20th September marked the kick-off ceremony for the new construction of Phương Ninh Primary and Secondary School, located in Phương Bình Commune, Phụng Hiệp District, Hậu Giang Province, involving the construction of four new classrooms, sanitary facilities, and the renovation of a 1,000-square-metre playground. The project is part of saigonchildren’s School Building and Learning Environments Programme, set to be completed by early 2025, providing a safe and convenient environment for approximately 150 students each year for many years to come.
Mr. Damien Roberts, Executive Director of saigonchildren, stated: “This project reaffirms our commitment to enhancing learning environments for impoverished students, and it continues to be our honour to bring together donors, local governments and partners to take action and support the development of the Mekong Delta. Through the collaborative efforts of all parties, we aim to meet the needs of teaching and learning, empowering future generations to develop themselves through education and contribute to the prosperity of the nation.”
Phương Ninh Primary and Secondary School comprises the main campus Phương Hòa and two satellite sites, all originally built in the 1990s with basic materials and structures. Over time, these facilities have deteriorated, with issues such as leaking roofs, peeling walls, cracked structural columns, and a schoolyard prone to being dangerously slippery during the rainy season. In 2023, thanks to the generous support of saigonchildren’s donors, the first three old classrooms at the main site were reconstructed.
This current project will continue the refurbishment of the school’s facilities. Following the removal of the remaining dilapidated classrooms, four brand-new classrooms will be constructed and modernised with advanced equipment. Additionally, the toilet facilities will include eight blocks, shared equally between male and female students, as well as separate teachers’ toilets, along with an accessible pathway for people with disabilities.
Alongside reciprocal funding from local governments, the German Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City supported financially the sanitation facilities, while the construction of classrooms and playgrounds is contributed by Avison Young, BASF and its business partners (Hexachem, MKVN Chemicals, Nippon Paint Việt Nam, Sam Chem Sphere, and Tam Trần), Ms. Corrina Lim and her friends and matching fund from Capital Group, Taiwan Excellence, supporters from the Saigon Summer Ball 2022 event, and other generous donors.
As with every school building project undertaken by saigonchildren, the design and construction of the classrooms and toilet blocks adhere to the standards set by the Ministry of Education and Training. Saigonchildren will also work alongside parents, teachers, and others to supervise the construction process and ensure the long-term preservation and maintenance of the facilities.
Scholarship support in Hậu Giang
In the 2024 – 2025 school year, 215 scholarships from saigonchildren’s Child Development Scholarship Programme will also be awarded to students from underprivileged backgrounds in Phụng Hiệp District, including 105 scholarships sponsored by Ms. Corrina Lim and her friend, helping ensure they can continue their education smoothly for another year.