Thank You Letter from Ta Phin School

GVI and Forefront Church from Virginia made their first assessment trip to Ta Phin Primary and Middle School in June 2007. Since then, GVI and Forefront have sent two service teams to the school, with a third coming in July 2008. Here is a letter from the Headmaster of the school that describes our impact on the school.


Ta Phin Primary & Middle School 24 May, 2008

Dear GVI [and Forefront],

On behalf of the Board of Leadership and Headmasters of the school, we sincerely thank GVI for their care and concern for our school. GVI’s significant support and activities have improved the quality of life and lifted the spirits of 202 students and 19 staff and teachers in the following ways:
- PROVIDING RUNNING WATER: Before, due the relocation of the school to its new (current) location, potable water was not available. Thanks to the concern and efforts of the organization, we are now able to have a constant/steady supply of water.
- COMPUTERS: [These have been] very useful for teachers and students in their work and teaching. Before, documents and administrative paperwork all had to be written by hand and were very time-consuming. Since the day we received the computers, the work is much faster and neater. Now with the computers, the teaching and studies have increased greatly in efficiency.
- WATER FILTER: Before, in order to have drinking water for the students, the school staff spent a lot of time boiling water for them. Often there was not enough for the children. Thanks to the water filter, we can provide and guarantee enough water for the students and teachers.
- EXTRA-CURRICULAR EQUIPMENT: (basketball net & ball, badminton racquets, etc.). Before, the extra-curricular activities of the school were limited. Now thanks to the donations, the activities are more lively.
- OTHER ACTIVITIES: (teaching English, checking the health of students, construction of latrines, hygiene classes, teaching songs, games and sports) These activities have helped the staff, teachers and students get to know and understand their “new friends” better [ie. the GVI-Forefront teams]

The above have been extremely practical and meaningful actions from GVI towards the school recently. The large contributions from the organization have helped the school overcome their difficulties and are a source of great motivation for education in the mountainous areas in particular and for education in Vietnam in general.

In the hopes of continuing to improve the lives and infrastructure and morale of the staff, students and teachers, the Board of Leadership and Headmasters look forward to continued support and concern from GVI regarding the lives of the people living in the mountainous areas that still face difficulties, and for the school and the students.

Ta Phin school,
Headmaster
Nguyen Canh Toan