Answering the Call: A Journey of Hope to Tuyên Quang and Hà Giang
More than a relief trip, it was a profound lesson in resilience, community, and the power of giving.
As soon as the natural disaster happened, we received an urgent appeal from Tuyên Quang. Typhoons and floods had devastated the region, leaving behind a trail of destruction that damaged homes and critically impacted already-struggling schools.
In these moments, the true spirit of our community is revealed.
From Saigon to the Highlands: A Mission of a Thousand Hands
Within days, our volunteers transformed into action. In a Saigon warehouse, an incredible team of over 40 volunteers—many of them our own Sunflower Mission scholarship recipients and their friends—gathered with a shared purpose. Over four days and multiple shifts, they packed more than 2,000 relief and school supply kits, each one a parcel of hope and supplemented with clothing donations from a generous garment manufacturer, TPG.
This was just the beginning. A dedicated team, including three of our student volunteers, then embarked on a 4-day, 1,000+ kilometer journey to personally deliver this aid. They traveled by bus, car, and even motorbike through cold fog, steep mountain passes, and roads scarred by landslides to reach six of the most remote and affected schools in Tuyên Quang and Hà Giang.
This mission wasn't just about delivering supplies; it was about bearing witness, offering solidarity, and understanding the challenges on a deeply human level. We want to share this journey with you through the eyes of the students who were there.
A Journey Through Their Eyes
For our student volunteers—Thảo, Ngọc Bích, and Thành—this trip was a profound and life-changing experience.
Ngọc Bích, an aspiring primary school teacher, saw her future calling in a new light. She was particularly moved at Trung Sơn Primary School, where children were studying in temporary classrooms with corrugated metal roofs and weakened wooden posts. Yet, what struck her most was what she saw inside: "What impressed me the most were the neatly arranged books and pencils placed on small shelves at each desk. It reminded me that children in difficult circumstances still nurture a strong passion for learning—strong enough to overcome material hardship."
Later, in Phố Cáo, she experienced the simple, overwhelming power of a small gift. "One moment I will never forget," she writes, "was meeting a young girl... She received her gift with both hands—gently yet full of gratitude. She smiled shyly, but her eyes sparkled with excitement. That moment made me realize that even small acts of kindness can bring great joy to children living in hardship." Ngọc Bích’s full writing may be found here.
Thành, another volunteer, reflected on the dedication she witnessed. "I appreciate the sacrifice of the highland teachers, who tirelessly commit to their villages and schools despite the lack of material conditions," she shared, speaking of teachers who have dedicated years of their lives, far from home, to "sow the seeds of knowledge." The journey reaffirmed her belief in the power of giving, beautifully summarizing the experience for all our volunteers: "The hand that gives the rose always retains some fragrance." Thành’s full writing may be found here.
Thảo, a first time volunteer, was struck by the contrast between Hà Giang's majestic beauty and the inadequate learning conditions. But what she takes away is a deep sense of gratitude for the "very real experiences" and the chance to see the challenges firsthand. On behalf of the children, she wrote: "Thank you to the benefactors for always caring for and loving us." Thao’s full writing may be found here.
The Lasting Impact of Your Support
This mission did more than deliver 2,000 gifts. It delivered a message to hundreds of students and teachers in places like Hợp Hoà, Bản Luốc, and Ngàm Đăng Vài: You are not forgotten. It empowered our own scholarship recipients to pay it forward, closing the circle of giving. And the gift distribution trip provided crucial data for future school construction projects, ensuring your support continues to create long-term, sustainable change.
None of this would be possible without you - our supporters and volunteers. You packed the bags by supporting the students, you funded the supplies, and you powered the journey. From the bottom of our hearts, and from the smiling faces in Hà Giang, thank you.
With gratitude,
The Sunflower Mission Team