Cargill unveils three new schools in late 2023, now enriching education across 54 provinces in Vietnam

November 29, 2023
vi-lang Xem Tiếng Việt

Cargill is proud to announce the expansion of its flagship Cargill Cares program with the establishment of three new schools in Vietnam’s Northern mountainous areas. These schools, identified as #112-114, represent a significant stride in Cargill’s ongoing commitment to education and community development in the region, and bring the company closer to its goal of building 150 schools across Vietnam by decade’s end.

The recently inaugurated schools have been strategically positioned to effectively address educational needs within ethnicity diverse communities. School #112, Giao Thien kindergarten, is located in Giao Thien commune, Lang Chanh district, Thanh Hoa province. Similarly, school #113, A Lu kindergarten, is situated in A Lu commune, Bat Xat district, Lao Cai province. Lastly, school #114, Hong Quang primary and secondary day-boarding school, is rooted in Hong Quang commune, Lam Binh district, Tuyen Quang province. Remarkably, this marks the first Cargill Cares school in Tuyen Quang province, elevating the total number of provinces in Vietnam with Cargill Cares schools to 54. Each of these educational institutions serves as a testament to Cargill’s unwavering commitment to fostering education in underprivileged areas.

Luan Nguyen, Country President of Cargill in Vietnam, remarked on the strategic coordination of school inaugurations: “With meticulous planning, Giao Thien kindergarten welcomed students on September 9, closely followed by A Lu kindergarten on October 19. Notably, Hong Quang primary and secondary day-boarding school marked its opening on November 18, 2023. The successful establishment of all three schools within a mere three months demonstrated our commitment to prompt and impactful initiatives. The timing of Hong Quang school’s inauguration is especially noteworthy, coinciding with Vietnamese Teacher’s Day, adding a layer of significance to the event.”

Hong Quang primary and secondary day-boarding school, located in Hong Quang commune, stands out as a beacon of hope in an underprivileged community where 58.1% of households fall under the category of poverty. This aligns with the Vietnamese Government’s Resolution 30a, underlining the importance of Cargill’s intervention in communities with pressing needs.

Despite facing challenging weather conditions, the school was completed in less than three months, a testament to the collaborative efforts facilitated by local government and school leadership. Featuring four new classrooms serving 122 students, its swift completion underscores Cargill’s commitment to delivering on its promises promptly.

Mr. Khong Van Vinh, Chief of the Department of Education and Training of Lam Binh district expressed gratitude for the transformative impact of Cargill’s philanthropy. He said: “This invaluable gift from the Cargill Cares Council not only helps the local community overcome challenges but also inspires our students to focus on their studies and promote humanity and well-being across society. It serves as a beacon, exemplifying and multiplying role models in both education and everyday life.”

Further affirming the positive impact of Cargill’s contributions, a student of Class 9A at Hong Quang primary and secondary day-boarding school expressed enthusiasm, stating: “I feel wonderful that our school has a newly built facility that will serve grade 1 and 2 students very well. As I enter high school next year, I aspire to become a doctor and give back to the community. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to Cargill for their generous donations that have made our school better and safer.”

Cargill’s substantial investment of 4.7 billion VND in these three schools underscores the company’s dedication to making a positive and enduring impact on Vietnam’s educational landscape. When combined with the three schools (#109-111) launched earlier this year, Cargill’s total investment reaches approximately 9 billion VND in 2023, benefiting ~450 students across five provinces in North Vietnam. These endeavors go beyond mere infrastructure development, embodying a vision that empowers communities and plays a crucial role in shaping the future of the nation.

The successful establishment of schools #112-114 contributes to Cargill’s broader mission within the Cargill Cares program since its inception in 1996. As Cargill continues to forge ahead, the company remains dedicated to enhancing the prospects of future generations, particularly in regions where educational opportunities are scarce. Notably, Cargill was recently recognized by Nhip Cau Dau Tu magazine on the esteemed “TOP 50 Corporate Sustainability Awards 2023” list for its implementation of sustainability initiatives. Cargill also recently released its second ESG report 2023 which showcases the company’s progress on Climate, Land and Water and People. The report also recognizes the lasting impact created by the school-building program in Vietnam. Read full report here.