On September 14, 2024, Van Lang University and Joy Foundation Co., Ltd. collaborated with Krong Pa District (Gia Lai province) to organize the “Sach ve Lang” (Books for Villages) project season 2 at Uar Commune Primary School to spread the reading culture to children in highland areas.

Happiness in Serving the Community

The project “Sach ve Lang” season 2 is organized by Van Lang University and Joy Foundation Co., Ltd., in collaboration with Krong Pa District. Following the success of its first season at Dat Bang Primary School in 2023, this year’s program returns to support the underprivileged region of Krong Pa. In particular, the program is also accompanied by Honors Program students from Van Lang University.

As part of the project, students from the Honors Program volunteered to set up bookshelves at the school, host game booths, and organize a lantern procession to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival. The students cherished the experience of giving back to the community, recognizing that even a single book could bring joy and hope to children in remote areas. Reflecting on the recent program, with the enthusiastic support from the school and the radiant joy of the children, the students felt immense happiness, as all their fatigue seemed to melt away. Sometimes, the act of ‘giving’ truly becomes meaningful when we quietly and patiently help others in our own unique way.

Sow the seeds of reading books to the countryside

The project donated 10 bookshelves filled with 10,000 books to Uar Primary School, 60% of which were textbooks—400 sets for grades 1 through 5—while the remaining 40% included comic books, books on nature and the environment, and skill-building books... In addition, the team also organized 8 booths with various games and rewards, distributed 450 gifts including mooncakes, lanterns, school supplies, and toys for the students; and donated 200 trees to build the Road Line.

Nay H’LyNa (a 5th-grade student) also shared: "I really like reading fairy tales, but until now I could only have old books to borrow. Now, thanks to the new books in our library, I can read so many stories and share them with my siblings at home.”

Spreading the reading culture

Currently, Uar Commune Primary School has 611 students, 76% of whom belong to ethnic minorities. Due to the difficult living conditions of the people, about 30% of students lack textbooks at the beginning of the new school year, especially for specific subjects.

Based on the quantity of equipped books, the school will organize storytelling contests according to the books to encourage students to read, comprehend, and remember the content of the books; thereby promoting reading culture and improving the quality of education in the school.

Despite being only in its second season, the “Sach ve Lang” program has already shown positive results. It not only supports students in difficult areas to have better conditions to go to school but also spreads reading culture within the community. This is also the motivation for the Youth Union at all levels to continue calling for and providing more bookshelves to schools in difficult areas, contributing to improving the quality of education in the district.

Instilling a Spirit of Volunteerism in every lesson

The Honors Program proudly leads in integrating Service-Learning into the official training program. In addition to specialized knowledge, Service-Learning encourages students to participate in community projects and volunteer activities, providing them with opportunities to experience and apply the knowledge they have learned in real-life situations. Students can develop communication skills, teamwork, leadership, problem-solving abilities, adaptability to diverse work environments, and a spirit of mutual support, contributing to the community. 

News, Photos: Honors Program Development Board