Project effectiveness "Building safer schools against natural disasters"

The project “Building safer schools against natural disasters” sponsored by Save the Children (SCI) has brought about remarkable changes to 22 affected schools in Yen Bai city, Tran Yen district and Van Yen district (old).

In September 2024, the circulation of Typhoon Yagi caused severe damage to Yen Bai province (old): more than 25,000 houses were damaged, dozens of schools were flooded, landslides, many schools were almost completely destroyed. With the spirit of "leaving no school behind", the "Building safer schools against natural disasters" project sponsored by Save the Children (SCI) has brought about clear changes to 22 affected schools in Yen Bai city, Tran Yen district and Van Yen district (old).

Ms. Nguyen Thi Hong Loan - Deputy Project Management Board presented the project results.

The project "Building safer schools against natural disasters" was officially implemented by the Women's Union of Yen Bai province (now Lao Cai province) and the Provincial Women's Support Center (now Lao Cai Provincial Women's Development Center) from May 2025.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Hong Loan - Deputy Project Management Board shared: "The biggest goal of the project is to contribute to restoring teaching and learning conditions for damaged schools, while equipping teachers and students with skills to prevent and mitigate natural disaster risks, protect their health and lives."

During the 5 months of implementation, the project organized 11 training courses for more than 700 teachers, 47 communication sessions for more than 10,000 students on personal hygiene, disaster prevention and disaster risk reduction. 22 schools were supported with dozens of facilities such as playgrounds, school gates, kitchens, clean water and sanitation facilities.

Regarding equipment, the project provides more than 40 categories including televisions, projectors, computers, refrigerators, tables and chairs, teaching equipment according to the standards of the Ministry of Education and Training, hand washing systems, outdoor exercise equipment, artificial grass, etc.

In addition, the project has invested in 20 small construction and repair works, such as: fences, lighting systems, and paved playgrounds, contributing to creating a safe and friendly learning space, especially with additional handrails and ramps for students with disabilities.

Teachers guide students on personal hygiene and disease prevention after natural disasters.

Nam Cuong Primary School was one of the most severely damaged schools after storm No. 3 in 2024, when more than 8,000 m³ of landslides buried the school yard, the fence collapsed, and 80% of students' families were affected.

Teacher Nguyen Quang Huy - Principal of the school shared: "In those days, my teachers and students were almost exhausted. When we received support from the project, it was not only material but also a great source of encouragement."

From the project's investment, the school was renovated with 80 meters of iron fence, installed 4 hand washing basins, 7 televisions, 1 amplifier and speaker set, 1 desktop computer, 5 bookshelves and 15 sets of student desks and chairs. 21 staff, teachers and 270 students were trained in communication skills, environmental sanitation and disaster prevention.

“Thanks to the training, both teachers and students know how to handle floods, protect themselves and help others. These skills become valuable assets,” said Mr. Huy.

At Yen Thinh Kindergarten, the circulation of storm No. 3 last year caused the corrugated iron roof to be blown away, the walls to peel off, the playground to be muddy, and two classrooms to be urgently relocated. Thanks to the project, the school was repaired and equipped with 9 televisions, a dish dryer, a thermos for daily use, and a ladder for children's play and physical training.

Ms. Le Thanh Tu - Vice Principal of Yen Thinh Kindergarten shared: This support not only changes the facilities, but also helps us change the way we teach and learn: teachers know how to integrate disaster prevention skills and personal hygiene into each activity with children; young children learn how to protect themselves, and parents actively cooperate with the school. The whole school has more than 300 children participating in games, storytelling, drawing, singing and dancing about disaster prevention - a natural and effective way of learning.

Teachers of Xuan Tam Kindergarten trained in communication skills to prevent and reduce natural disaster risks.

Also one of the schools heavily damaged by the storm, Xuan Tam Kindergarten had its fence collapsed, its slope collapsed onto the office building, and its outdoor toys damaged...

Thanks to the project, the school was given a new surrounding fence system, replacing the temporary fence with B40 steel, and was provided with 4 televisions, 4 sets of minimum teaching equipment, and a set of outdoor toys.

“In the midst of that difficult time, the project came to us like an outstretched arm,” Ms. Le Thi Huyen Trang, Principal of Xuan Tam Kindergarten, emotionally shared.

According to the Project Management Board, the aid from SCI has profound humanitarian value. The project not only helps 22 schools overcome the consequences of natural disasters, but also lays the foundation for building a safe, friendly and sustainable school culture. More than 10,000 students and thousands of parents have been informed about hygiene and safety in natural disasters.

Schools now have the conditions to organize modern educational activities, apply information technology in teaching, contributing to promoting digital transformation in education, especially in remote areas and ethnic minority areas. Teachers are equipped with new skills, students have more opportunities to experience; parents and the community raise awareness about child protection and disaster prevention.

The project is also recognized for its professional management and close supervision. Each equipment package and project is surveyed based on actual needs and incorporates gender and vulnerable groups. Beneficiary schools are required to manage assets transparently, use them for the right purposes, and have a long-term maintenance plan.

Representatives of Save the Children and Lao Cai Provincial Women's Union handed over the toilet project to Hong Thai Primary School (Yen Bai ward).

The effectiveness of the project is not only limited to the numbers, constructions, or equipment invested, but is also clearly demonstrated through the proactive response ability of schools after the project ends. The proof is that after the recent storm No. 10 (Bualoi), despite prolonged heavy rain, schools in the project area proactively responded and did not suffer any damage.

Mr. Nguyen Quang Huy - Principal of Nam Cuong Primary School said: "Thanks to being trained in disaster prevention skills and developing a specific response plan, as soon as information about the impact of storms No. 10 and 11 was received, the school proactively checked areas at risk of landslides, moved equipment and arranged staff on duty. Thanks to that, the school's facilities were not affected, and teaching and learning activities returned to normal after the natural disaster."

Not only Nam Cuong Primary School but most schools in the project have built on-site disaster prevention procedures, promoting the spirit of “4 on-site”. In particular, students are also equipped with disaster prevention skills to protect their own safety.

Nguyen Minh Chau - a 5B grade student at Kim Dong Primary School shared: “The support from the project has helped us gain useful knowledge, thereby educating our relatives about the risks and ways to prevent natural disasters…”.

RO water filtration system is installed at An Binh Kindergarten, contributing to providing clean water for the school.

In a short time, the project has contributed to turning schools devastated by natural disasters into “safe homes” - where students can study and play in a clean and beautiful environment. It is not only an investment in material things, but also an investment in knowledge and trust, helping teachers, students and parents to be more resilient in the face of unusual changes in climate.

The project “Building safer schools against natural disasters” not only helps “change the look” of 22 schools, but also contributes to sowing seeds for generations of students to know how to live safely, love and be more responsible towards the community.

Source: https://baolaocai.vn/hieu-qua-du-an-xay-dung-truong-hoc-an-toan-hon-voi-thien-tai-post883963.html