Che Tao Commune, Lao Cai Province, September 12, 2025 – MSD United Way Vietnam, in collaboration with the Vietnam Innovation for Education Foundation (VIEF – Happy School), Viettel Money, Samsung Vina Insurance, the GiveNow fundraising platform, and Che Tao Boarding Primary & Secondary School, co-organized a ceremony to hand over a new combined toilet and shower block, along with essential living supplies. The event, held at the Che Tao primary school campus, centered on the inauguration of the new facility for more than 300 students.
The newly constructed 35m2 facility2features four separate rooms and a large water storage tank, catering to the daily needs of all students at the campus. A highlight of the project is a vibrant mural on environmental themes, painted by the students and volunteers themselves, which helps raise awareness about protecting the environment. Bidding farewell to their old, dilapidated, leaky, and non-gender-segregated restrooms, the students are now excited to start the new school year with a clean, solid, and well-built toilet and shower block. This project not only enhances the school's infrastructure but also fosters a safer, cleaner, and more friendly learning and living environment for both students and teachers.
In addition, sponsors and donors presented meaningful gifts to the students, including:
- 800 pairs of sandals for every student in the school.
- Over 300 gift sets (comprising a canvas bag and a Mid-Autumn mooncake) for primary school students.
- 100 water buckets and more than 40 plastic basins to support the daily needs of all students.
At the ceremony, Ms. Nguyen Thi Tuyet Lan, Representative of the Vietnam Innovation for Education Foundation (VIEF), shared: "We believe that change, starting from seemingly simple things – like a clean and functional sanitation facility – can lead to significant transformations in children's learning and personal growth. This is precisely why we wish to continue partnering with the school and the community to sow more joy and hope. We, VIEF and MSD United Way Vietnam, sincerely thank the Che Tao Boarding Primary & Secondary School for being a happy school that prioritizes students' learning and experiences, despite all challenges. We also extend our deep gratitude to our sponsor, Samsung Vina Insurance, Viettel Money, and all the benefactors who contributed via the GiveNow platform. Your contributions have brought more laughter, hope, and motivation to the students of Che Tao School."
The event was filled with laughter and joy, thanks to special musical performances prepared by the students and engaging interactive games on the theme of clean water and environmental sanitation. The sight of the children's beaming faces as they received the gifts serves as a powerful motivation for us to continue our journey of creating happy schools – where every school day is a joyful one.
MSD United Way Vietnam would like to sincerely thank VIEF, Viettel Money, Samsung Vina Insurance, and the GiveNow fundraising platform for their partnership and support, as well as the community of donors who helped bring this project to life. Through these practical contributions, we hope to help break down barriers and create a more comprehensive and joyful educational environment for children in the highlands of Vietnam.