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Ambassador Osius and Chairman of Dong Van District’s People’s Committee Hoang Van Thinh unveiling the plaque commemorating the school’s inauguration 
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Ambassador Osius said: “People are our nation’s most precious resource, and a good education is the foundation to growing this resource. Vietnam has a quote, “To reap a return in 10 years, grow trees, to reap a return in 100 years, grow people.” I hope this school provides the foundation that will help propel Vietnam to its fullest potential.”

The new three-story building features eight classrooms and two meeting rooms. In addition, several existing structures were converted in dormitories with new bunk beds to give the students more living space. In times of natural disaster, Pho Bang Primary School can also serve as an emergency shelter.

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Members of the U.S. and Ha Giang delegations cutting a ribbon to signify the school’s handover to the Pho Bang government 

“My country has a saying; our children today are the future of tomorrow. And in front of me, I see the future leaders of Vietnam and the world. I am also a proud father of two beautiful children so I understand the importance of having a safe and good environment for education,” the ambassador added.

Since 2009, the U.S. Government, through the Overseas Humanitarian Disaster Assistance and Civic Action Program, has partnered with the Vietnamese government to construct schools, clinics, disaster coordination centers and bridges in many towns and villages throughout Vietnam.  The Pho Bang Primary School is the 20th school this cooperation has built in Vietnam.

Reported by Chung Anh