Following the launch ceremony for the “Support for Central Vietnam Provinces Affected by Storms and Floods” campaign at Ho Chi Minh University of Industry and Trade (HUIT), two HUIT working groups set off early on 8th of December to flood-affected areas in Dak Lak and Gia Lai provinces. There, the university plans to donate computers, school supplies, and support packages worth up to 30 million VND to high schools and middle schools, helping students in flood-affected areas overcome difficulties and resume their studies as soon as possible.

To ensure thorough and effective support, the school divided into two working groups:

Group 1: led by Dr. Thai Doan Thanh, delivered gifts in Dak Lak province (Eastern region).

Group 2: led by Dr. Bui Hong Dang, delivered gifts in Gia Lai province (Eastern region).

Each delegation is fully coordinated and responsible, consisting of: 1 representative from the Youth Union, 1 representative from the Trade Union, 1 representative from the Admissions and Communications Center, along with HUIT students who are alumni of the middle and high schools where the delegation delivers gifts. The presence of these former students returning to their old schools in HUIT uniforms created incredibly touching moments, representing a beautiful journey of growth and giving back to the community.

In Dak Lak, the delegation led by Mr. Thai Doan Thanh visited the following schools: Hoa An Secondary School, Huynh Thuc Khang Secondary School, Le Thanh Tong Secondary School, Luong Van Chanh Secondary School, Pham Van Dong Secondary School... Everywhere the delegation went, traces of the flood were still evident: the school grounds were still covered in mud, and the classroom walls were stained with flood marks. On behalf of HUIT, the delegation gave each school 30 million VND to repair classrooms and purchase new desks, chairs, and teaching equipment. Representatives from the Trade Union and Youth Union directly visited and listened to the difficulties faced by teachers after the storm and floods; representatives from the Admissions and Communications Center recorded authentic images and stories to spread HUIT's spirit of sharing.

Image of Dr. Thai Doan Thanh presenting support to Hoa An Secondary School

For schools needing to restore their computer labs, Team 1 brought special gifts: Nguyen Viet Xuan Secondary-High School and Le Trung Kien High School each received 20 computers and 20 million VND, while An Nghia Primary School was gifted 24 computers. HUIT students who are alumni of these schools not only participated in the gift-giving but also worked with teachers to install and check each computer, guiding younger students on how to use and maintain them. The touching image of students hugging their former teachers in the muddy schoolyard is a vivid testament to the power of education and the bond between schools, alumni, and the community.

Meanwhile, in Gia Lai, Team 2, led by Mr. Bui Hong Dang, was also busy on a journey that was no less meaningful. The team delivered gifts to My Thang, Cat Chanh, Nhon Binh, and Nhon Phu secondary schools; each school received 30 million VND to repair damage, fix classrooms, and purchase new teaching equipment. At each school, representatives from the HUIT Youth Union connected with and encouraged students to participate in small group activities, creating a cheerful atmosphere after the stressful days of storms and floods; representatives from the Trade Union shared and inquired about the lives of teachers; representatives from the Admissions and Communications Center recorded beautiful stories to bring back and share with the HUIT community.

Image of Dr. Bui Hong Dang presenting support to My Thang Secondary School

For high schools such as Bui Thi Xuan, Nguyen Dieu, An Luong, No. 1 Tuy Phuoc, and Hung Vuong, where students are both affected by the floods and actively involved in helping the local community clean up after the floods, Team 2 donated 20 computers and 20 million VND to each school. HUIT students who are alumni of these schools returned to visit their old schools under very special circumstances: it was not just a class reunion, but a journey to “go with HUIT to help the place where they grew up.” This has strongly inspired the students currently sitting in the classroom, showing them that if they strive in their studies, one day they too can return to contribute to their hometown.

Images of HUIT students helping the local community clean up after the flood

Overall, from the funds raised during the Launch Ceremony, two working groups led by Mr. Thai Doan Thanh and Mr. Bui Hong Dang visited 17 schools in Dak Lak and Gia Lai, donating 410 million VND and 164 computers. These are not just material figures, but also proof of HUIT's social responsibility, embodying the goodwill of teachers, staff, students, alumni, and benefactors.

As the vehicles bearing the HUIT logo departed from the last school, the skies over the Central Highlands were still heavy with clouds after days of heavy rain, but in the hearts of each member of the delegation was a clear sky: they knew that the message from the Launch Ceremony at HUIT had reached its destination. The computers will continue to light up in computer labs, the support funds will gradually transform into safer, more spacious classrooms, and most importantly, the dreams of students in flood-affected areas to attend school will not be swept away by the floods.

Some photos from the flood relief trip to Dak Lak and Gia Lai