Project No. 10 – Construction of a library in Minh Tan, Vi Xuyen district in the north of Vietnam
Project No. 10 – Construction of a library in Minh Tan, Vi Xuyen district, Ha Giang province in the north of Vietnam
Status June 2017: On June 21, 2017 the LOAN Foundation team (LOAN Stiftung) (Isabelle Müller, Corinna Buchholz and Werner Huemer) visited (at one’s own expense and not at the expense of the foundation) the elementary school of Minh Tan commune, Vi Xuyen district, Ha Giang province in the north of Vietnam.
Minh Tan commune was established 1975 and is located 45 kilometers north of the center of Vi Xuyen district. The economic development and education in this area lag behind, due to its geographical location. The commune has 7.5 kilometers of shared boarder with its neighboring country China. It encompasses a total of 10,814.32 hectares and is composed of 14 villages: Bau Xum, Tan Son, Ban Hinh, Ban Pho, Xin Chai, Lung Vai, Khau Ngay, Thuong Lam, Ta Leng, Phin Sang, Kau Kha, Hoang Ly Pa, Lung Thien and Ma Hoang (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vietnamese_people).
1337 households (6437 inhabitants) from 9 ethnic minorities live here: Cao Lan (0,093%), Po Y (0,108%), Dao (24,61%), Nung (1,91%), Mong (49,97%), Tay (12,74%), Han (3,46%), Giay (3,74%) and Kinh (3,37%). The population’s level of education is low. Each minority maintains its own culture and traditions. All minorities live together closely and peacefully.
The elementary school of Minh Tan is located 8 kilometers away from the community center at an altitude of 1000 meters. A total of 281 school children (147 girls) attend this elementary school. 183 of these children are very poor; another 60 live on the poverty line. Four ethnic minorities (Mong, Dao, Tay and Han) are specifically represented at that school. The school has no bedrooms. Thus, all the children have to take the long (average 6 kilometers) and dangerous path to school very early in the morning to attend classes. They walk back home in the late afternoon. At noon, they eat the lunches they brought with them, play outside or sit on the floor, waiting for the afternoon classes to start.
One classroom in the current school building serves as a library and storage room for teaching materials. It’s not possible to sit down, because the room is too small and too crammed. Two “Reading-isles” with a permanent sun umbrella are located in the schoolyard. Here, the children can read and learn if the weather is good.
A library would be an ideal common room for these children to rest in a protected environment, talk or learn. A bigger choice of books and educational materials would greatly benefit them all, as well as all other visitors of such a new facility. Learning in this sort of meeting center would be much more enjoyable and motivate the children to attend school regularly. This new access to education would combat poverty, alleviate the children’s needs and give the population a perspective for the future.
Together with our Vietnamese partners, we used plans and cost estimates to determine what is needed. Looking towards the future, Minh Tan commune is in need of the following:
1 x library (1 building with 90 meters squared) – funds needed: approx. 16,757.00 USD (or approx. 15,660.00 €)
1 x equipment (desks, chairs and book shelves) as well as 500 books and teaching materials – funds needed: approx. 1.593.00 USD (or approx. 1,490.00 €)
As a turnover foundation, the LOAN Foundation (LOAN Stiftung) can provide help directly. We would like to carry out this project, but are dependent on every financial donation. We remain optimistic that we will be able to collect the necessary funds.
In cooperation and in continuous contact with our Vietnamese partners, we will as always supervise and guide this project personally and on site. We will report on the progress regularly.
We would be delighted if you were to provide us with moral and financial support in this endeavor. Thank you very much!
Status September 2017: On September 14, 2017 a two-person team of the LOAN foundation (LOAN Stiftung) (Isabelle Müller and Corinna Buchholz) visited (at one’s own expense and not at the expense of the foundation) the elementary school in Minh Tan commune. The LOAN foundation (LOAN Stiftung) is still looking for suitable sponsors to realize this project. Minh Tan is patient and we remain optimistic that we will soon be successful.
Status November 2017: On November 26, 2017 the team of the LOAN Foundation (LOAN Stiftung) (Isabelle Müller, Rebecca Müller and Stephan Müller) travelled (at one’s own expense and not at the expense of the foundation) to Minh Tan, Vi Xuyen district, Ha Giang province, North Vietnam. With the current financial situation of the LOAN Foundation (LOAN Stiftung), we are able to sign the contract. However, some more donations are still required to realize the project completely. We remain optimistic that we will succeed and we will keep you updated.
Status December 2017: The commune of Minh Tan enlarges the narrow path leading to this project site. The road construction delays the project start considerably.
Status February 2018: The road construction is finished. Soon some trucks with heavy loads will be allowed to use the new road, however not before March 1st, 2018. Since the middle of February 2018 most Vietnamese will already be in “Tet-Fever” (New Year celebration)…
Status middle of March 2018: Happy news from Minh Tan. Heavy material deliveries can reach the construction site of Minh Tan, so that the workers make good progress. The contours of the new library are visible and the architect stays confident that the new building will be finished on time in May, 2018.
Status May 2018: On 13th May, 2018 a team of the LOAN Foundation (LOAN Stiftung) (Isabelle Müller and Corinna Buchholz) visits (at one’s own expense and not at the expense of the foundation) the primary school of Minh Tan. The new library
was finished on schedule and will be officially handed over today with a lovely arranged Handover Ceremony. Together with the teachers and students of Minh Tan, the whole commune is very happy. So are we!:) We say THANK YOU to all involved parties, especially to our devoted sponsors that made a prompt realization of this project possible, and we wish the students of Minh Tan a lot of success at school!:)
Status October 2018: On October 08th, 2018 the LOAN Foundation (LOAN Stiftung) team (Isabelle Müller, Corinna Buchholz) visits (at one’s own expenses and not at the expenses of the foundation) Minh Tan commune, Vi Xuyen district, Ha Giang province. The library we sponsored is already completely equipped. The children can spend their break time here and study. Herewith our purpose is reached!:)
Status February and March, 2019: On February 19th and March 26th, 2019 the LOAN Foundation (LOAN Stiftung) team (Isabelle Müller and Corinna Buchholz) visits (at one’s own expenses and not at the expenses of the foundation) Minh Tan commune, Vi Xuyen district, Ha Giang province. These were short visits. The library is in excellent shape and is currently in use. We are satisfied!:)
Status November 2019: On November 7th, 2019 our team (Isabelle Müller, Corinna Buchholz) visits (at one’s own expenses and not at the expenses of the foundation) with H.E. Nguyen Huu Trang the library. The library is in excellent shape and currently in use. We are happy!:)
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