A delegation of sailors from the Royal New Zealand Navy ships HMNZS Te Mana and HMNZS Aotearoa on Monday paid a visit to Maison Chance, a charity organization supporting disabled individuals and disadvantaged children in Ho Chi Minh City.

They brought gifts and participated in activities with the disadvantaged at the establishment, which is located in Binh Tan District.

On behalf of the New Zealand Ambassador, New Zealand Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City Scott James and the sailors gifted nine wheelchairs donated by donors in New Zealand.

“For the first time in history, two Royal New Zealand Navy ships have visited Vietnam. This is evidence of the strategic partnership between New Zealand and Vietnam,” James stated.

At Maison Chance, the sailors engaged in sports activities and cultural performances with the disabled individuals and children living there.

Established in 1993, Maison Chance provides accommodation, medical care, education, and vocational training for people with disabilities and children from challenging backgrounds in Vietnam.

The organization operates three establishments in Ho Chi Minh City and one in Dak Nong Province.

In addition to their visit to Maison Chance, the sailors will also visit 'Mai Am Ba Chieu,' a charity facility managed by the Ho Chi Minh City Women's Charity Association, to support disadvantaged girls in the city.

HMNZS Te Mana and HMNZS Aotearoa arrived in Ho Chi Minh City for a five-day official visit on Sunday.

This visit aims to promote mutual understanding and coordination between the Royal New Zealand Navy and the Vietnam People's Navy, as well as contribute to bilateral defense cooperation between Vietnam and New Zealand.

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