On February 14, significant advancements were made for education and student welfare in Vietnam as Japan officially delivered accommodation, kitchen, and dining facilities to the Ta Do Primary and Secondary School, located in the mountainous district of Phu Yen, Son La province. This project, funded through the Kusanone Grassroots program of the Japanese government, aims to improve the living conditions for students who are predominantly from ethnic minority groups.
The ceremony to mark the handover was attended by various dignitaries, including Kenji Sato, an assistant researcher from the Japanese Embassy in Vietnam, and Pham Vu Thang, director of the Central Project Management Board for Technical Assistance to Enhance Sustainable Natural Resource Management. Also present were local officials and representatives from the school, including teachers and students.
The Phu Yen district, characterized by its rugged mountainous terrain, has about 90 percent of its population belonging to ethnic minorities. Infrastructure deficits are particularly severe, complicate students' access to education. Many students reside at the Ta Do School to continue their studies, facing extreme weather conditions such as soaring temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius during dry seasons and heavy rains during and after the rainy season.
Given these challenges, the Phu Yen district People's Committee has made significant efforts to improve educational infrastructure. The newly completed facilities for accommodation, kitchen, and dining are part of the larger "Construction of Boarding Areas for Ta Do Primary and Secondary School" project, funded by the Kusanone Grassroots program. This support totals approximately $71,800 (equivalent to 1.7 billion VND) and includes five dormitory rooms spanning 135 square meters and kitchen space covering 110 square meters, accommodating 45 boarding students.
During the handover ceremony, Kenji Sato emphasized the importance of the Kusanone Grassroots program, which addresses urgent humanitarian issues faced by people living in remote and isolated areas. This initiative has been operational since 1992, supporting around 744 projects across Vietnam totaling more than $66 million.
"Through this support, the Japanese Embassy wishes to collaborate with the people of Vietnam, assisting students—the future leaders of Vietnam—by providing them with improved learning environments, fostering brighter futures," Sato remarked.
Naoki Ito, the Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam, also expressed his appreciation for the project, highlighting its potential to significantly improve living conditions and educational outcomes for the students at Ta Do School. He reiterated the commitment of Japan to sustainable development initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality of life for everyone.
The Kusanone Grassroots program provides financial assistance for organizations executing small-scale development projects with significant impacts on the lives of people, particularly focusing on areas like healthcare, clean water, sanitation, and disaster prevention.
The support for Ta Do School marks another step forward for educational infrastructure development funded by Japan, reinforcing the friendly ties and collaboration between the two nations, particularly as they work together to empower the youth and fortify community resources against socio-economic challenges.
Such initiatives are not only about building physical structures but also about investing in human lives, ensuring equitable access to education, and opening doors for future opportunities for students who might otherwise be trapped by their geographic and socio-economic circumstances.