The school is located in the tiny mountain village of A Xing, Quang Tri Province; it's not far from Khe Sanh and close to the Laotian border. The ethnic minority population makes a meagre living through farming; the average monthly income for a family is under $6 USD. Having a school for their 30-35 kindergarten-aged children not only helps the kids start their education; it also allows the parents more opportunity to work while the kids are in school.
Construction on the school began late last summer, after the site was cleared by a PeaceTrees- sponsored EOD (explosive ordanance disposal) team. Six pieces of ordnance were removed from the small plot of land. The building itself was completed in the autumn and the village children are now attending classes. Our PeaceTrees delegation will meet the children and plant trees on the school grounds during our March visit. I'm using a "Sing 'n Learn Vietnamese" CD to try to master (massacre?) a couple of Vietnamese children's songs; I look forward to singing a lively verse or two of "The Cat Who Climbed the Betel Tree" with the kids -- or at least giving them something to laugh at. Meo, meo, meo!
The kindergarten will be dedicated on March 22, which would have been my brother's 61st birthday. For my part, I am overjoyed that David's name will be inscribed not just on the Vietnam Veterans' Memorial Wall, but on a building where a new generation is learning, laughing, growing – a place of potential, possibility, and hope. The dedication plaque will read:
The David Warner Kindergarten
Dedicated March 22, 2007
A gift to the children of A Xing
honoring the life and service of David Howard Warner
from his family and friends
If we are to have real peace, we must begin with the children.
– Gandhi
Built in partnership with PeaceTrees Vietnam
Peace – Friendship – Renewal
To every one of the amazing donors who made the kindergarten a reality, thank you, from the bottom of my heart. Your compassion is touching lives... it has certainly touched mine.
1 comment:
Hi Sue,
I like your blog very much. Be sure to know that I'll frequently visit it to track your experiences.
It looks great and is really attractive to follow.
As for the Kindergarten initiative, I think your brother would have been real proud to learn that a school had been built in his name. Have a great time in Vietnam. Dutchie (Kees)
Post a Comment