Project No. 15 – Construction of a primary school in Mo, Bao Yen district, Lao Cai province in the north of Vietnam

Status May 9th, 2018: On May 09th, 2018, the LOAN Foundation team (LOAN Stiftung, Isabelle Müller and Corinna Buchholz) visited at one’s own expense and not at the expense of the foundation the village Mo in Bao Yen district, Lao Cai province in the north of Vietnam.

Since 2004, Mo is part of the Xuan Hoa 2 elementary school in Bao Yen district, Lao Cai province in the north of Vietnam. Since it was established, 160 children (separated into 9 classes) attended this school. All children belong to ethnic minorities, mostly the Phu La minority. The ethnic groups Dao and Hmong are also represented.

https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Völker_Vietnams

During the last years, 6 new, semisolid classrooms were built. At present there are 3 temporary classrooms for 70 children. The teaching and learning environment is almost unbearable, especially during freezing winter temperatures. The children have to walk up to 6 kilometres by foot (one way), many of them barefooted because their parents are too poor to afford sandals. For that reason, the school is lending sandals to them. The long journey to school still remains a constant danger for these children. Under these circumstances, it is impossible for the educational level to reach even minimum requirements.

We used plans and cost estimates to determine what is needed together with our Vietnamese partners (the Vu A Dinh Foundation, with Madame Truong My Hoa, Former Vice President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam as a Chairwoman, and the Department of Education of Bao Yen district, represented by Mr. Bui Minh Tuan). Looking towards the future, the village Mo is in need of the following:

3 x classrooms – funds needed: approx. 18,321.00 USD (or approx.15,930.00 €)

1 x complete equipment for teaching staff and pupils, 1 x generator: approx. 2,892.00 USD (or approx. 2,520.00 €)

Overall funds needed: approx. 21,213.00 USD (or approx. 18,450.00 €)

We should receive reports with pictures and videos at least once a month. Construction time is estimated to be 4 months. Building these new classrooms would alleviate the suffering of many children and teachers. It would greatly improve their living and learning conditions, promoting equal opportunities compared to children from other provinces in Vietnam.

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 endeavour. Thank you very much!

Status July, 2018: The LOAN Foundation (LOAN Stiftung) has got enough donations in order to realize this project. The according contract is signed. The children are very happy: soon, they will go to a “real”school!:)

Status August, 2018: We get first pictures and videos from Mo. Heavy rainfalls consistently slow down the progress. Some little trucks bring the construction material to the site. The “breezy classrooms” have been teared und deep fundaments excavated so that nothing will slide down during heavy rain.

Status October, 2018: On October 3rd, 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), together with the team of Vu A Dinh Foundation Mo commune, Bao Yen district, Lao Cai province. The constructions works proceeded well. The walls of the classrooms were masoned and about to be plastered. According to schedule the new building should be officially handed over in December, 2018.

Status December 2018: On December 12th, 2018 our team (Isabelle Müller, Lukas Funk) inaugurated officially the new classrooms of the primary school of Mo with a handover ceremony. Now about 70 children will take lessons in a dry building. We wish the children and the teachers of Mo all the best for the future!:)

Status May 2019: On May 30th, 2019 new pictures of Mo reach us. The classrooms are well accepted. The school life functions well and the children have a better access to education. We are happy!:)