Watch the video to see the positive changes the project has brought to the lives of students at semi-boarding schools in remote highland areas.
STORY OF THE MONTH
LOOKING BACK AT THE "SAFE AND SUPPORTIVE SEMI-BOARDING SCHOOL PROJECT"
The project “Safe and supportive semi-boarding school project” aims to enhance the living and educational environment for ethnic minority students in the mountainous provinces of Bac Kan and Cao Bang. Launched in August 2021, the four-year project focuses on strengthening school management, ensuring a safe and friendly boarding environment, and equipping students with essential life skills. By improving infrastructure and providing comprehensive support, the project has helped students become more independent and develop both academically and socially.
TIN TIN TICK & TALK
Vietnam day of Persons with disabilities April 18: Spreading the spirit of self-reliance, breaking barriers!
News by: Hoang Ngoc Huan – Project Coordination Officer
On April 18, 2025, in Na Ri district, Bac Kan province, the District Association of People with Disabilities, in collaboration with…
On April 18, 2025, in Na Ri district, Bac Kan province, the District Association of People with Disabilities, in collaboration with local authorities and agencies, held a commemorative event for Vietnam Day of persons with disabilities under the theme: “Digital Technology and Accessibility Inclusive for People with Disability.”
The event gathered 145 delegates, including representatives from various levels of government, social organizations, and development partners. Notably, it featured the participation of the Self-Reliance Group of Quang Hoa district and the “Life Support” Club in Cao Bang city – inspiring models of resilience and empowerment.
Representatives from the organizing committee emphasized that the event was not only a moment to listen and share stories of overcoming adversity, but also an opportunity to connect stakeholders in building a barrier-free society, where everyone has equal access to technology, services, and opportunities for growth.
ChildFund Vietnam reaffirmed its commitment to supporting persons with disabilities in realizing their potential and contributing actively to the community.
For a holistic and happy learning environment for semi-boarding students
News by: Hoang Ngoc Huan – Project Coordination Officer
On April 5, 2025, the Department of Education and Training of Bac Kan Province, in collaboration with ChildFund Vietnam under the project….
On April 5, 2025, the Department of Education and Training of Bac Kan Province, in collaboration with ChildFund Vietnam under the project “Safe and Supportive Semi-boarding Schools for students” organized a workshop to introduce and discuss three sets of support materials for semi-boarding students, including:
– The Happy School Model
– Social-Emotional Skills Guide
– Independent Living Skills Guide
More than 80 representatives from 37 primary, lower secondary, and upper secondary schools attended, sharing experiences and providing feedback to improve the materials, aiming for wider application in disadvantaged areas.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Sam Van Du, Deputy Director of the Bac Kan Department of Education and Training, emphasized the importance of developing educational materials tailored to the specific context of mountainous regions, contributing to the improvement of education quality for semi-boarding students.
Ms. Ton Thi Tam – Education Specialist, ChildFund Australia, stated: “The materials are highly integrated, not only aligned with the new general education curriculum but also nurturing global citizenship competencies in students.”
ChildFund is committed to continuing its support so that every school in mountainous areas becomes a place where children can learn, grow, and feel happy every day.
Warm clothes, warm hearts – Supporting students in Cao Bang province
News by: Tham Thi Loan – Project Coordination Officer
On 3 and 4 April, ChildFund delivered school uniforms to 901 students at three schools: Ca Thanh and Yen Lac…
On 3 and 4 April, ChildFund delivered school uniforms to 901 students at three schools: Ca Thanh and Yen Lac Ethnic Minority Semi-boarding Primary and Secondary Schools (Nguyen Binh District) and Can Nong School (Ha Quang District), Cao Bang Province.
This activity is part of the “Post-Yagi Recovery Support” project, implemented by ChildFund with funding from the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade through ChildFund New Zealand.
X., a student from Yen Lac School, shared: “I’m very happy to receive the school uniforms. Not only white shirts, but also warm jackets – they make me feel warm and connected to my friends.”
Ms. Thao, a teacher, added:
“These uniforms from ChildFund are truly meaningful for both teachers and students. They provide practical support, especially for students in difficult circumstances, and help create a more beautiful and professional school environment.”
As part of the same project, ChildFund Vietnam also collaborated with the schools to organise a disaster risk communication event for all students. Under the guidance of their teachers, students discussed and drew common natural disasters in their area, and shared their knowledge with friends through presentations and short skits.
Hop Giang students excited to join Online Behavior Code Awareness event!
News by: Communications Team
On April 14, all students at Hop Giang Secondary School in Cao Bang Province took part in a communication session on the “Code of conduct on Child Protection in the Internet”….
On April 14, all students at Hop Giang Secondary School in Cao Bang Province took part in a communication session on the “Code of conduct on Child Protection in the Internet”. The event featured engaging activities like presentations and interactive quizzes on online safety.
Through this event, students gained valuable knowledge to protect themselves and their peers in the digital world—an essential skill in today’s digital age!
