LIFESTART FOUNDATION DISTRIBUTES 100 TET GIFT PACKS TO UNDERPRIVILEGED STUDENTS IN QUANG NAM PROVINCE

Quang Nam, mid-January 2025 - In celebration of the upcoming Lunar New Year - the Year of the Snake, the Lifestart Foundation, an Australian non-governmental organization, in collaboration with the Quang Nam Provincial Union of Friendship Organizations, brought joy to disadvantaged students by distributing 100 meaningful Tet gift packs in Quang Nam Province. This initiative, valued at 50 million VND (over USD $2,000) underscores the organization's unwavering commitment to supporting education and improving the quality of life for underprivileged communities.

Of the total, 80 gift packs were distributed to students at Kpa Kolong Primary School in Phuoc Gia Commune, Hiep Duc District, while 20 additional packs were delivered to underprivileged scholarship recipients from across the province. Each pack, included essential items such as rice, cooking oil, fish sauce, soy sauce, detergent, shampoo, toothpaste, and milk, providing much-needed relief and ensuring a warmer, more fulfilling Tet for the recipients and their families.

Phuoc Gia Commune, classified as a Zone III area under the 2021-2025 National Development Plan (Decision No. 861/QD-TTg), is among the most economically challenged regions in Vietnam. With complex mountainous terrain, limited transportation infrastructure, and frequent natural disasters, the area is home to ethnic minorities facing persistent hardship. Kpa Kolong Primary School serves 200 students, most of whom come from ethnic minority backgrounds and live in extremely difficult conditions. The 80 students receiving support during this initiative all belong to these communities.

Ms. Karen Leonard OAM (Order of Australia Medal), founder of Lifestart Foundation, shared her heartfelt message:

"At Lifestart Foundation, we believe in the transformative power of education, good health, and quality of life. This Tet holiday, we are honored to support these students and their families. Our hope is that these gifts not only alleviate immediate challenges but also inspire the students to persevere in their education, rise above adversity, and one day contribute positively to society and their communities."

Mr. Huynh Van Thang, Principal of Kpa Kolong Primary School, expressed deep gratitude:
"We are immensely thankful to the Lifestart Foundation and its benefactors for their care and generosity. These gifts bring hope and encouragement to our students, motivating them to overcome challenges and pursue their education with determination."

The Tet gift distribution program is a cornerstone of Lifestart Foundation's annual outreach efforts in Central Vietnam. In 2024, the foundation distributed 85 essential gift packs to students in Quang Nam province's Dong Giang and Bac Tra My districts, valued at approximately VND 60 million (USD $2,400). They also provided 63 bicycles to underprivileged yet determined students across Dong Giang, Phuoc Son, and Duy Xuyen districts.

Beyond these efforts, Lifestart Foundation made a significant impact last year by contributing over VND 1.8 billion (over USD $72,000) in medical equipment, children's books, and other essential items to Da Nang Hospital for Women and Children. They also supplied water filtration systems and tanks to 10 remote schools in Quang Nam Province, with a total investment of more than VND 450 million (USD $18,000), among other impactful initiatives.

As Lifestart Foundation continues its mission, these efforts reflect its dedication to creating sustainable change and brighter futures for the most vulnerable communities in Vietnam.

*About Lifestart Foundation:

Founded in 2000 by Australian Karen Leonard OAM and supported by dedicated volunteers, Lifestart Foundation is a grassroots, not-for-profit charity that helps disadvantaged Vietnamese families become self-sufficient. Through its Education Scholarships and Housing Improvement projects, it has invested over 33 Billion VND (over USD $1.3 million) in the youth of Central Vietnam.

*Contact information:

Lifestart Foundation

175 Ly Thai To Street, Cam Chau Ward, Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province

Website: www.lifestartfoundation.org.au 

Telephone: +84(0)76 402 7402

Email:

admin@lifestartfoundation.org.au - Ms. Nhung (Education Scholarship & Housing Project Manager)

uyen@lifestartfoundation.org.au - Ms. Uyen (Education Scholarship & Administration Officer)