The journey of love to highland students
Typhoon Yagi has passed, but the wounds in Northern Vietnam remain unhealed. Flash floods, landslides, and post-typhoon flooding have left behind devastation, causing tremendous losses for the people, particularly the education sector. In Lao Cai, 34 out of 56 schools were affected by the typhoon, with several experiencing severe infrastructure damage.
To help these schools recover from the aftermath of the typhoon and provide students with safer and more secure learning environments during the rainy season, the Dewey Community Fund selected Phin Ngan Kindergarten and Ban Xeo Kindergarten as the focus of their charitable program, “Extending a helping hand after typhoon Yagi.”
In the early hours of October 12, the Dewey Community Fund’s vehicle, filled with love and support, set off on its journey. Although the weather had cleared up, the roads were still heavily damaged by landslides, making travel difficult. After a long five-hour journey, navigating winding, muddy roads and passing landslide-prone mountains, the team arrived at the two schools located in Phin Ngan and Ban Xeo communes, Bat Xat District, Lao Cai Province. The path to the first school in Phin Ngan was narrow and treacherous, but thanks to the support of local parents and teachers, the team reached their destination safely.
The spirit of solidarity is spread through the precious kindness of others
During this charitable journey, the Dewey Community Fund presented the two schools with practical gifts, including warm clothing and essential supplies for the students. Additionally, the fund donated nearly VND 100 million to the Administration of each school to improve their facilities. This funding will be used to install covered playgrounds, metal ceilings in classrooms, and protective fences to ensure student safety during the rainy season. The joy on the teachers’ faces and the bright smiles of the children served as motivation for every member of the charitable team, strengthening their resolve to continue spreading kindness.
Ms. Ha Thi Ben, Principal of Phin Ngan Kindergarten, shared: “Our school’s facilities had already been deteriorating, but the typhoon’s impact made conditions much worse. The students’ playground lost its roof, the plastic ceilings collapsed, and the walls became moldy from water damage. We sincerely thank the Teachers, Students, and Parents of Dewey for encouraging and supporting us in building a safer and more solid school for the children.” At Ban Xeo Kindergarten, Mr. Ly A De, a representative of the parents, affirmed that this support was not only a material contribution but also a great source of emotional encouragement for both the teachers and parents during this difficult time.
Mr. Ngo Van Lang, Deputy Head of the Department of Education and Training of Bat Xat District, Lao Cai Province, shared: “In such difficult times, receiving the care and love from The Dewey Schools’ charitable team all the way from Hanoi fills us with warmth. The school’s noble gesture makes us deeply feel the solidarity of our people.”
Motivation for Dewey students
For each member of the team, this journey was not only an act of sharing from the heart but also an opportunity for Dewey students to understand the value of compassion and empathy. “Seeing the difficult circumstances of the students here will help our Dewey students appreciate what they have and nurture a sense of empathy. It will also motivate them to actively contribute to bringing positive values to the community,” affirmed Mr. Duong Minh Thang, a representative of the Dewey Community Fund’s Executive Board and a member of the Dewey Parent Association (DPA).
The Dewey Community Fund’s charitable journey not only left a meaningful impact on the mountainous schools but also reinforced the spirit of solidarity and mutual support among the Vietnamese people. These noble acts will serve as a guiding light, helping students in these remote areas overcome challenges and reach for a brighter future.
