Project Report
| Mar 29, 2013
1st Year Progress Report
By Nguyen Xuan Tam | Project Leader
![Architect and headmistress at construction site]()
Architect and headmistress at construction site
Dear GlobalGiving Friends,
The Khe Sanh Library project is moving forward with spring. Global Community Services Foundation has been working with the architect to finalize the library design. We continue to maintain close collaboration with the headmistress of the school so that the outcome of the library will meet the expectations of the teachers and students. GCSF has finalized the list of 3 contractors for the construction contract. These builders were selected using the following criteria: (1) they are well-respected contractors and maintain high standards in their construction work, (2) they employ local workers and utilize locally sourced building materials where available, and (3) they are familiar with working in mountainous areas and in unpredictable weather conditions. The final bids will come in by the end of the month, and then GCSF will select a contractor. GCSF has negotiated a final memorandum of understanding with the school and local Education and Training Department. This agreement will signify governmental approval of the project.
Based on meeting our fundraising goals, the school administrators in Khe Sanh have recommended library construction begin by early May. This will avoid untimely delays due to inclement weather. The construction is anticipated to require 2 months, and this will allow for continued fundraising to furnish the library with books, computers and desks. The students, teachers and residents of Khe Sanh are very excited to see this project move forward, and we at GCSF are grateful to all contributors for the successful launch on GlobalGiving this past year.
Respectfully,
Nguyen Xuan Tam
GCSF Central Vietnam Representative
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Dec 31, 2012
Happy New Year!
By Nguyen Xuan Tam | Project Leader
![New Year greetings from Khe Sanh students]()
New Year greetings from Khe Sanh students
Dear GlobalGiving Friends,
Global Community Service Foundation would like to extend our gratitude to all donors for a successful launch of Build a School Library for Khe Sanh on GlobalGiving during 2012. The project received several donations on Global Giving's October 17th Bonus Day and with the 30% matching funds generated $2100. GlobalGiving's Gifts for Good Campaign featuring red lacquer boxes handmade in Vietnam raised $500. Over $400 in recurring donations and $225 through gift card donations have been contributed since November. These additional funds will permit GCSF to begin construction of the library by the spring. Building permits will be obtained after the beginning of the new year, and groundbreaking is anticipated by March.
The news of the "first real library" in the area has created much excitement as infrastructure improvements have been very slow reaching the more remote areas of Vietnam like Khe Sanh. It is estimated that 80% of the total land in Quang Tri Province was affected by unexploded ordnance by the late 1970s, and the clearing of explosives has been a long and expensive process. The 2nd photo shows the area behind the school where the library will be erected. The 3rd photo features a vision of the library's interior drawn by a student in Ms. Huong Vo's class. The library is projected to be completed by July 2013 and ready for the beginning of the 2013-2014 school year.
Wishing everyone peace and happiness in the year ahead,
Nguyen Xuan Tam and the GCSF team in Vietnam
![site of future Khe Sanh Primary School Library]()
site of future Khe Sanh Primary School Library
![student image of future library]()
student image of future library
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Oct 11, 2012
Raising Awareness on Vietnamese Children with Disabilities
By Albion Bergstrom | GCSF Board Member
![Marcia Selva & Tam Nguyen of GCSF]()
Marcia Selva & Tam Nguyen of GCSF
Dear GlobalGivers,
Global Community Service Foundation had the privilege of hosting a fundraiser for the benefit of children with disabilities in Quang Tri Province with the Spouses of the Vietnamese Embassy in Washington, DC on September 28, 2012. Ambassador Nguyen Quoc Cuong and Madame Hoang Minh Ha welcomed guests to their residence and opened the evening by showcasing the charms of Vietnam through art, music, dance, fashion and food. Marcia Selva, GCSF founder & president, introduced a special guest in attendance, Mr. Tam Nguyen, GCSF field representative from Dong Ha. He spoke to the audience about his work and the ongoing projects in Quang Tri Province.
The final GlobalGiving Bonus Day of 2012 will be on Wednesday, October 17th. Online donations of up to $1000 per donor per project will be matched at 30% until the $50,000 in matching funds are depleted. Several donors to the Khe Sanh School Library are military veterans who previously served in Quang Tri Province and still fondly remember the local villagers. You can remember a veteran with a gift donation entered in their honor on October 17th and delivered on Veterans Day, Thanksgiving or other date.
Thank you for supporting the school children of Khe Sanh.
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