Warm winter of students at Khau Noong School site, Thai Son Kindergarten, Bao Lam district, Cao Bang province.

The biting cold of the mountains Bao Lam district in Cao Bang, seems to be melted away by the love and cheerful laughter of the students at Khau Noong School site. Every school day for the students here is now filled with joy, happiness, and the comfort of warm, nutritious meals.

“After finishing their lessons, the 5-year-old students know to set the tables for meals, while the 3-4-year-olds go wash their hands. Children eagerly sit at the table, waiting for the teacher to serve their meals. If the food isn’t ready when it’s time to eat, some students will ask the teachers in their ethnic language: ‘Teacher, is there rice today?’ and the whole class happily joins in with the question.”

This is a share from the teacher in charge of the Khau Noong School site about the daily lunches for the students there.

Lunchtime isn’t just about recharging energy, it’s also a moment for the students to enjoy each other’s company. Teachers share that students prefer eating at school, saying the food tastes better because they get to eat with their friends. Each child eats 2 to 3 bowls, and some even ask for more. Every meal in the classroom is filled with laughter and happy chatter, giving children the energy they need to continue their afternoon lessons.

In addition to the Khau Noong School site, the project Growing up with mountainous children is also supporting meals for Na O, Lung Chang, Ban La, Khau De, and Sang Xoay School sites. The positive changes in the students come in part from the generous hearts of the sponsors who have always supported and trusted the project and For Vietnamese Stature Foundation with the hope of helping these children go to school for a brighter future.