperation with ActionAid International in Vietnam (ActionAid Vietnam) and the Aid for Social Protection Program Foundation Vietnam (AFV).
The event was attended by Standing Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Journalists Association Nguyen Duc Loi and Standing Vice Chairman of the Hanoi Journalists Association Kieu Thanh Hung.
Representing the organizers were Ta Viet Anh, Chair of AFV and Vice Head of the Competition Organizing Committee, Hoang Phuong Thao, Country Director of ActionAid Vietnam and Nguyen Thanh Loi, Editor-in-Chief of Kinh te & Do thi Newspaper and Head of the "Silent Contributions" Communication Program, along with leaders of media agencies and award-winning authors.
Honoring individuals who quietly serve their communities
Speaking at the ceremony, Loi said the writing contest was created five years ago during the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, which heavily affected people's lives, especially informal workers, women, people with disabilities and vulnerable groups.
Nguyen Thanh Loi, Editor in Chief of Kinh te & Do thi Newspaper, delivers his remarks at the event.
In that context, Kinh te & Do thi Newspaper, the ActionAid Vietnam and the AFV launched the competition to honor ordinary individuals who quietly dedicate their time and effort to helping their communities, spreading positive humanitarian values.
With its multi-platform media ecosystem of nine publications, Kinh te & Do thi Newspaper and its partners have worked tirelessly to organize and expand the program creatively and professionally.
Journalists, lecturers, students and high-schoolers from across Vietnam contributed heartfelt stories about livelihoods, community service and social welfare.
Loi said that while the program initially drew participants mainly from Hanoi and northern provinces, by the third year and especially the fifth, it expanded nationwide.
Most central and local media agencies submitted entries, along with many universities, academies, youth unions and high schools.
He emphasized that the program's broad reach shows its strong influence and meaningful social impact.
More importantly, the "Unsung Heroes" program has improved social-welfare awareness and helped many individuals overcome hardship, finding confidence and purpose in contributing to society.
Each story carries a message of kindness and every honored individual represents quiet resilience and community dedication.
A five-year partnership bringing lasting value
According to the organizers, the five-year partnership has turned "Unsung Heroes" into a widely recognized annual brand of Kinh te & Do thi Newspaper.
Delegates tour the exhibition at the event.
The program has spread compassion and community spirit, creating meaningful social value, building public trust and reinforcing responsibility toward national development.
Ta Viet Anh, Chair of AFV, said ActionAid Vietnam has contributed to poverty reduction and sustainable development in Vietnam for more than 35 years, supporting disadvantaged communities with community-based solutions recognized by local authorities and residents.
AFV has focused on helping vulnerable groups, including women, children, people with disabilities and those facing hardship.
He said AFV's goals align closely with those of Kinh te & Do thi Newspaper and ActionAid Vietnam: working for and with communities.
The common goal allows the three organizations to build long-term joint plans, beginning with the writing contest and expanding to communication programs and international-cooperation projects.
Speaking at the event, Standing Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Journalists Association Nguyen Duc Loi praised the program, saying it has effectively raised awareness and proposed solutions to strengthen social welfare and improve people's quality of life.
To recognize the program's positive contributions from 2021 to 2025, eight collectives and individuals received Certificates of Merit from the Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee.