Lê Hương

Local children in Đông Giang District, a remote mountainous area in the central province of Quảng Nam, did not dare to dream that one day they would not have to bring drinking water from home to school every day.

Their dream was realised by the Lady Buddha Foundation managed by Swedish entrepreneur Kawa Wandi and The Stellar Kids Project Singapore run by Stella Thng.

Renowned for his initiatives in remote places in regions such as Quảng Nam, Quảng Bình and Quảng Trị, Kawa's selfless endeavours have garnered media attention, earned him recognition from the Vietnamese government in Hội An, where he lives with his wife and their triplets, and led to a touching feature by the Swedish Embassy in Hà Nội.

In his latest journey to Đông Giang, Kawa and his team embarked on a mission to install two water purification systems in local schools, where 120 children are learning.

With the installation of the water purification systems, a significant positive change is on the horizon.

“The benefits of having access to clean water are multifaceted, with far-reaching implications for the community,” Kawa said. “Health and sanitation will improve, reducing the prevalence of waterborne diseases and improving overall well-being. Moreover, students' ability to concentrate and excel in their studies will be enhanced, paving the way for a brighter future.”

Local children enjoy fresh drinking water from the systems. VNS Photo Sam Keating

In addition to the direct benefits, the installation of water purification systems will also have a positive impact on the environment, he said.

The heavy usage of plastic bottles in these communities has led to a pervasive littering problem, causing harm to nature and exacerbating pollution, he said.

By reducing the reliance on plastic bottles for drinking water, Kawa's initiative aims to mitigate the environmental impact and promote sustainable practices.

The decrease in plastic waste will not only preserve the beauty of the natural surroundings but also safeguard the health of wildlife and promote a cleaner, greener ecosystem.

Upon arrival, the sight of Kawa elicited an outpouring of joy from the children, who are eager to greet their beloved benefactor.

True to his compassionate nature, Kawa brought gifts for all 120 students.

The children's faces lit up as they received books, pencils, rulers, and drawing books, providing them with outlets for creativity during the upcoming summer break.

The dedicated teachers at both schools were not forgotten, as they too received tokens of appreciation for their tireless work.

Kawa emphasised the importance of the children as the future of their community and expressed his deep admiration for the teachers' commitment in the face of challenging circumstances.

Bringing happiness to needy children is Kawa's joy in Việt Nam. VNS Photo Sam Keating

The first school the team visited is a primary institution with 98 students, followed by a preschool deeper in the jungle, catering to 22 children.

The gathering of pupils, teachers, and villagers creates an atmosphere brimming with joy and gratitude.

Nguyễn Thị Thi Thương, the principal of Họa Mi Kindergarten, presented Kawa with a gift to express her profound gratitude for the long-awaited water system that will revolutionise their school.

Locally produced items such as honey symbolise the genuine appreciation and local pride felt by the community.

Teacher A Rất Hiền from Jơ Ngây Primary School said: “We feel very happy and deeply thankful to the Lady Buddha Foundation, especially Mr. Kawa Wandi, for installing a water purifying system for our school. Before, our pupils brought water from home to school.”

Lê Văn Minh, a local official said not only the children at the schools, but the nearby community will benefit from the systems as well.

“In the long term, the locality still needs big water tanks to store water because local wells hardly have any water in the dry season,” he said.

Kawa could not hide his emotion at the school.

“Seeing these children now drinking fresh water gives me an overwhelming sense of joy, gratitude, and fulfillment,” he told Việt Nam News. “It is incredibly rewarding to know that we have been able to provide them with something as essential as clean and safe drinking water.”

Stella Thng, from The Stellar Kids Project Singapore said that she really looks forward to coming back to the schools to visit the beautiful children again. She went to the site with Kawa's team once before.

Kawa settled down in Hội An with his wife and three triplets (daughters). Over the past five years they have provided help and support to poor communities in the area.

The team distributes gifts to children. VNS Photo Sam Keating

“We are doing this to make a positive impact and help those in need,” Kawa said. “Children are the foundation of our future. They hold the potential to save the world and bring about positive change. By supporting these children, we invest in their future, and the act of charity, no matter how small, can have a profound impact on a child’s life.”

By uniting individuals and organisations, Kawa showcases the immense impact that a single person can have on the lives of many, igniting a beacon of hope in even the remotest corners of the world.

"We deeply appreciate any help and support we receive," he said. "Every contribution, no matter the size, has a profound impact." VNS