On the morning of Jan. 16, more than 130 Hmong and Xinh Mun ethnic minority students at Un Ninh, part of Chieng Khuong Primary and Secondary Ethnic Boarding School, gathered to mark the handover of the new facilities. For many of the students, the improvements represent a major change from previous conditions, when the schoolyard turned muddy during the rainy season and dusty during dry weather.
The new concrete surface now allows children to study and play in a cleaner and safer environment.
Representatives from sponsoring organizations, the school, and local authorities cut the ribbon to hand over the new facilities in Un Ninh school site in Son La Province. Photo by Thu Phuong |
Located far from the commune center, Un Ninh school site has long faced infrastructure shortages. Principal Phung Thi Lien said the most pressing concern for teachers had been the outdated, non-septic toilets, which lacked clean water and handwashing facilities and posed risks to students’ health.
“The new facilities not only improve daily conditions for teachers and students, but also provide encouragement to help them continue teaching and learning in this remote area,” Lien said at the handover ceremony.
The upgrades include septic toilets, a concrete playground, and standard handwashing stations. The project was carried out through cooperation between Hope Foundation and Honda Trading Vietnam Co., Ltd. under the “Schools in New Outfits” initiative.
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A Hope Foundation representative guides students on handwashing at the newly equipped station, demonstrating proper steps. Photo by Thu Phuong |
Speaking at the event, Takahashi Ryo, General Director of Honda Trading Vietnam, said the company hoped the improvements would contribute to a better learning and recreational environment for the children. “Let us work together to create a brighter world, starting with children’s smiles,” he said.
On the same occasion, the company’s union donated warm jackets, bookshelves, toys, and teddy bears to students, adding support for the winter season in this border area. The total sponsorship value included VND200 million from the company and VND10 million from the union.
Un Ninh is among the beneficiaries of Hope Foundation’s “School of Sunshine” program. Since 2021, the foundation has supported the construction of 13 new school sites and upgraded dozens of sanitation facilities across Son La Province. Nationwide, nearly 220 disadvantaged schools are expected to receive similar support in 2026, with total sponsorship exceeding VND40 billion.
Readers who wish to support the program can donate here.
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