LAO CAI – On June 15-16, 2025, Aide et Action Vietnam (AEA – soon to be Action Education) and representatives from the French Development Agency (AFD), including Mr. Hervé Conan – Country Director of AFD in Vietnam, went on a meaningful visit to the communes of Nam Det, Ta Van Chu, and Ta Cu Ty in Bac Ha District, Lao Cai Province. The trip aimed to observe and understand the impact of the project “Building New Lives After Typhoon Yagi,” implemented by AEA with funding from AFD.

Nearly a year has passed since Typhoon Yagi struck, but its traces are still visible on rooftops, schoolyards, and farmland. Yet beyond the losses, the community has shown a strong spirit of recovery – with the timely and consistent support by AFD and AEA. Over the two working days, the delegation engaged closely with various local beneficiary groups.

 

Clean Water & Psychological Support at Schools

The first stop was Nam Det Semi-Boarding Primary School, which had received support for a water pipeline system and essential supplies such as blankets and mattresses. The delegation inspected the construction and held a meeting with the school board and teachers. The educators shared about the positive impacts of a post-disaster school psychology training organized by AEA, which helped them better listen to and support students – not only in times of crisis but also in daily life.

 

 

At Ta Cu Ty Semi-Boarding Primary & Secondary School, the team inspected a 108m³ water tank funded by AFD. Beyond ensuring clean water for students and teachers, the facility has also improved learning conditions in this remote mountainous area. The AFD-AEA delegation also spent time with students, directly experiencing the positive changes in the school environment post-disaster.

 

 

 

Household Livelihoods & Youth Entrepreneurship

The delegation visited households heavily affected by the storm, including the families of Mr. Ly Seo Ban and Mr. Ly Seo Hanh – where piglets provided through AEA’s support are growing well. The families shared about their struggles, damages, and hopes of restarting life thanks to the project’s practical assistance.

In addition to emergency aid for households, the delegation also visited two youth- and women-led business initiatives supported through the “Business Innovation Challenge” competition. Ms. Giang Thi Chu’s plum farming model in Ta Van commune and Mr. Ly Van Minh’s Shan Tuyet tea production combined with a homestay in Ta Cu Ty commune both integrate agriculture with community-based tourism, creating inclusive and sustainable livelihoods.

Dialogue with Bac Ha District Project Management Board

As part of the mission, AEA and AFD held a friendly dinner and working session with the AEA Project Management Board in Bac Ha district, including Ms. Chu Thi Duong – Vice Chairwoman of the District People’s Committee and Head of the Project Management Board, and Mr. Nguyen Xuan Giang – former Head of the Agriculture Division and Deputy Head of the Board. Both sides acknowledged their effective coordination during project implementation and discussed future cooperation, particularly in light of upcoming mergers of local administrative and territorial units.

Mr. Hervé expressed his appreciation and noted the community’s efforts to recover:

“I thank the teachers for their specific and sincere sharing, which gave us a realistic understanding of the impacts. Congratulations to the school for their efforts, and sincere thanks to AEA for your proactive and swift response in this emergency support program.”

This visit was not only a monitoring activity, but also an opportunity for AEA to reflect, learn, and further improve our community support programs. AEA would like to express deep gratitude to the local communities for their strong spirit of recovery after the disaster, and to Mr. Hervé Conan and AFD – a dedicated partner, always steadfastly supporting the sustainable development journey of the upland region of Bac Ha.