The philanthropic activity took place on the afternoon of 5/12, amidst cold and foggy weather typical of the Quang Tri border region, at Ban Bu outpost school, part of Tan Lap Primary School.

Ban Bu outpost school, Tan Lap Primary School. Photo: Thu Cuc Hospital

As part of the program, the volunteer group presented one new bookshelf, filled with comics, science books, life skills guides, bilingual books, and supplementary materials for teachers.

The school principal stated that children in the area enjoy reading, but book resources are limited. "With the new bookshelf, students will have more opportunities to access knowledge and broaden their understanding of the outside world," he said.

Thu Cuc International General Hospital donated a bookshelf to the outpost school. Photo: Thu Cuc Hospital

Additionally, the group donated 10 bicycles to students from disadvantaged backgrounds, those living far from school, or who must walk long distances daily.

Upon receiving the bikes, students were called by name. Initially shy, they soon expressed joy at owning new transportation. For students in highland areas, bicycles are crucial for maintaining regular school attendance, especially during the cold, rainy season.

Bicycles were donated to students in difficult circumstances. Photo: Thu Cuc Hospital

The donation event was brief but provided significant motivation for the teachers and students of Ban Bu. A representative from Thu Cuc International General Hospital noted that children in highland areas need more community support. "A bookshelf or a bicycle is a small gift, but if it helps students learn more easily, that is meaningful to us," the representative shared.

Daisy Media, accompanying the group, stated that the journey's goal was to provide practical support, however small, to ensure children in border areas have access to knowledge and can continue their studies long-term.

Students test out their new bikes on the school grounds. Photo: Thu Cuc Hospital

Ban Bu is one of the most remote outposts of Tan Lap Primary School, where most students are children of the Van Kieu ethnic group. Many students walk 3-5 km through forest paths to class daily; during the dry season, the paths are dusty, and in the rainy season, they are slippery and muddy.

"Some days, when it rains heavily, students arrive with wet clothes and books, but very few miss school," said the third-grade teacher at the outpost. Teachers noted that the students' efforts inspire the school to seek more support to make their journey to school easier.

The outpost school's facilities are limited, with classrooms containing only wooden desks and chairs, blackboards, and old textbooks. The number of books is small, mostly old textbooks or children's stories. When new books are donated, students always cherish them and share them with each other.

The Dan