VRE is in the process of planning a ‘medical mission’ for this August. We’re going to send a cadre of skilled doctors, nurses and dentists to treat students attending schools built by VRE in Tien Giang province. We expect that this year, medical professionals will help more than 970 children at our Tan Dien and Phu Tan schools.

We’re also reaching out to corporate sponsors, who in the past have provided us with medicine, toothpaste, school supplies, and a crew of eager volunteers. (If you are interested in sponsoring the purchase of, or donating, these supplies, please contact Thien Le at: ttle22@gmail.com.)

In the past, students have been treated for routine issues like respiratory infections and malnutrition. Some students were even fitted for glasses.

This will be the third time traveling with doctors to Tien Giang's schools. By providing children at our schools -- including Tien Giang -- with once-a-year medical check-ups, we hope to keep everyone in top physical shape. It also gives us the ability to keep accurate records on a child's overall health.

We want to care for Vietnam’s poor holistically. We are tracking the impact of this once-a-year healthcare on the children. Our hope is that by addressing children’s health needs, they will be more likely to stay in school.