New Boarding Facility Opens for Students in Lai Chau

	Plan International Vietnam Implements Emergency Aid Package Worth VND 1.848 Billion in Da Nang
	Japan Provides VND 15 Billion in Aid for Ethnic Minority Children in Tuyen Quang and Lai Chau

The boarding facility was constructed as part of the project “Promoting Gender-Responsive Learning Environments and Schools for Ethnic Minority Children in Tuyen Quang and Lai Chau,” implemented from 2025 to 2028. The project aims to improve learning environments at primary and lower secondary schools so that ethnic minority children can study in safe, equal, and non-discriminatory conditions.

Delegates cut the ribbon at the inauguration ceremony for the student boarding facility at Phang So Lin Semi-Boarding Primary School in Sin Ho Commune, Lai Chau Province. (Photo: Van Anh)

Phang So Lin Semi-Boarding Primary School currently has 372 students, including 170 girls, most of whom are from the Mong ethnic group. Previously, many students had to walk long distances ranging from 4 to 30 kilometers, crossing difficult mountainous roads to attend school. Under such conditions, maintaining regular attendance, especially for younger children, was extremely challenging.

Under the project, a new boarding area with eight rooms was built to accommodate 200 students. The facility required a total investment of more than VND 2.2 billion (approximately 13.2 million Japanese yen), with construction beginning in October 2025 and completed in April 2026. Students can now stay at school during the week and live in safer and more stable conditions.

Speaking at the ceremony, Kiyoko Ikegami, Chairperson of the Board of Plan International Japan, expressed hope that the new boarding facility would help both boys and girls continue their education in a safe and gender-responsive learning environment, while also enabling them to study and develop with greater peace of mind.

The student boarding facility helps improve learning and living conditions for students at Phang So Lin Semi-Boarding Primary School in Sin Ho Commune, Lai Chau Province. (Photo: Van Anh)

At the event, Le Quynh Lan, Country Director of Plan International Vietnam, emphasized that improving infrastructure must go hand in hand with building a learning environment that is safe, equal, and respectful. According to her, when children, especially ethnic minority girls, are provided with suitable learning conditions, listened to, and equipped with essential knowledge, they gain greater confidence to continue their education and make decisions about their future.

Representing local authorities, Le Ba Son, Chairman of the People’s Committee of Sin Ho Commune, highly appreciated the significance of the project in improving living and learning conditions for ethnic minority students, while also contributing to higher attendance rates and better education quality in the locality.

Student Ngoc Nhi, a member of the Girls Taking the Lead Club, also shared her joy about having a cleaner and safer boarding facility, helping students feel more secure while studying and living at school.

In addition to infrastructure investment, the project also focuses on improving education quality and strengthening community participation. To date, 15 teachers have completed training courses; 1,343 students have received Comprehensive Sexuality Education content; 120 students have joined the Girls Taking the Lead Club; and parents and local communities have participated in communication and awareness activities.

The operation of the new boarding facility not only helps reduce travel difficulties for students but also contributes to creating a safer and more supportive learning environment for children in mountainous areas.

The continued implementation of the project demonstrates the long-term commitment of the Japanese Government, together with Plan International and its partners in Vietnam, to narrowing educational gaps between regions, especially in mountainous, remote, and disadvantaged areas.

Through cooperation among all parties, the project is expected to continue delivering sustainable changes, helping children study in safe and respectful environments while gaining more opportunities for development.

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