CSR Stone Embankment Repair in Vietnam
SMEC supported a critical rehabilitation initiative led by the Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation to restore safety and stability at Xin Cai Primary Boarding School in the aftermath of Typhoon Yagi. The project aimed to address urgent needs for infrastructure repair and student support at one of the most vulnerable schools in northern Vietnam.
Located in the remote Meo Vac district of Ha Giang province, Xin Cai Primary Boarding School serves over 960 students from 19 surrounding villages. Many of the students belong to ethnic minority groups such as the Hmong, Lo Lo, Suong, and Tay. The school’s boarding facilities house more than half of the student population, making it a crucial centre for education in the region.
Following Typhoon Yagi, landslides severely compromised the foundations of the school’s dormitory and sanitation facilities, creating a dangerous environment for the children. Personal items and learning materials were also destroyed, leaving students without basic supplies needed to continue their education.
In response, Blue Dragon implemented a two-part initiative. The first component focused on constructing a protective stone embankment to reinforce the school grounds and prevent further landslide risks. This infrastructure is vital to ensuring the long-term safety of the boarding facilities and sanitation infrastructure.
The second component addressed the immediate needs of students who lost essential belongings during the storm. School supplies, hygiene items, bedding, and personal effects were provided to help students return to school life with dignity and confidence.
SMEC has previously supported Blue Dragon through various community-focused initiatives and continues to strengthen this partnership by backing the current response to Typhoon Yagi’s impact.
This support brought both immediate relief and long-term protection to hundreds of children whose education and well-being were severely disrupted. Together, we are helping restore a safe and supportive learning environment for a community that has endured so much.
Libby Paholski, SMEC SEA & Pacific CSR Chair, added, “At SMEC, we are committed to engineering positive change beyond infrastructure. Partnering with Blue Dragon allows us to support the most vulnerable communities at their most critical moments. This initiative reflects our belief that safe learning environments are essential to building resilient futures.”