Anyone who knows Julia Morley CBE well understands that few things bring her more joy than spending time with children and, above all, helping them.

“If I could change one thing in the world,” she has often said, “I would make sure every child had comfort, a warm meal on the table, access to education, and a happy childhood.”

On June 1, celebrated as Children’s Day in Vietnam, Julia Morley CBE joined hands with the Ho Chi Minh City Women’s Union, Miss World Vietnam, and Sen Vàng Entertainment to present the Happy Children’s Day Festival, a program dedicated to academically outstanding children and resilient women facing difficult circumstances.

The event took place at the Party Committee Hall of Duc Nhuan Ward in Ho Chi Minh City and was attended by Mrs. Trinh Thi Thanh, Standing Vice President of the Ho Chi Minh City Women’s Union; Ms. Pham Kim Dung, President of Miss World Vietnam; Mr. Hoang Nhat Nam, Director of Sen Vàng Entertainment; Miss World Vietnam 2024 Le Nguyen Bao Ngoc; and Mr World 2024 1st Runner-Up Pham Tuan Ngoc.

Also present throughout the event were members of the local police force. Julia Morley has always held deep respect for police officers and the work they perform in communities around the world. Whether at Miss World events, charitable initiatives, or official visits, she often takes time to acknowledge their dedication and professionalism. 

Arriving approximately twenty minutes behind schedule, Julia quickly made her way up two long flights of stairs and into a large hall where dozens of children and women were waiting. Accompanied by Ms. Pham Kim Dung, she entered to warm applause, smiling and waving as she made her way through the room.

The formal proceedings began with welcome remarks and recognition of Julia Morley’s decades of humanitarian work through Beauty With a Purpose. When invited to speak, Julia expressed her happiness at being part of such a meaningful occasion and spoke of the importance of education, opportunity, and hope.

She shared her delight that scholarships, gifts, and financial assistance would be distributed to families that afternoon, emphasizing that Miss World has always been about a beauty far deeper than appearances.

“I would never organize Miss World if it were only about physical beauty,” she told the audience. “It is about the beauty that transforms lives and brings light to those who need it most.”

She concluded by inviting the children to spend time with the Miss World ambassadors when representatives from around the globe arrive in Vietnam later this year for the 75th Anniversary edition of the Festival.

Then came the moment everyone had been waiting for.

The children were invited onto the stage in small groups as scholarship certificates were presented. Julia personally assisted with the distribution, taking time to interact with the kids. Some were shy and reserved, others energetic and eager to chat, but all seemed to understand that this was a special moment. It was recognition of their hard work, perseverance, and academic achievement.

When it was the women’s turn to come forward, language proved no obstacle at all.

Smiles, embraces, and expressions of genuine respect communicated everything that words could not. Behind each face was undoubtedly a story of resilience, sacrifice, and determination. The strength reflected in their eyes was unmistakable.

Also present was the reigning Miss World Vietnam, Le Nguyen Bao Ngoc. There was no spotlight-seeking, no crown or sash. Tall, charismatic, and constantly smiling, she moved naturally among the guests, helping wherever needed, just like any other volunteer in the room. Her warmth and sincerity quickly won the affection of both the children and the women attending the event.

The sponsors who helped make the initiative possible were also in attendance, playing an essential role in ensuring that meaningful support reached those who needed it most.

Events such as these are not unusual for Miss World Vietnam. Over the years, the organization has consistently embraced the true spirit that drives Miss World and Beauty With a Purpose: using influence, resources, and goodwill to create tangible change in people’s lives and contribute to a more equitable society.

Ultimately, Julia Morley’s dream is a simple one. It is also the dream shared by countless good-hearted people around the world: that every child should have the opportunity to smile, play, learn, grow, and live with dignity and security.

Such moment comes closer one step at a time, one act of kindness at a time, one brick at a time. 

For the children, the women, Julia Morley CBE, and the dedicated team behind Miss World Vietnam, this Children’s Day will not soon be forgotten.