Cargill Cares fund raising events in Viet Nam this month raised VND7 billion (US$307,000) from individuals and organisations to advance Cargill’s school building programme in the country.

Held in Dong Nai and Ha Noi on August 12 and 20 respectively, the events attracted almost 4,000 customers, partners and employees.

Since it was started in 1996, the programme has built 81 schools in Viet Nam’s 46 provinces.

Cargill is on track to build its 82^nd school in Dak Nong Province next month and 100th by 2020.

The programme benefits 13,000 students a year.

A typical school costs around $50,000 and consists of three to five classrooms, restrooms, a yard, a fence, and a gate.

Organised by the Cargill Cares Council, which is completely employee-led, the programme aims to improve school conditions in agricultural communities in rural and remote areas.

It allows students and teachers to learn and teach in a safe and conducive environment.

Stoney Su, Cargill Feed and Nutrition Business Vietnam managing director and Cargill Vietnam country representative, said: “We are so fortunate to have the kind and valuable support of our dealers, partners and employees across the country for our school building projects. The more schools we build the more love is accumulated and given and more happiness is generated and paid back.” – VNS