A special joy on the first day of school

For students, the first day of school is a chance to reunite with teachers and friends, hear the school drum and begin a new academic year. At Phuc Than Primary School in Muong Than, Lai Chau; Y Ty Ethnic Minority Boarding Primary and Secondary School in Lao Cai; and the Lang Cat school site of Dakrong Primary and Secondary School in Quang Tri, this year’s opening ceremonies carried added significance as students received practical gifts and encouragement for the year ahead.

The occasion was particularly meaningful as many schools in these areas continue to face significant challenges. In Muong Than, Lai Chau, a flash flood on July 17, 2026 caused extensive damage to roads, homes and public infrastructure. Mud, rocks and debris swept into the grounds of several schools, prompting teachers, parents and local forces to work together to clean up and repair affected areas ahead of the new school year.

Meanwhile, Lao Cai and Quang Tri are home to border communities where living conditions remain difficult and infrastructure at some schools is still limited. For students in these areas, better learning environments, essential school supplies and improved access to healthcare can make a meaningful difference.

Making every journey to school healthier and happier

The programme focuses on practical support closely connected to students’ everyday school life, including improvements to school facilities, free health check-ups and consultations, as well as footwear, back-to-school gifts and scholarships for students facing difficult circumstances.

Working with youth unions, youth federations and young physicians’ associations in Lai Chau, Lao Cai and Quang Tri, along with other partners, Lifebuoy has carried out a series of activities to support students as they begin the new school year:

-        Providing approximately $25,400 to build, repair and upgrade facilities, including improvements to sanitation conditions, at school sites across the three localities;

-        Distributing 2,200 gift packages containing hygiene products and footwear, with a total value of approximately $28,400;

-        Providing 1,000 free health check-ups and consultations for students;

-        Awarding 70 scholarships worth a total of approximately $2,300 to students facing difficult circumstances.

Small gifts, big smiles

Students were delighted to receive new pairs of shoes and explore the gifts prepared for the new school year. They enthusiastically joined activities and practised washing their hands with soap alongside their friends. The programme’s value goes beyond the scale of the support provided: it also helps children begin the school year with greater joy, confidence and enthusiasm.

Lifebuoy Brand Ambassador and singer Dong Nhi shared: “Standing in the schoolyard surrounded by the vast green mountains of northwestern Vietnam, and seeing life gradually return to normal after the devastating floods, I felt deeply moved. The solemn yet warm atmosphere of today’s opening ceremony made me especially admire the children’s passion for learning, as well as the dedication of teachers to nurturing the next generation in Lai Chau. Behind every joyful step children take on their way to school are the care, resilience and determination of their parents, teachers, supporters and local authorities.”

Speaking about the significance of the support provided ahead of the new school year, Doan Tien Si, Principal of Phuc Than Primary School in Muong Than, Lai Chau, said: “What makes us happiest today is seeing the students excited and confidently smiling as they begin the new school year. After the challenges we have faced, welcoming students back to school in such a lively atmosphere, seeing their joy as they receive new gifts and their enthusiasm as they take part in the activities have made this year’s opening ceremony truly special. For teachers, it is also a source of motivation to continue accompanying the students throughout their learning journey ahead.”

Nurturing lasting values for ‘For A Healthier Vietnam’

The series of activities in Lai Chau, Lao Cai and Quang Tri has helped support children and communities as they gradually rebuild and regain stability. In the immediate term, assistance with school facilities, healthcare, footwear and scholarships helps students feel more secure as they begin the new school year while giving them a safer, cleaner and healthier environment in which to learn and take part in daily activities.

Over the longer term, improvements to school infrastructure and access to healthcare can help maintain the essential conditions children need to stay healthy, learn and develop, while giving schools, families and communities a stronger foundation from which to rebuild their lives following natural disasters.

The programme continues Lifebuoy’s long-standing “For A Healthier Vietnam” journey. Through collaboration among schools, local authorities, partner organisations and businesses, practical resources are being directed to communities where they are most needed, helping children not only return to school after natural disasters but also gain access to better conditions in which to stay healthy, learn, play and thrive over the long term.