Boeing

The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] and the Veterans for America Foundation (VAF) today dedicated the newly upgraded and enlarged Hoi Ninh Primary School in the Ninh Binh Province of Vietnam. Boeing provided key construction funding, and the construction project was managed by VAF.

Hoi Ninh, a small commune in the Kim Son District of Ninh Binh Province, now has a school that has doubled in size, with upgraded facilities throughout. In addition, the school has a new multi-function room, administration building and school yard. Previously the school had only six classrooms.

The overall program to improve the Hoi Ninh Primary School added six new classrooms to the existing two-story classroom structure and upgraded the electrical, lighting and ventilation systems to match up with the new construction. In addition, wheelchair ramps were added. The new administration building houses administrative staff, a medical facility and a library; and sanitary male and female restrooms have been included, with some additional work to be completed on a well and disposal tank.

"There are few things that warm the heart more than seeing the faces of children who realize that their future is changing for the better," said Chris Flint, director, international sales -- Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "We at Boeing sincerely hope that this newly improved and enlarged school will provide a solid basis for the students of Hoi Ninh to learn and to achieve to their fullest potential. This school stands as a legacy of the partnership between our countries. Additionally, we are proud to have teamed with Veterans for America Foundation, which has done an outstanding job in managing this project."

In addition to facility improvements and additions, 180 student desk and chair sets and 15 teacher sets have been contributed, as well as student and teacher textbooks for all five grades, and maps of the world and Vietnam.

"We are deeply honored to have been chosen by Boeing to develop this project," said VAF's Country Representative, Tom Leckinger. "The people of Hoi Ninh welcomed us into their village, their homes, and their hearts, and it has been a wonderful experience for all of us. The hardest part of the project was finding roles for all of my staff who volunteered to take part in this initiative. Everyone at Boeing should take great pride in their company's commitment to the children and the future of Vietnam."

Also, Vietnam Airlines has donated more than 400 book bags for students and teachers to facilitate the learning experience.

The Hoi Ninh Primary School was established in 1924 and many of its pupils have progressed from the school to higher schools and universities -- and some now hold responsible positions in government organizations and agencies.

Prior to the work sponsored by Boeing and VAF, the Hoi Ninh Primary School had six classrooms, which housed 12 classes, with 326 students and 28 teachers. Space constraints also required that some students be taught in temporary classrooms in other areas of the town.