Let’s take a look back at some memorable moments from this exciting event with ChildFund!
Reproductive health awareness activities integrated with social and emotional learning (SEL) in Cao Bang
News by: Ly Thi Phuong – Project Coordination Officer
On 8 April 2025, the Semi-Boarding Secondary School for Ethnic Minorities in Duc Thong commune (Thach An district, Cao Bang province) successfully organised a communication event on…
On 8 April 2025, the Semi-Boarding Secondary School for Ethnic Minorities in Duc Thong commune (Thach An district, Cao Bang province) successfully organised a communication event on adolescent reproductive health, integrated with social and emotional learning (SEL).
The event attracted enthusiastic participation from students through diverse and engaging activities, including the “Golden Bell Challenge” and the creative “Friendship Tree”. These activities not only helped students revise important knowledge but also strengthened their skills through interactive and dynamic formats.
Notably, students from Duc Thong School impressively answered all 60 main questions in the quiz, prompting the organisers to prepare 11 additional tie-breaker questions to determine the winners. Their achievement highlights strong understanding and application of key topics such as:
– Physical and emotional changes during puberty
– Proper self-care
– Safe and responsible sexual behaviours
– Building healthy and respectful friendships
A female student from Grade 9 shared:
“I really enjoyed today’s activities. Not only did I win a prize, but I also learned a lot from my friends.”
This activity is part of the “Safe and supportive semi-boarding schools for students” project implemented by ChildFund, aiming to equip ethnic minority students with essential knowledge and life skills to grow confidently in a safe and supportive school environment
Experiential activity on “Online Safety” for Secondary students in Hoa Binh
News by: Tran Van Tu – Project Coordination Officer
In today’s digital age, online safety skills have become essential for every student. At the end of March, with the support of ChildFund Vietnam, Huu Nghi Secondary School (Hoa Binh City) organised an…
In today’s digital age, online safety skills have become essential for every student. At the end of March, with the support of ChildFund Vietnam, Huu Nghi Secondary School (Hoa Binh City) organised an experiential activity titled “Online Safety”, aiming to raise students’ awareness on using social media in a safe, positive, and effective way.
The event featured a range of engaging and educational competitions, including:
The Introduction Round, where teams showcased their creativity and unique personalities through vibrant presentations, reflecting strong teamwork and confidence.
The Quiz Round, which presented real-life online situations, helping students identify potential risks and develop skills to protect themselves on digital platforms.
The Skit Performance Round, where meaningful messages are brought to life through short plays about avoiding scams, protecting personal information, and promoting respectful behaviour on social media.
ChildFund Vietnam is proud to support schools in equipping young people with the digital skills they need to thrive – not just to navigate technology, but to grow into responsible, respectful and thoughtful members of the online community.
CULTURE CORNER
XUAN DUONG LOVE MARKET FESTIVAL – A CULTURAL TAPESTRY OF THE NORTHERN HIGHLANDS OF BAC KAN
From April 21 to 23, 2025, the traditional cultural festival “Xuan Duong Love Market” was held in Xuan Duong commune, Na Ri district, Bac Kan province. This event was one of the highlights of the “Bac Kan Culture and Tourism Week 2025,” celebrating the 125th anniversary of the province’s establishment. Tens of thousands of locals and visitors flocked to Bac Sen village to immerse themselves in the vibrant, highland-flavored festive atmosphere.
The festival vividly recreated the traditional cultural life of the Nung ethnic group through activities such as sli duet singing by the Bac Sen stream, folk games (like tug of war and shuttlecock kicking), youth camps, culinary showcases, and booths featuring local OCOP products. Especially noteworthy were the romantic sli melodies – a traditional form of duet singing – which continue to be preserved by younger generations and inspire visitors.
Beyond a springtime festivity, Xuan Duong Love Market holds deep meaning in strengthening community bonds and preserving intangible cultural heritage. Currently, Bắc Kạn province is in the process of submitting a proposal to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to recognize the festival as a national intangible cultural heritage.
The event not only contributes to promoting the unique cultural identity of the local community, but also creates opportunities for developing community-based tourism and sustainably preserving the cultural heritage of ethnic minorities.
DID YOU KNOW?
However, research shows that direct, face-to-face communication – even just a few minutes a day – can significantly improve mental well-being, increase job satisfaction, and strengthen team connection.
Take a few minutes to check in with a colleague, make tea together, or share a small story. These seemingly simple actions can be powerful “emotional vitamins” for your workday.
When we interact face-to-face, the brain releases oxytocin – the “bonding hormone” – which helps create a sense of safety, friendliness, and positivity.
This contributes to stress reduction and enhances teamwork effectiveness.
Just 3–5 minutes per day of non-work conversation (e.g. checking in on health, family, hobbies…) can already make a big difference.
It doesn’t need to be long – sincerity and listening are what matter most.
You can still connect meaningfully by:
Sending a short check-in message at the beginning of the week
Opening meetings with light small talk
Sharing informally during casual work conversations