Glocal Ventures

A remote, disadvantaged primary school in the mountains of Lao Cai province, Vietnam attained the National Standard thanks to efforts from GVI-NorthWood volunteers. Mr. Ha Van Sang, vice-director of Bac Ha district’s Department Of Education and Training (DOET), personally called GVI’s Hanoi office to say that Nam Mon Primary School 1 had passed an inspection and evaluation by the National Education Committee. In doing so, the school will receive a Certificate of National Standard. Mr. Sang also expressed his thanks to GVI’s efforts and contributions.

February 3, 2011 marks the first day of the year according to the Lunar Calendar, which in East and Southeast Asia is still followed for holidays, ceremonies and traditional events. “Tet Nguyen Dan” or simply Tet is the Vietnamese term for the lunar new year holiday, the most important holiday in Vietnam. 2011 is the year of the Cat.

Children at Sponsor Society 3 (SS3) orphanage received a late Christmas present (or an early Tet New Year present): a ball pit and new playground equipment. The centre also had a new all-purpose, all-weather shelter built, thanks to Northpointe Church in Canberra, Australia.