This past year has brought exciting milestones for the Learning Support Program in Vinh Loc, Vietnam. During the summer break, which can last up to three months, 45 children attended the program, including many from the government system, eager to keep up with their learning.
“I thought the children would want a break,” says Sr Aithien, “but they all insisted on attending because of the pride they felt in learning. That determination has been one of the most rewarding parts of the program this year.”
Even more inspiring was the transition of six students into formal schooling. The children, aged six to seven, not only caught up academically but also obtained the identification documents needed to enrol locally, enabling their move into mainstream classes.
Launched in 2020 by the Loreto Sisters, the program supports children who have missed out on formal schooling, helping them develop literacy, numeracy, confidence, and friendships. Vinh Loc, on Ho Chi Minh City’s outskirts, is home to families who migrated from rural areas for work, often in informal jobs, such as street vending, recycling, or factory work, making school enrolment a challenge.
This year, new afternoon classes allow for smaller groups and more individual attention. Previously, the program offered only Class 1 and Class 2 levels, but some children have advanced into Class 3 for the first time, an exciting milestone in their learning journey. The program is now supported by three qualified teachers and two assistant teachers, ensuring every child receives the guidance and care they need to thrive.
Encouraged by success in Vinh Loc, the Loreto Sisters plan to support 15 more children and their families in a second location near Ho Chi Minh City.
“Formal school children love coming to our school. It gives them something meaningful to do during breaks and shows them there’s no difference between formal and informal learners,” Sr Aithien reflects.
In a community often overlooked, the Vinh Loc Learning Support Program is creating opportunities for children to learn, grow, and flourish, turning barriers into educational pathways.
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