Water Ambassador - Clean Water, Healthy Life

In discussing what constitutes a happy school, one might envision well-equipped facilities, modern machinery, cheerful classrooms, ample meals, where students not only absorb modern knowledge but also thrive amidst the innocence of childhood smiles.

A happy school could be lofty and grand, yet it can also be profoundly simple, as encountered in our field journeys, assessing and constructing joyful schools, and promoting equitable education across Vietnam.

"I like a school with plenty of water."

Fourth-grader A, of the Tày ethnic group, attending Cao Son Elementary and Middle School in à Bac district, Hoà Bình province, loves going to school despite the 8 kilometers from home. Each school day is a joyful occasion for A. T, who at 9 years old, shorter than peers, not only walks over 8 kilometers to school daily but also carries water to drink. Due to a lack of clean water at school, parents must rise early each day to fetch and boil water for T to take, yet even this water isn't always sanitary, sourced from streams or poorly treated edges of fields. Consequently, the precious water T carries sometimes causes stomachaches and persistent thirst. When speaking with us, T remarked, "I like a school with plenty of water."

Simple essentials like clean water and proper sanitation facilities are fundamental but bring happiness to the learning experiences not only for A and T but also for over 555 ethnic minority students at Cao Son Elementary and Middle School. In June 2024, the "Ambassador of Abundant Water" event was organized for Cao Son School students, creating a joyful summer playground while also promoting messages on proper water usage, conservation, and personal hygiene among the students. The students eagerly engaged in learning about the importance of clean water, boiling water to 100 degrees Celsius, water conservation, and the Ministry of Health's 6-step handwashing technique, alongside participating in a handwashing dance with footballer Nhâm Manh Dung from Viettel Sport FC, as guest at the event

GOOD NEWS ON WORLD HEALTH DAY 7.4 - Completion of Clean Water Supply Project for 415 Residents in Pua Lai village, Son La Province.
....
MSD United Way Vietnam is pleased to announce a piece of good news - we have successfully completed a clean water supply project for 415 residents (including 117 children) in Ban Pua Lai, Suoi Bàng Commune, Vân Ho District, Son La Province. This is one of the significant projects that significantly improves the lives and health of the local community. We extend our gratitude to the Momo -loving community for their continuous support and contributions to the completion of this project. We also thank our partner, RIC Vietnam Center, for their collaboration.
Attending the inauguration and acceptance ceremony, Mr. Hoàng Van Khun, Vice Chairman of Suoi Bàng Commune, Vân Ho District, Son La, shared: "We are very grateful to MSD, RIC, and Momo for joining hands with the local community to build this clean water project after the project in Chau Phong Village. Apart from providing water for the locals, these projects also hold significance as the self-management community approach, the community made decisions together, and everyone contributed to building and subsequently maintaining the facilities. Building projects with a community self-management model like this will ensure more effective utilization of the facilities. The projects are meaningful as they provide clean water during the peak season. With this clean water project, locals can be more assured of water quality, leading to better health, and less hardship in accessing clean water to meet their daily needs."
Let's join hands with MSD United Way Vietnam to provide clean water to more people and children in more challenging circumstances. Together, we can build a connected, caring community where no one is left behind.