(VOVworld)- More than 1,700 poor and disadvantaged students in Ho Chi Minh City on Wednesday went home for the traditional lunar New Year.  Most of the students are from the central, southwestern and central highlands regions. They are helped with bus tickets to get home for Tet. Dam Thi Thu Hien, a student at the University of Technology, is from Quang Binh province: “I’m very happy to return home for Tet and see my parents. I wish for a New Year of better academic results. I’m very grateful for the Support Center and teachers for helping me to return home for Tet”.

Launched in 2003 by the Center for Supporting Students of Ho Chi Minh City, the “Spring bus” program has helped more than 32,000 poor and disadvantaged students to reunite with their families during Tet. Quach Hai Dat is the Center’s Director: “Supporting poor and disadvantaged children needs efforts not only by the Support Center but also individuals and the whole of society. Tet is the biggest festival in the nation, so we should help everyone to have a happy Tet and reunite with their families during this period”.

In addition to bus tickets, organizations and sectors in Ho Chi Minh City presented 1,000 gifts worth 500 million VND to the students, who celebrate Tet in the city. The Center helps students find extra work to increase their incomes during Tet.