Every morning at 9 a.m., in a small preschool in Huong Hiep commune, children line up with tiny bowls in hand, waiting for their daily soy milk — a simple ritual that has quietly transformed their lives. This moment is made possible by nearly VND 1.46 billion in new funding from the Zhi Shan Foundation, announced on October 7, 2026, to support school meals across 15 preschools in Quang Tri’s mountainous communes.
For over a decade, the Child Nutrition Improvement Project has fought child malnutrition in remote areas where access to food is limited and school attendance was once inconsistent. Now, more than 3,000 children receive not only a hot, nutritious meal each day but also fresh soy milk prepared by their teachers — a practice sustained by support for ingredients like soybeans, sugar, and fuel. The project, launched in 2010, has become a lifeline for families in Dakrong, Ba Long, La Lay, Ta Rut, and Huong Hiep.
The results speak clearly: school attendance has climbed to nearly 100%, and the rate of malnutrition among preschoolers has dropped from about 30% to just 12%. For children in these highland communities, a meal at school does more than fill their stomachs — it gives them a reason to come to class every day, creating stability in both their learning and their lives. Teachers now play a dual role: educators and caregivers, monitoring growth, organizing meals, and working closely with the South Quang Tri Social Work Center to keep the program running.
The funding isn’t just about food — it’s about dignity, health, and opportunity. At the recent handover ceremony, the Zhi Shan Foundation also honored former preschool principals who helped sustain the project for years, recognizing the quiet dedication of local staff. The foundation reaffirmed its commitment to long-term support, with plans already underway to shape the 2027 program, focusing on further improving childcare conditions in these remote areas.
As the morning sun rises over the hills of Quang Tri, children sip their soy milk with smiles — a small sign of a much bigger change. With steady support and community partnership, a simple meal continues to nourish not just bodies, but futures.