HẬU GIANG — German chemical company BASF on Tuesday donated four new classrooms and a playground to the Phương Ninh Primary and Secondary School in the Cửu Long (Mekong) Delta province of Hậu Giang, benefiting around 150 children.

The school is situated in a remote area in Phụng Hiệp District, where around 65 per cent of the population works in agriculture. Built in the 1990s, it has been deteriorating and become unsafe for students, especially during the rainy-flooding season.

The reconstruction marks 10 years of BASF Vietnam’s school renovation programme during which it upgraded four schools in Hậu Giang, two in Trà Vinh and one each in An Giang and Đồng Nai. All these schools have been equipped with modern classrooms, playgrounds and other essential facilities, benefiting almost 900 students. 

Erick Contreras, managing director of BASF Vietnam, said: “Offering safe and inspiring school environments to children in remote areas is one of our key contributions to Việt Nam, enhancing access to education and thus their future success.

“As we look back over the 10 years of the programme, we are proud to receive joint commitment and significant support from all partners and volunteers, which is crucial to make it long-lasting and value-adding for the community.”

The programme is facilitated by Saigon Children’s Charity CIO (saigonchildren), which has over 30 years of experience. 

Damien Roberts, its executive director, said: “Through our school building programme, we provide children in remote areas with safe classrooms, libraries, playgrounds, and proper sanitation.

“We deeply appreciate our 10-year partnership with BASF and co-sponsors, whose commitment to education in Việt Nam has transformed thousands of lives.

“This milestone reflects our shared vision of empowering young minds, and we look forward to continuing this meaningful journey.”

BASF Vietnam is also engaged in other long-term community projects focusing on educational development. 

BASF Kids’ Lab, in partnership with the HCM City Department of Education and Training, offers hands-on activities to help children learn about chemistry, benefiting around 5,000 primary students since 2011. 

Since 2019 the company has partnered with Think Playgrounds to build eight public playgrounds in Hà Nội and HCM City. —VNS