DOL English helps build schools for children in Vietnam’s northern mountains

In recent months, the chain has joined the Son La Provincial Police, the Mobile Police High Command, the Happiness for Children project, and local governments to construct two school sites: Ban Pat Phay Elementary School in Pung Banh Commune and Nam Phong Elementary and Middle School in Tan Phong Commune.

Senior Lieutenant Duong Hai Anh, head of the Youth Office of the Mobile Police High Command, said many schools in mountainous regions are makeshift structures roofed with metal sheets, leaving classrooms stifling in the summer and cold and noisy during winter storms.

"These conditions significantly affect students' learning," he said.

Anh helped launch the Happiness for Children project while serving as secretary of the Son La Police Youth Union.

The initiative has built 89 schools across the province to date and earned him recognition from the prime minister and the 2021 National Volunteer Award.

He said the project faces major challenges, including harsh weather and legal requirements when building in remote areas.

Funding also remains limited. "That's why we truly appreciate the support from DOL English," he said.

Founded by former students of the High School for the Gifted under Vietnam National University–Ho Chi Minh City, DOL English has incorporated community work into its educational mission.

In October, the company mobilized teachers and students to raise more than VND350 million (US$13,266) to support residents in central Vietnam and northern Thai Nguyen Province during severe storms and flooding.

DOL English CEO Le Dinh Luc said the company's involvement in the school-building project stems from a sense of social responsibility.

"This is something education businesses should do, especially when partnering with reputable state agencies," he said.

Luc, a master's degree holder and recipient of the 2022 Tuoi Tre Startup Award, said the company plans to continue supporting the construction of more schools in highland and disadvantaged areas.

He hopes to make the initiative an annual effort to help improve education access for children nationwide.

Ahead of Vietnamese Teachers' Day on November 20, he expressed gratitude to teachers working in remote regions "for sacrifices that are difficult to measure," and encouraged students there to keep pursuing their studies.

"Education is the only path that can truly change your life," he stated.