HCM CITY (VNS)— The HCM City on Thursday opened the third of a total planned 24 mini-cinemas at the Children's House in suburban Nha Be District.

The air-conditioned cinemas, which are equipped to show 3D films, were funded by the city to serve underprivileged children.

Doan Kim Thanh, of HCM City's Communist Youth Union, said the VND1 billion (US$48,000) cinema would expand leisure opportunities for the city's children.

"The cinema has helped children who live in poverty and those in rural areas access high-tech films. Children in Nha Be District don't have opportunities to see cinema," he said.

A similar cinema will be set up in every Children's House in the city's 24 districts.

Construction of cinemas and playgrounds began after many children complained to HCM City authorities that they had few places in the city to play. — VNS