Nestled deep within the mountainous forests of Huong Hoa District, Thuan Commune—one of the poorest areas in Quang Tri Province—has quietly endured the scorching heat of season after season. Winding red dirt roads and humble rooftops mark the place where generations of families have lived, deeply rooted in the mountains yet constantly challenged by the harshness of nature.
With over 90% of its population being Van Kieu and Pa Co ethnic minorities, life in Thuan Commune has long been difficult, and the scarcity of clean water has only worsened their hardship. The community’s main sources of water include streams, collected rainwater, or bottled water—an expensive option for unstable income families who relying on farming.
During the dry season, when the streams run dry and water tanks empty, the water shortage becomes more severe than ever. This not only affects daily life and the health of residents but also hinders agricultural production—the primary means of livelihood for many households.
With a desire to provide a stable and sustainable source of clean water for the poor communities in the highlands of Quang Tri, on May 6, 2025, with the approval of local authorities, SEN officially launched a project to install two water supply systems in Up Ly 2 and Thuan 2 villages, Thuan Commune, Huong Hoa District, Quang Tri Province.
The project includes well drilling and the construction of water storage tanks, aiming to supply stable clean water for 23 households—approximately 130 residents—thereby significantly improving quality of life and supporting long-term livelihood stability.
After more than two months of construction, on July 25, 2025, the SEN team, together with representatives of the local government, held a handover ceremony to officially deliver the two water supply systems to the communities. The event was filled with warmth, sincerity, and emotion.
In response to the heartfelt support and efforts from the SEN Charity Fund, the village representatives expressed their deepest gratitude on behalf of the entire community—who can now enjoy greater peace of mind in every meal and every night’s sleep, thanks to the access to clean water right in their own villages.
In addition to the water project, SEN continues to spread its humanitarian values by successfully connecting with sponsors to bring practical support to students at Thuan Primary School. The school’s library has been enriched with new bookcases, children’s books, reading tables, and floor mats—contributing to the creation of a friendly reading space that inspires a love for learning and reading among children in this borderland highland area.
Through these two meaningful projects brought to life in the border highlands, SEN hopes to deliver enduring values—not only by improving the daily lives of Van Kieu families, but also by kindling the light of knowledge in the younger generation. From the fresh water flowing into the village, to the first pages of books opened in a small reading room, each represents a meaningful gift, opening spaces for healthy learning and playing for the students. And from that, reading habits will be nurtured, dreams will take flight, and the future—who knows—may begin with these simple stories in today’s pages.
SEN wishes all the children joyful and loving learning experiences, so that the light of knowledge may continue to guide them on their path to growth. We respectfully wish the teachers and residents of this area good health, perseverance, and unwavering faith in a better future.
Written by Nguyen Thi Thuy Quynh
English translation by Dao Phuong Anh
