Quang Ngai Province>> The Pho Van No. 1 Primary Satellite School in Van Truong Hamlet (Pho Van Commune, Quang Ngai Province) is an East Meets West school construction project funded by Room to Read in conjunction with Linklaters Law Firm. The brand-new school opened its doors to students in time for the 2006-2007 school year, and recently received a visit from six Linklaters representatives.

The Linklaters employees, all based in Hong Kong, arrived at the Pho Van School on December 8 in time to visit with the students and teachers prior to their lunch break. They stopped by each of the five spacious and well-lit classrooms and interacted with the 126 students, who ranged from ages 6 to 11. The students were delighted with their visitors and showed their appreciation by serenading them with songs and cheers. The Linklaters representatives also inspected the classrooms' brand-new tables and chairs, blackboards, and bathroom facilities.

The students and teachers gathered in the school's courtyard to listen to a speech given by Marc Harvey, Head of Linklaters Hong Kong, in which he explained that the school was built in memory of another Linklaters attorney, Tom ap Rhys Pryce, who valued the importance of education in improving young people's lives.

"Our involvement in the development of this wonderful new school was particularly exciting and rewarding - all 250 of our staff in Hong Kong keenly followed the construction process," said Marc.   "Our team members who visited the school felt very proud and humbled to visit Pho Van Commune and to see the school come to life with so many wonderful children who were obviously very excited to be there and to learn from their fantastic teachers.   We are grateful to Room to Read and East Meets West for the opportunity to be involved with Pho Van Primary School No. 1 and we hope that we can continue to be involved for many years to come."

Afterward, the representatives presented the Pho Van School with numerous education materials including books, art supplies, and posters.   The students responded by singing a song to thank Linklaters for their support in helping them improve their education and providing them with the means to a much brighter future.

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Where A Donation Goes

It costs $6,300 to provide an entire village with a classroom equipped to serve 30 school children.

It costs $435 to entirely furnish a classroom with tables and chairs for students and teachers plus a new blackboard.

A $75 donation will buy a new blackboard for a school.

To donate to School Construction program, click here.