As part of the Happy School Project for the 2024–2025 academic year, MSD United Way Viet Nam, in collaboration with the Community Chest of Korea, United Way Worldwide, and with generous support from donor Mr. Park Jeong, had the opportunity to kick off two meaningful initiatives in the mountainous district of Dakrong, Quang Tri province. The first initiative involves the paving of a new 1,322m² schoolyard at A Vao Primary & Secondary Semi-Boarding School for Ethnic Minorities. The second includes the construction of a new functional room, along with the renovation and repair of five classrooms, and the provision of equipment and facilities for A Bung Primary and Secondary School. These small yet impactful efforts are expected to bring joy and improved learning environments to 938 students across both schools, more than 90% of whom are from ethnic minority groups. The activities are part of the Happy School Project — an initiative by MSD United Way Viet Nam to support schools in remote and underserved areas of Viet Nam.
Representatives from the school, the construction contractor, the students, and MSD United Way Viet Nam participated in the groundbreaking ceremony at A Vao Primary and Secondary Semi-Boarding School for Ethnic Minority Students.
Representatives from the school, the construction contractor, the students, and MSD United Way Viet Nam participated in the groundbreaking ceremony at A Vao Primary and Secondary Semi-Boarding School for Ethnic Minority Students.
Representatives from the school, the construction contractor, the students, and MSD United Way Viet Nam participated in the groundbreaking ceremony at A Bung Primary and Secondary School.
Thầy Nguyễn Thanh Bình, hiệu trưởng trường PTDTBT TH&THCS A Vao phát biểu
Mrs. Nguyen Phuong Linh, Director of the Management and Sustainable Development Institute (MSD United Way Viet Nam), shared:"When I visited the school, despite the remote location, the many challenges, and the lack of proper infrastructure, I could truly feel the love and dedication of the teachers for their students. I saw the pure, radiant joy in the children's eyes. We believe that even a small, timely act of support can accompany A Vao Primary and Lower Secondary Semi-Boarding School for Ethnic Minority Students on its journey toward becoming a happy school — with better facilities that help disadvantaged students learn more comfortably. Through working with the teachers and students, I have deeply felt the hardships they are facing, as well as their remarkable resilience. There is still so much more we all need to do to support these children — to serve their best interests and to help them learn with joy and unlock their full potential."
Mrs. Nguyen Phuong Linh delivers a speech at the groundbreaking ceremony of A Vao Primary and Secondary Semi-Boarding School for Ethnic Minority Students
At the ceremony, teachers, students, and MSD United Way Viet Nam shared joyful moments together through cultural performances and heartfelt discussions about their dreams and hopes for building truly happy schools. MSD United Way Viet Nam also brought small gifts — boxes of milk and sweet treats — for the students. However, it was the radiant smiles of the children that became the greatest source of inspiration and motivation for us to continue our journey of bringing the Happy School project to students in remote and underserved regions across the country. 
Mrs. Nguyen Phuong Linh hands out gifts to students at A Vao Primary and Secondary Semi-Boarding School for Ethnic Minority Students 
Mrs. Nguyen Phuong Linh hands out gifts to students at A Bung Primary and Secondary School
The projects launched at both A Vao Primary and Secondary Semi-Boarding School for Ethnic Minority Students and A Bung Primary and Secondary School are expected to be implemented intensively and officially inaugurated between February and March 2025.
Some other highlights from the groundbreaking ceremonies
Students at A Vao Primary and Secondary Semi-Boarding School for Ethnic Minority Students delivered energetic and colorful performances 
Students at A Bung Primary and Secondary School also showcased vibrant and joyful performances
Mrs. Nguyen Phuong Linh delivers a speech at the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of a new functional room and the renovation of five classrooms at A Bung Primary and Secondary School
Mr. Le Minh Ai, Principal of A Bung Primary and Lower Secondary School, also delivered a speech
Smiles of the students
A photo of on-site assessment before construction at A Bung Primary and Lower Secondary School. The existing classrooms are in a severely degraded state, with cracked window panes, crumbling walls, and broken furniture — all of which hinder the learning and teaching environment for both students and teachers.
The condition of the school facilities is critically degraded