“KIDNEY HEALTH JOURNEY – WALKING WITH LOVE” AND THE PRACTICE OF HUMAN-CENTERED COMMUNICATION

On January 11, 2026, K23 PR students successfully implemented a community-based project titled “Kidney Health Journey – Walking with Love,” dedicated to children suffering from chronic kidney disease who are currently receiving treatment at Children’s Hospital No. 2 (Ho Chi Minh City). This project marked the first time PR K23 students independently took charge of the entire process – from concept development and project planning to sponsorship outreach and on-site execution – reflecting Hoa Sen University’s practice-oriented training philosophy.

More than a regular field trip, the K23 Public Relations Field Trip at Hoa Sen University was a meaningful journey of compassion, social responsibility, and professional growth for students majoring in Public Relations.

The program was held at Lan Vuong Eco-Tourism Area (Ben Tre Province), where young patients and their families enjoyed a warm, nature-filled environment. Students created a “mini Tet celebration” featuring engaging, hands-on activities that encouraged creativity, interaction, and joyful family moments, allowing the children to fully experience the spirit of childhood.

In addition to the activities, 17 children with chronic kidney disease, accompanied by their parents, received meaningful Tet gifts, including one carton of milk and financial support of VND 1,000,000 per child. These gifts served as heartfelt encouragement, ensuring that the upcoming Lunar New Year would still be filled with warmth despite ongoing medical challenges.

Every moment of the trip – from innocent smiles during games to emotional reactions when playtime ended – became a powerful source of motivation for these young “little warriors”, highlighting the emotional impact of human-centered communication in real life.

As part of the journey, the student group also visited Duc Quang Shelter, where they engaged in cultural exchanges and presented gifts to underprivileged children. Although modest, these contributions carried deep messages of empathy, care, and social responsibility—core values that PR students aim to uphold in their future professional careers.

The trip concluded with a visit to a traditional coconut candy workshop in Ben Tre, where students learned about local craftsmanship and brought home sweet memories of the Mekong Delta. This final experience reinforced the idea that the field trip was not only educational but also culturally enriching.

Reflecting on the experience, To Vinh Khang (K23 PR student)shared:

“What stayed with me was not the hardship faced by the children, but their quiet and resilient strength. They deserve to be seen as complete individuals—free to play, to be heard, and to fully experience childhood. This journey helped me understand that public relations is not just about image-building, but about practicing responsibility, empathy, and sustainable social values.”

Through this field trip, K23 Public Relations students not only strengthened their skills in organizing and communicating community projects but also developed a deeper understanding of human-centered communication, where dignity and people come first. This aligns with the educational philosophy of the Faculty of Marketing – Communication, Hoa Sen University, which aims to nurture communication professionals who are ethically grounded, socially responsible, and professionally competent.

Written by: MBA. Trương Quang Vinh

Faculty of Marketing – Communication