STORY OF THE MONTH
FROM HARDSHIP TO HOPE:
SUPPORTING SCHOOLS IN CAO BANG PROVINCE
AFTER TYPHOON YAGI
With the desire to support children like Phuong and thousands of other students affected by Typhoon Yagi, at the end of February, ChildFund Vietnam successfully implemented the “Post-Yagi Typhoon Recovery Support” project in Cao Bang, providing timely assistance to schools and students impacted by the storm. Funded by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the project is bringing about positive changes in six schools across Nguyen Binh, Thach An, and Ha Quang districts – the most severely affected areas.
On 26th and 27th February, hundreds of gift packages, including school supplies, hygiene kits, and teaching equipment, were delivered by ChildFund to 1,225 students, along with 450 parents, teachers, and local leaders. Notably, 255 students from particularly disadvantaged backgrounds received partial financial support to continue their education. Beyond material aid, the project also focuses on psychosocial support and disaster preparedness training, helping students and teachers to be better equipped for the future.
A heartfelt thank you to all ChildFunders who have contributed to this project – thanks to your dedication, many children have found renewed motivation to stay on their educational journey and strive for a brighter future! 
TIN TIN TICK & TALK
Experiential Activity: Young Heroes Learning to Be Soldiers
News by: Dinh Thi Thu Ha – Senior Project Coordination Officer
On 22 December 2024, a special event titled “Kids as Soldiers” took place at Phu Cuong and Phu Vinh Preschools in…
The event drew participation not only from preschool and primary school students but also from parents, teachers, and local authorities from Phu Cuong and Phu Vinh communes. The program included activities such as learning about the significance of December 22—Vietnam People’s Army Day, making greeting cards for soldiers, watching educational videos, interacting with primary school students, playing games, and participating in quizzes.
This event was not only a meaningful playground for children but also spread awareness about the importance of the transition phase, creating a solid foundation for kids as they step into Grade 1. In particular, it supported ethnic minority children in improving their Vietnamese language skills while reinforcing the principle of gender equality in both learning and play experiences.
Bringing Digital Learning Opportunities to Students in Tan Lac, Hoa Binh
News by: Communications Team
On January 17, 2025, ChildFund Vietnam, in collaboration with Beiersdorf and the Management Board of Non-Governmental Projects in…
With the 10 laptops and 4 interactive screens provided, the students and teachers now have the tools to actively explore knowledge, apply technology, improve digital skills, and make classroom become more engaging.
In addition to this activity, within the project “Empowering Digital Learning for All”, ChildFund Vietnam will continue implementing comprehensive interventions to strengthen digital skills for children, teachers, and education administrators. The goal is to create a safe, equitable, and accessible digital learning environment, equipping local children with the essential skills to confidently step into the 21st century.
Interregional Workshop: “Strengthening Child Protection through Better Coordination and Referral Services”
News by: Tran Van Tu – Project Coordination Officer
On 17 January 2025, the People’s Committee of Tan Lac District, along with…
Explore the “Code of Conduct on Child Protection in the Internet Environment”
News by: Communications Team
The Internet offers many opportunities for learning and connection, but it also presents significant…
The Code of Conduct helps:
- Equip children with knowledge and digital safety skills
- Guide parents and teachers in supporting and protecting children from online risks
- Establish guidelines for respectful online behavior, including dos and don’ts
- Provide support for reporting online child exploitation and abuse
Workshop on Enhancing Inclusive Education Practices in Bac Kan
News by: Hoang Ngoc Huan – Project Coordination Officer
On the morning of 26 February 2025, the Department of Education and Training (DOET) of…
The seminar was attended by Mr. Sam Van Du, Deputy Director of the DOET of Bac Kan province, representatives from the DOET of Cao Bang Province, Mr. Nguyen Sang, ChildFund Vietnam Program Manager, leaders, teachers, and staff from the Bac Kan province Centre for the Support and Development of Inclusive Education, the Special Education Department at the Continuing Education Centre of Cao Bang Province, as well as more than 100 delegates from the district and city level DOET, school managers, and teachers from primary and preschools across both provinces.
This event provided an opportunity for all members to assess the current situation, share experiences, and propose solutions to enhance the quality of inclusive education for children with disability, ensuring that all children have equal opportunity to access education that meets their developmental needs.
Enhancing Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health Knowledge with Parents
News by: Ung Thi Hien- Project Coordination Officer
From 18 to 22 January 2025, the “Health and wellbeing for students” project organised…
- Gender and Gender equality
- Adolescent physical and psychological development
Equipping parents with knowledge about adolescent sexual and reproductive health empowers them to confidently support, advise, and care for their children in a more scientific and effective way. At the same time, this also helps promote gender equality within families.
Let’s work together to create a healthy environment for children to thrive!
CULTURE CORNER
BANH DAY LA NGAI: A TRADITIONAL TREAT EMBRACING TAY CULTURAL HERITAGE
“Banh Day La Ngai” is a traditional delicacy of the Tay ethnic group in Cao Bang province, commonly enjoyed during festivals, Lunar New Year celebrations, weddings, and funerals. More than just a dish, it embodies deep cultural values of unity, gratitude to nature, and the cherished tradition of honouring one’s roots.
Crafting these chewy, aromatic cakes requires meticulous ingredient selection. Premium glutinous rice with plump grains and freshly picked young mugwort leaves give the cake its signature green hue and distinct flavour. The filling typically consists of roasted black sesame, finely grounded and mixed with sugar or crushed peanuts.
After being steamed to perfection, the glutinous rice is pounded together with the mugwort leaves until smooth and elastic, then quickly shaped into small, round cakes. The final product boasts a deep green colour, with a delightful combination of chewy rice, nutty sesame fragrance, and a hint of mild bitterness from the mugwort. Wrapped in fresh banana leaves, the cake preserves its authentic flavour, making it a humble yet meaningful countryside treat.
DID YOU KNOW?
Valentine’s Day is one of the major annual celebrations in North America and Europe and has now become increasingly popular in many countries worldwide, including Vietnam. Beyond honouring romantic love, this special day holds many fascinating facts that not everyone is aware of. In this newsletter, let’s explore some of them together!
February 14th became Valentine’s Day in the 5th century when the Roman Catholic Church designated this date to honour Saint Valentine, a priest who was executed on February 14th, 270.
The first known person to send a Valentine’s card was Charles, the French Duke of Orléans. After the Battle of Agincourt in 1415, he was imprisoned in the Tower of London for 25 years. During his captivity, he wrote a Valentine’s love poem expressing his affection and longing for his wife.
Lace is widely used in gifts, decorations, and greeting cards for Valentine’s Day. This tradition has deep roots, as the word “lace” originates from Latin, meaning “to bind” or “to last,” symbolising eternal love.
Valentine’s Day is not just for couples – it is also a time for people to express their love and appreciation for friends, family, and special individuals in their lives. According to statistics, teachers receive the most Valentine’s cards each year, followed by children.
White Valentine’s Day is celebrated on March 14th, exactly one month after Valentine’s Day, and originated in Japan. It is an occasion for those who received gifts on February 14th to return the gesture and express their feelings in return.