In the mountains of A Luoi, in Hue Province, the school day at Hong Trung Kindergarten used to begin with a quiet worry: Would the children have enough to eat to learn, play, and grow? Across Viet Nam, children in rural and ethnic minority communities still face unequal access to proper nutrition. In some areas, nearly one in three children under five are malnourished—numbers that show up in tired eyes, small bodies, and short attention spans in the classroom (National Institute of Nutrition, 2023).
To help close this gap, Children of Vietnam’s Soupmix Program began supporting Hong Trung Kindergarten in September 2024 with fortified, nutritious rice. For many of the little ones, it was their very first taste. The school knew that change had to be introduced with care. Teachers didn’t just serve a new kind of rice; they learned how to cook it properly, adjusted recipes, and patiently encouraged the children to try a few bites at a time, never forcing, always gently guiding.
The school also worked hand-in-hand with COV to bring parents into the process. At parent meetings, families sat together and tasted the rice while teachers shared about where it came from and why it was good for their children. “At first, the rice smelled a little different,” admitted Ms. Le Thi Tem, a teacher and parent. “But after a few times, it tasted good. Once I understood its nutrition, I felt reassured and wanted my child to eat it every day.” Trust grew as parents saw how seriously the school and COV took their children’s health.
The difference over time has been remarkable. When the program first started, children at Hong Trung ate only about 30% of their portions, three times a week. With ongoing support from COV and the steady commitment of teachers and parents, mealtimes slowly transformed. By May 2025, every child was happily finishing their rice, which was now served six times a week. Each bowl is no longer just food; it is a sign of partnership, persistence, and care.
At Hong Trung Kindergarten today, full bowls mean fuller lives: stronger bodies, more focus in class, and a better chance for each child to reach their potential. Together—parents, teachers, and Children of Vietnam, we are filling plates, fueling learning, and building hope, one meal at a time.
Join Children of Vietnam in nourishing children like those at Hong Trung so that every child, no matter where they are born, has a fair and healthy start in life.