COVID-19: Teachers in Vietnam Missed the Children So Much, they Did Something Truly Amazing

These teachers and caregivers at OneSky’s Early Learning Center (ELC) in Da Nang, Vietnam are among the lucky ones.

While the ELC has been closed for two months, as part of country-wide efforts to stop the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), they have continued to earn a basic wage.

The center was set up by OneSky in 2017 to serve the children of rural migrants working in the surrounding factory zone. In the weeks since the school closed, staff have been determined to ensure that when the children finally return, they will be met with something very special.

Working in masks, and repeatedly washing hands throughout the day, teachers came together to work on a grand project.

It would be something that would truly show all the children how happy they were to have them back at school. It would be a huge surprise!

They built a RACETRACK!

A racetrack with signs and cars and trees and people. A track that the children, aged 6 months to 6 years whom they teach and care for, can set up (and learn to put away).

“We have all been sad because the children are not here,” said OneSky Vietnam Program Director, Hien Vo. ‘We don’t know how long it will last, but we are grateful that the guidance given by the authorities has put the health and safety of children first.

“We wanted to do something special to remember this time and to show the children when they eventually return, that life is back to normal.”

In addition to the Early Learning Center in Da Nang, Vietnam, OneSky has also trained over 550 home-based caregivers to improve the standard of childcare for factory workers with children.

Once schools return the training will roll out over a further 19 provinces within Vietnam