Emergency Relief Fund: A Heartfelt Update
(Image credit: Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation)
We are excited to share an important update on the Emergency Relief Fund (ERF), which was initiated to help those impacted by Typhoon Yagi. The response from our UNIS Hanoi community has been nothing short of amazing, and every dollar raised is being directed to long-term, trusted partners who are well-prepared to use these funds immediately and accountably.
Students Leading the Way
The most important and inspiring aspect of this process has been seeing our students take the lead. From contacting service learning partners, to reviewing urgent needs, to making thoughtful recommendations, our students have been right at the centre of ensuring money raised makes a real difference. With guidance from Kate Dore and Thuy Bien Nguyen, and support from Director of Advancement Aisling O’Brien and Head of School Jane McGee, they’ve identified where our community’s generosity is needed most. It has been incredible to see their commitment in action.
Why Service Learning Matters
At UNIS Hanoi, Service Learning allows our students to be directly involved in meaningful, hands-on projects. It helps them understand the importance of supporting their community and working together in response to real needs. In situations like Typhoon Yagi’s aftermath, it gives students the chance to contribute to something bigger, learning how their actions can make a real difference. Leading at this level, students are learning about crisis response and community support in an experiential way.
Supporting Our Partners
Thanks to your gifts, the ERF the following organisations are receiving support:
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Blue Dragon: USD 6,000 – Rebuilding homes and family relief efforts
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Helping Hands: USD 6,000 – Rebuilding homes, roads, schools, and family relief efforts
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Huong La Center: USD 3,000 – Rebuilding the center’s roof and repairing structural damage
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SANSE: USD 6,000 – Rebuilding homes, schools, restoring power, and family relief efforts
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SNNC Pet Rescue Center: USD 3,000 – Relocating and rebuilding their facilities
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VAVA Center: USD 2,000 – Addressing structural repairs
These organisations have been carefully selected based on their track record, expertise, and commitment to serving the affected communities.
A Community-Driven Response
The ERF wouldn’t be possible without the kindness and compassion of our community. You’ve shown that, together, we can have a real and lasting impact in the lives of those around us. We are deeply grateful for our student leaders, who continue to stay actively involved in ensuring that these donations are used effectively and that our relief efforts have the largest possible reach.
Thank you for your support and for standing in solidarity with us and our Service Learning partners during this critical time, as lives, homes, and communities are being rebuilt. We are so proud and grateful for what our community can accomplish together.