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Building for Future Generations: VVAW Library and Learning Center UpdatesBy VVAWVVAW remains amazed at the support we have received to continue building children's libraries and learning centers in Vietnam. In 2019, when we funded our first project with Chuck Theusch of the Library of Vietnam Project, we would have never imagined that only six years later, our fourth funded project would be underway, and we have just signed off on a fifth project to be completed in 2026. We are also in talks for a sixth project after that. Again, amazing. Without the many small donors, bequests, and major donors, none of this would have been possible. When we say every donation helps, we really mean it. Not only do your funds help build the libraries, but they also help with ongoing upkeep and upgrades at the already completed projects. Thanks to the generosity of Richard and Debra Peters (long-time Wisconsin-based VVAW members), we just signed the paperwork to build our fifth funded project at Cat Tuong Secondary School, in the Xuan An Commune, Gia Lai Province, Vietnam. By the end of 2026, this library and learning center is expected to be serving the children of Vietnam. Chuck Theusch and Khoi Tran of the Vietnam Library Project are preparing for another visit to Vietnam at the end of this year. They handle all contracts and contractors, as well as navigating the complex web of local Vietnamese people's committees and central government approvals. Recently, they had to cope with the extensive district renaming that is currently underway in Vietnam. They maintain contact with all the VVAW library projects, as well as the numerous others they have in the region. Once our projects are completed and the library and learning centers are open for students to use, Chuck and Khoi begin generating additional donations for their upkeep and expansion. Financial and other support comes from the local and provincial governments, other NGOs, local alums from area schools, the Library of Vietnam Project, and other Vietnam veterans. This helps make these projects ongoing and improve the mission to educate and serve future generations of Vietnamese children. Here are some updates on the Library and Learning Centers, which VVAW funds. #1 From our first Library at the Pho Vinh Secondary School (grades 6-9), Duc Pho town, Quang Ngai Province, Vietnam. After completing the library and learning center, VVAW also funded an outdoor Readers Garden. Since then, others have funded tables and benches for the garden. We have just provided more funding for more tables and benches. #2 From our second Library at the Hanh Trung Primary School (grades 1-5), Nghia Hanh District, Quang Ngai Province, Vietnam. The libraries are always in need of more books. To support this Library, VVAW just donated more money to purchase books. Fortunately, many books are available for purchase in Vietnam, since the cost of transporting books from the US is prohibitive. The Library of Vietnam Project is offering scholarships here (and at all the schools). These are general education scholarships. Teachers select 10 kids from each school, and they are awarded $50 each to help with their education. #3 From our third Library at the An Nghia Secondary School (grades 6-9), An Nghia Village, Binh Dinh Province, Vietnam. Thanks to the computer lab and large flat-screen TV we funded, as well as the expanded presence of the library staff, our library and learning center is a beacon of hope to the children in the Hoai An District, according to the headmaster. The technology is routine in the US, but in the shadows of the 1966 Xuan Son Battlefield, it is indeed groundbreaking. #4 From our fourth Library at the Hanh Minh Secondary School, Nghia Hanh District, Quang Ngai Province. Construction is ongoing at the Hanh Minh VVAW library and learning center. Upon completion, this will be the largest project ever undertaken by the Library of Vietnam Project. The local officials and the chair of the Commune People's Committee are excited about the completion of this library and learning center and hope it will serve as a model and inspiration for future development in the area. #5 From our fifth Library at the Cat Tuong Secondary School, Xuan An Commune, Gia Lai Province. The paperwork for this new project has just been signed in what was formerly the Phu Cat District of the Binh Dinh Province. Groundbreaking is planned for mid-December, when Chuck and Khoi will be visiting Vietnam. We are excited to keep the building momentum going. Stay tuned for more updates in early 2026. The role of education is crucial to our continued funding of children's libraries and learning centers in Vietnam. The direct consequence is that children in poor and often still war-ravaged areas can access books and computer labs in dedicated spaces. Also, we hope that by supporting these projects, we draw attention to the damage our war in Vietnam wreaked upon the people and the land. Wars have consequences—long-lasting consequences. If you would like to include VVAW in your will and are unsure of the process, please get in touch with us. If you'd like to make a significant donation now, please get in touch with the National Office at vvaw@vvaw.org. VVAW is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
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