Together, the Lotus School Foundation and our valued partner VNARP Silicon Valley are thrilled to announce the groundbreaking of Giap Yen School — a moment we’ve eagerly awaited after a couple of months of delay caused by three consecutive typhoons and mudslides that affected this region and much of northern Vietnam.

Located deep in the mountainous area of Bac Me, one of the poorest districts in Tuyen Quang (formerly Ha Giang province), the community faces ongoing challenges due to poverty and frequent natural disasters. Over 70% of residents live below the poverty line, and the unpredictable weather continues to make daily life difficult. The current school, located 18 km from the district center and serving 70 students (of ethnic Tay and Hmong), has suffered severe structural damage — cracked walls, a sunken foundation, and a deteriorating 27-year-old building that is no longer safe for children to learn in.

The new school project is budgeted at $18,369 and we are deeply grateful for the donation of $10,000 from our partner, VNARP, towards this project. Bac Me’s mountainous terrain, with its steep limestone ranges, makes transporting materials a challenge, but our commitment remains strong. LSF will build a new, safe, and sturdy school featuring two classrooms across 96m² (1,033 sq ft), complete with tiled floors, restrooms, a playground, and classroom furniture — all designed to foster a secure and supportive environment for students to thrive.

Despite the persistent rain, construction materials are steadily making their way up to the school site. Everything is expected to arrive later this week, and once they do, our building team will begin work right away. The new Giap Yen School is expected to complete by January 2026, with a grand opening celebration scheduled on January 24, 2026.