In the coastal area of Vinh Hai commune (Vinh Chau town, formerly Soc Trang), many older schools have deteriorated, with rusty roofs, peeling walls, and rickety furniture. To address this, ILA implemented the "Giong Noi School Upgrade" project through the Light Up The Future Fund to revitalize the Giong Noi Primary School, part of the Vinh Hai 4 Primary School cluster. On 12/9, the project was completed, providing hundreds of students with a safer learning environment.
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Giong Noi Primary School students in their new classroom. Photo: ILA |
Giong Noi Primary School students in their new classroom. Photo: ILA
Previously, students learned in classrooms with leaky roofs, moldy walls, and damp restrooms. Every heavy rain was a cause for concern. With a total budget of 280 million VND, ILA renovated and upgraded numerous areas. Five classrooms were repainted, treated for mold, fitted with new roofs and ceilings, and furnished with new desks and chairs.
The organization also constructed separate restrooms for boys and girls, ensuring cleanliness and age-appropriateness for elementary students. Handwashing stations were added to the water system, encouraging good hygiene habits. Along with the infrastructure improvements, ILA donated 580 back-to-school gift packages including backpacks, notebooks, school supplies, and Mid-Autumn Festival lanterns to students at Giong Noi and Vinh Hai 4.
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Giong Noi school before and after renovation. Photo: ILA |
Giong Noi school before and after renovation. Photo: ILA
Parents and teachers praised the project for its direct impact on students' health and habits. "The most valuable thing is not just the beautiful classrooms, but the radiant eyes of the children when they learn in a safe and clean environment," Thai Van Vinh, Principal of Vinh Hai 4 Primary School, shared at the handover ceremony.
"The classroom is beautiful, and the restroom is both clean and fragrant. From now on, we no longer fear the rain soaking our books," said Tuyet Nhi, a 4th-grade student.
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ILA representatives handing over the 5 renovated classrooms. Photo: ILA |
ILA representatives handing over the 5 renovated classrooms. Photo: ILA
On the same day, ILA organized English language activities led by three of the organization's foreign teachers. Each 30-minute session incorporated games, songs, and short conversations. Many students, experiencing their first lessons with foreign teachers, were initially shy but quickly became enthusiastic, attentively repeating new words with curious eyes. This activity aimed to inspire confidence and a love for foreign languages.
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Giong Noi students learning with ILA's foreign teachers. Photo: ILA |
Giong Noi students learning with ILA's foreign teachers. Photo: ILA
Speaking about the project, an ILA representative noted that the transformation at Giong Noi exemplifies the organization's 30-year journey alongside Vietnamese education. With a mission centered on human development, the system has trained over one million students, providing equal learning opportunities and inspiring dreams for children nationwide.
"We hope that with these changes, the students of Giong Noi will have more motivation to learn, nurture their dreams, and confidently step into a brighter future," the ILA representative affirmed. This message reflects the dedication of educators who sow the seeds of knowledge in remote schools, where every child's smile is a reward for their tireless journey.
Nhat Le
