FPT and the Hope Foundation initiated the construction of the 350th bridge and awarded 03 digital libraries in Can Tho

Can Tho, December 19, 2023, FPT's Fund for the Community (FPT Corporation), collaborating with the Hope Foundation, conducted the groundbreaking ceremony for Bridge No. 350 in the Co Do district. The event also marked the completion of two school renovation projects and the provision of gifts, learning equipment, and three digital libraries to students at three primary schools in the Co Do district, Phong Dien. The significant milestone of the Hope Bridge No. 350 solidifies FPT Corporation and the Hope Foundation as top contributors and advocates for bridge construction in Vietnam from 2018 to the present.

The ceremony saw the presence of city leaders, the District People's Committee, and the Vietnam Youth Federation of Can Tho City. Representing FPT Corporation were Ms. Truong Thanh Thanh, Chairperson of the Hope Foundation, Mr. Nguyen Van Khoa, CEO of FPT Corporation, senior leaders from FPT's subsidiaries, and some staff. The groundbreaking ceremony was further enriched by the participation of residents, who expressed joy and excitement upon receiving gifts.

This initiative is part of the "Elevating Children to School" program initiated by the Hope Foundation in 2018, aiming to enhance the safety of school journeys for children in remote areas of the Mekong Delta. The construction of these bridges will facilitate transportation and commerce, connecting both sides of the commune and hamlet. The bridges improve local mobility and contribute to the area's infrastructure. In 2023, the "Elevating Children to School" program aimed to construct 100 new bridges for residents in the Mekong Delta, and as of today, it has surpassed the established target. The total construction cost (of over 70 billion VND) was funded by the local budget, the Hope Foundation, and FPT Corporation.

Groundbreaking ceremony of bridge No. 350 in Co Do district, Can Tho city

On this occasion, seven projects were inaugurated and commenced in the Vinh Thanh and Co Do districts. Among them, two projects, namely Hope Bridge No. 249 and No. 333, were inaugurated to be put into use. Additionally, the construction of five projects, including Hope Bridge No. 350, 360, 361, 362, and 363, was initiated. Notably, Hope Bridge No. 350 commenced in the Co Do district, where the Hope Foundation and FPT constructed the inaugural bridge.

Ms. Truong Thanh Thanh, Chairperson of the Hope Foundation and CSR Director of FPT Corporation, said during the inauguration ceremony of the new project: "We want to conclude FPT's 35-year journey of "building a happier future" with the satisfaction of completing the residential bridge No. 350. It marks the final piece of the perfect puzzle by FPT employees working hard and engaging in charitable activities throughout the year. As a technology corporation, FPT is committed to sustainable development in all its endeavors, including social responsibility activities. That's why we choose to build bridges - feasible, widespread, and offering long-term sustainability with the most significant impact. Bridge No. 350 holds a special place in my heart today as an unexpected achievement. This miracle comes from the joint efforts of the sponsors through the Hope Foundation, as well as the local government, the bridge construction team, and the local people."

Ms. Truong Thanh Thanh, Chairperson of the Hope Foundation and CSR Director of FPT Corporation

Following Ms. Thanh's remarks, Mr. Nguyen Van Khoa, CEO of FPT Corporation, conveyed: "Can Tho City holds a unique significance as the locale where we have established key milestones in this project, including Hope Bridges No. 1, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, and today, Bridge No. 350 - a distinctive number chosen to commemorate the 35th anniversary of FPT Corporation. The selection of Can Tho as our project site is attributed to its expansive size, coupled with the persisting travel challenges faced by residents, particularly children, in various areas due to the intricate canal system. The prevailing joy evident on people's faces today is a testament to the collaborative endeavors of local authorities, volunteer bridge-building teams, and the nearly 70,000 employees of FPT Corporation who voluntarily contributed one day's salary toward community activities. We envision that, supported by FPT, a more accessible transportation route will materialize, guaranteeing children's secure commute to school. It, in effect, cultivates an environment conducive to pursuing their dreams and ambitions, shaping them into productive citizens. Moreover, they will help transform the province into a prosperous and thriving locality".

Mr. Nguyen Van Khoa, CEO of FPT Corporation, at the event

Mr. Nguyen Thuc Hien, Vice Chairman of Can Tho City People's Committee, expressed gratitude to FPT Corporation and the Hope Foundation. He said: "We deeply acknowledge the significance of volunteer activities conducted by businesses and organizations. Such initiatives significantly contribute to local trade and ensure the safe journey of children to school, contributing to the development of the labor force in the Mekong Delta. Indeed, FPT's engagement in bridge-building activities is instrumental in supporting Can Tho City's alignment with government policies. The newly constructed bridges are pivotal in aiding Can Tho's wards and communes in meeting the criteria for fostering new rural areas and civilized urban development. The city's keen interest in acquiring high-quality human resources is apparent. There is a hopeful expectation that FPT Corporation will continue to invest significantly in these areas, thereby contributing to the further advancement of Can Tho and the Mekong Delta region".

Mr. Nguyen Thuc Hien, Vice Chairman of Can Tho City People's Committee, expressed his gratitude to FPT and the Hope Foundation.

Mr. Tran Van Ben, a member of the bridge construction team, highlighted the challenges posed by the old bridge, which was narrow and in a state of degradation. The local community, including young children, faced numerous difficulties in transportation, particularly during nighttime. Moreover, the limited width of the bridge made it nearly impossible to transport agricultural products, compelling longer detours for such activities."The easiest task may remain undone if no one tackles it. And the willingness and collective effort of many can turn a challenging task into a success. Without sponsors and the local government, we couldn't do it. Without the collaboration of other people, we couldn't do it either. The collaborative endeavors of local authorities, businesses, and all residents have turned our longstanding wish into a reality," he said with a smile.

Also, on December 19, FPT Corporation and the Hope Foundation presented three digital libraries to My Khanh 1 Primary School, Phong Dien 1 Town Primary School in Phong Dien District, and Trung Thanh 2 Primary School in Co Do District. Each digital library includes 15 tablets, 15 headphones, and Math-Vietnamese-English learning accounts. The compact and lightweight tablet devices make it easier to put in local primary schools' limited library space. These devices come pre-installed with a learning app tailored for students in grades 2 to 5, facilitating two-way interaction between students and teachers based on various learning materials. The learning roadmap within the devices follows the latest reformed textbooks, incorporating diverse forms of learning to enhance children's motivation. In 2023, FPT Corporation planned to sponsor 35 digital libraries with a total value of 2.4 billion VND, benefiting nearly 20,000 students in disadvantaged districts during the 2023-2024 academic year. Currently, 28 libraries have been awarded, and upcoming library awards are scheduled for Thua Thien Hue and Thai Binh provinces.

Furthermore, the organizations also distributed gifts to nearly 500 students on this occasion. Besides, they inaugurated newly painted buildings for two schools in Vinh Thanh district: Thanh Loc 2 Primary School in Thanh Loc Commune and Vinh Binh Kindergarten in Thanh My Commune. This initiative is part of the School Rebuilding project launched in 2022. The project not only enhances teaching and learning conditions but also prioritizes the safety and well-being of children with flat and airy playgrounds and well-equipped classrooms. The newly constructed school boasts a spacious layout where students can derive greater enjoyment from their learning experiences. Currently, over 70 schools, encompassing hundreds of classrooms, have undergone transformations, creating safe, clean, and pleasing learning spaces for thousands of students across the country.