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A 30-Year-Old School in Hau Giang Transformed by Global Kindness

date_range2025-05-22

“Witnessing the school’s new and sparkling appearance, the hygienic toilet facilities, and the bright smiles of the children, I feel that all the efforts of hundreds of supporters over the past three years to provide a better learning environment for students in this remote area of Hậu Giang Province have truly borne fruit, despite the challenges of today’s difficult economic climate. The school, now like the heart of the region, brings warmth and strength to the local people as they continue to face other hardships.”

These candid thoughts came from Ms Phụng, a long-time member of the saigonchildren team. For the past three years, she has tirelessly tracked and managed every donation, down to the very last penny, from supporters around the world to help rebuild Phương Ninh Primary and Secondary School, located in Phụng Hiệp District, Hậu Giang Province.

On the day of the opening ceremony, 20th May, our team departed from Ho Chi Minh City, both excited and anxious, for a journey that lasted over three hours in heavy rain along the road to the school. Fortunately, the rain soon eased, leaving only a few droplets during the event.

This 30-year-old school has been a home to generations of students in the region. But over time (and with nature taking its toll), the school had fallen into disrepair. With a local climate marked by a rainy season that lasts up to three months, the area is prone to flooding. At times, fish could be seen swimming in the schoolyard. More critically, the leaky roof and broken guttering allowed water to flow directly into the classrooms, once forcing students to take an entire month off from school.

These may be harsh conditions for a school to endure, but not for its people. The community here includes dedicated and enthusiastic teachers who have been committed to the school for over a decade, and students from underprivileged backgrounds who continue to pursue their dream of staying in school.

Three years ago, we met Ân, a first-grader at the time, who told us about her dream of a beautiful school. Her words inspired us to continue calling for support, gradually transforming the school step by step, in close collaboration with our partners and local authorities.

In 2023, the first three classrooms were built. Today, Phương Ninh School has been completely transformed. The last deteriorating row of four classrooms has been rebuilt, the 1,000-square-metre playground has been renovated, and new toilet blocks, now with accessible pathways for individuals with disabilities, have been constructed.

These facilities were made possible through a project co-funded by numerous generous sponsors and with reciprocal fund from local authorities. The toilet blocks were financially supported by the German General Consulate in Ho Chi Minh City; the classrooms and playground were made possible thanks to Avison Young, BASF and their partners (Hexachem, MKVN Chemicals, Nippon Paint Vietnam, Sam Chem Sphere, and Tam Trần), Ms Corrina Lim and friends, along with matching funds from Capital Group, Taiwan Excellence, donors from the 2022 Saigon Summer Ball, and many other kind-hearted supporters from around the world.

Thanks to the generous contributions of these organisations, companies, and individuals, Phương Ninh School has been given a new lease of life. It has become the heart of the local community, where around 150 students each year, for many years to come, will be able to learn and play in safety.

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