Quang Binh students to benefit from 21 new toilets and bathhouses

The project launched at the Thanh Binh school site, part of Hung Trach No. 4 Primary School, and is set to benefit 21 schools and school sites across Bo Trach District in the central province.

A group of students participate in the groundbreaking ceremony of a toilet project in Quang Binh Province. Photo by Vo Thanh

At Thanh Binh, 149 students currently share outdated restroom facilities with teachers. "After years of use, the toilets are severely degraded, leaking walls, poor drainage, and persistent odors cause discomfort," said Nguyen Thi Hong Van, principal of Hung Trach No. 4 Primary School. "The facilities no longer meet basic standards, directly affecting the health and mental well-being of both students and staff."

The problem is widespread. At Cooc, a site of Thuong Trach No. 1 Primary School, no student toilets are available, while those designated for teachers are in poor condition. At other locations like Aky, Co Do, 51, and 61 under Thuong Trach No. 2 Primary School, students lack any restroom facilities and must relieve themselves in nearby forests.

"The students have to relieve themselves in the woods," shared the principal of Thuong Trach No. 1 Primary School.

Groundbreaking ceremony held for 20 new toilets at a school in Quang Binh Province. Photo by Vo Thanh

According to Vo Hai Quan, head of Bo Trach District’s Education and Training Department, the district’s more than 100 schools face critical demand for improved sanitation infrastructure. "Many existing toilets are outdated and overused, leading students to avoid them altogether. This project is highly practical and meaningful," he said.

Funded by Sanofi Vietnam (part of the Opella Group) and Enterogermina, the 20 new toilet facilities each will include four to eight cubicles based on school size and adhere to Ministry of Education and Training standards, with separate areas for male and female students, handwashing stations, and high-quality sanitation equipment.

In addition to the new restrooms, the project includes a bathhouse for Bo Trach Ethnic Minority Boarding School, where many students currently bathe in rivers and streams. The new facility will feature water heating systems, proper drainage, and private changing rooms, supporting better hygiene practices, especially in colder months.

The project will also incorporate hygiene education to reinforce positive habits among students. Training materials will be distributed to help instill long-term sanitation awareness at school, home, and in the broader community.

A classroom in Aky school site. Photo by Vo Thanh

During a site visit to Aky, which currently lacks toilets, Valentina, CEO of Opella Vietnam, said she was moved by the challenging conditions. "We believe clean, safe sanitation facilities not only safeguard health but also contribute to a more secure and enjoyable school experience. These are the practical values we aim to promote."

The project aims to complete and put the new facilities into operation by September, in time for the new school year. These upgraded restrooms and hygiene resources are expected to serve as a model for further expansion across the region.

This initiative is part of the Schools of Sunshine program, launched by the Hope Foundation in June 2022 to improve sanitation and access to clean water in underserved schools. By introducing better hygiene practices in schools, the program also seeks to influence family and community behaviors and support students in adapting to more urbanized environments in the future.

To date, Schools of Sunshine has built or renovated 190 restroom facilities in provinces including Son La, Dien Bien, Ha Giang, Lai Chau, Yen Bai, Thanh Hoa, and Nghe An—benefiting more than 40,000 students and teachers across Vietnam.

Click here to learn more about Hope Foundation's school toilet initiative and make contributions.