At Tran Hung Dao Primary and Secondary School in Ia Dreh commune, the Youth Union, Joy Foundation Social Co., Ltd., and the Viet My Association launched the fourth season of the “Books to the village” initiative, donating 448 sets of primary textbooks, notebooks, assorted reading materials and 300 backpacks. The contributions, worth more than 200 million VND (≈ USD 8,000), were welcomed by teachers and students starting the new school year.
Fifth-grader Ksor Trung Kien said this was his first time receiving a complete set of new books after years of studying with hand-me-down copies. “Many were missing pages. I will take care of these and study hard,” he said.
Joy Foundation Director Nguyen Sieu Hanh said the group focuses on providing clean water systems and books to remote communities, marking its fourth year of outreach in the area.
Youth Union Secretary Nay Chuong noted that Ia Dreh, formed from three especially disadvantaged communes, continues to struggle economically, limiting families’ ability to support their children’s education.
Since July 2025, the Youth Union and benefactors have organized two book-donation drives, built a playground and a clean-water facility, and distributed hundreds of gifts to local students, with contributions exceeding 1 billion VND (≈ USD 40,000).
In neighboring Ia Tul commune, resident Le Thi Kieu has run a “Zero Dong Bread Cabinet” since 2021, providing free breakfasts to underprivileged students at Kpa Klong Primary and Secondary School. With support from friends, the cabinet expanded in mid-2023 and now offers 200 meals twice weekly, including bread, sticky rice and milk. “I feel fortunate compared to many here. I just want the children to have full stomachs at school,” Kieu said.
Teacher Vu Van Tung of Dinh Nup Primary and Secondary School, who oversees the Zero Dong Bread Cabinet in another commune, has broadened support to include uniforms, sandals, books, livelihood assistance and even charity houses for vulnerable students. In February 2025, he partnered with Hanoi’s Uom Mam Fund to launch an annual scholarship for students overcoming hardship.
Two recipients, Nay H’Ngan and Ksor H’Nhi of Pham Hong Thai Secondary School, receive 2 million VND (≈ USD 80) each month, with support continuing through university if they maintain strong academic results. Each family also received a breeding cow. Additionally, H’Ngan’s family obtained a new 60-square-meter stilt house valued at nearly 100 million VND (≈ USD 4,000).
During recent floods, Mr. Tung coordinated delivery of 26 boxes of textbooks and 345 relief gifts to affected students in Ia Tul and Po To communes. He said he hopes to stay healthy to continue connecting benefactors with disadvantaged children.
