CONSTRUCTION OF BƯNG ẤP 1 BRIDGE
(VESAF Bridge No. 1)
Hoa Thanh Commune, Tam Binh District, Vinh Long Province

Specifications:  Steel-reinforced concrete bridge, 27 m long and 2 m wide
Financial support:  VESAF
Logistic and technical support:  Nhóm Ái Hữu Công Chánh Sàigòn (AHCC Saigon) and local volunteers.

01/16/2015:  Groundbreaking
03/26/2015:  Start of Construction
07/16/2015:  Inauguration

In collaboration with AHCC Saigon (a group of retired civil engineers in Saigon), who provided logistic and technical support, and local volunteers, who contributed their time and physical labor, VESAF funded the construction of BƯNG ẤP 1 Bridge in Hoa Thanh Commune, Tam Binh District, Vinh Long Province.  This steel-reinforced concrete bridge, 27 m long and 2 m wide, has replaced the old, shaky bamboo structure over a small river that runs through a complex terrain.  In the past, 80 families living in the area, including 50 children, had to use this old bridge that posed a hazard, especially during the rainy season.

View the construction of this bridge on YouTube


CONSTRUCTION OF CẢ MÉP BRIDGE
(VESAF Bridge No. 2)
An Nhon Commune, Thanh Phu District, Ben Tre Province

Specifications:  Steel-reinforced concrete bridge, 24.0 m long and 2.2 m wide
Financial support:  VESAF
Logistic and technical support:  Nhóm Ái Hữu Công Chánh Sàigòn (AHCC-Saigon) and local volunteers.

09/18/2015:  Groundbreaking
11/02/2015:  Start of Construction
01/12/2016:  Inauguration

With the logistic and technical support of AHCC-Saigon and local volunteers, VESAF financed the construction of CẢ MÉP Bridge in the Village of An Nhơn, Thạnh Phú District, Bến Tre Province.  This reinforced concrete bridge is 24.0 m long and 2.2 m wide.  Previously, there was no bridge at this location, and small boats were used to carry people across the stream.  Local villagers informed us that they had wished to have a bridge here for the past 40 years.  Their wish came true on 12 January 2016, when the new bridge was officially opened for public use.  Fifty families, including 60 school children, now frequent this bridge for their daily activities.


DISTRIBUTION OF SOLAR-POWERED LIGHTS TO FAMILIES IN NEED
HỖ TRỢ ĐÈN NĂNG LƯỢNG MẶT TRỜI CHO GIA ĐÌNH NGHÈO
Provinces of Thua Thien and Quang Tri

VESAF donated 50 solar-powered light sets for reading to families in need in two provinces: Thừa Thiên (Phú Lọc and A Lưới villages) and Quãng Trị (Triệu Phong village).  Each solar light set consists of a 12V10W solar panel, a 12V7Ah lead acid battery, two bright 5W LED bulbs, and a USB interface for charging mobile phones, MP3 players, etc.  The distribution of these lights was carried out in partnership with The D.O.V.E. Fund (Toledo, Ohio, USA), a charitable organization that has been operating in Vietnam since 2000.  The D.O.V.E. Fund provided help with the logistics and distribution process, including identifying suitable recipients.  With the solar lights, children can read and do their homework at night, which they could not do previously.


Scholarship for Students in Need and Improving Access to Education


LÊ ĐÌNH DƯƠNG MIDDLE SCHOOL
Trường Trung Học Cơ Sỡ Lê Đình Dương
Dien Trung Commune, Dien Ban District, Quang Nam Province

During school year 2014-2015, VESAF provided merit-based scholarships to 18 underprivileged students and gave various awards to deserving students at Lê Đình Dương Middle School, located in the Commune of Điện Trung, Điện Bàn District, Quảng Nam Province.  In addition, funds were provided to purchase 5 new computers and 24 sets of chairs and tables.


Food and Clothing for Orphans


”MÁI ẤM TÌNH THƯƠNG” ORPHANAGE
Mái Ấm Tình Thương Chùa Quang Châu
Hoa Chau Commune, Hoa Vang District , City of Da Nang

Quang Châu Temple, located in the Commune of Hòa Châu, Hòa Vang District , Đà Nẳng, is home to more than 100 orphans, ranging in age from newborn infants to teenagers.  This facility, named "Mái Ấm Tình Thương" (MATT), also provides lodging, meals, clothing, and medical care to old, poor, and dependent individuals without families.  In 2015, VESAF made a contribution to MATT to provide milk, clothing, and toys for the orphans.