Why Kids Don’t Want to Sleep In on Sundays
On the morning of Sunday, June 8, while most of Hanoi was just beginning to stir, something quietly joyful was already underway in one of the city's outer neighborhoods. A group of kids had leapt out of bed, full of excitement, not for a cartoon marathon or a trip to the mall. But for Cool Vietnam’s second “Play for Peace in the City” event.
And this wasn’t just another weekend activity. It was a movement for joy, belonging, and healing, right in the heart of the community.
Hanoi may be Vietnam’s vibrant capital, but access to safe, inclusive play spaces is still limited in many neighborhoods, especially in outer districts. That’s where Cool Vietnam (CVN), a newly-formed Play for Peace club, is making a real impact.
Supported by the Play for Peace + ChangeX Fund partnership, CVN is working with heart and limited resources to create community-centered events where children and families can connect, laugh, and heal through compassionate play.
Their goal? Simple but powerful: Bring meaningful play to children who need it most.
A Morning Full of Moments that Matter
From cookie decorating and dragonfly crafting to team games and laughter-filled group activities, the event overflowed with joy. There were no limits on creativity, as long as a child wanted to keep creating, the team made sure there were materials to match.
One girl made a handmade card for her mom, a dragonfly for her dad, and extra cookies for her brother, who currently lives in a different home due to their parents' separation.
These small gestures?
They hold big emotional value in the lives of young children navigating real challenges.
As one mother and her daughter walked out of the event, the girl tugged on her sleeve and asked:
“Mom, can we come here again next week?”
Her mom smiled and said,
“They don’t do this every week, sweetheart. But let me ask when we can come back.”
And that moment captured everything.
In a world that can feel uncertain and disconnected, these gatherings offer something rare, a space where children feel safe, seen, and free to be joyful.
What’s Next for Cool Vietnam?
CVN still faces real challenges: limited manpower, small budgets, and a growing demand. But they continue to show up with heart, proving that even a single morning of meaningful play can ripple outward in powerful ways.
Whether it’s creating a safe space for a child to express love, or helping a family reconnect over crafts and cookies, CVN is planting seeds of peace, one joyful Sunday at a time.
Help Us Keep the Joy Alive
Your support can bring more Play for Peace sessions like this to children and families in need. Visit playforpeace.org to learn how you can help us expand the impact in Vietnam and beyond.
