As part of the 2-week US Navy-led Pacific Partnership 2016 (PP16) in Da Nang, around 26 crew members from the US Navy’s Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Mercy and the Japanese Navy ship JSDS Shimokita joined efforts to repair the Rang Dong Pre-school in Son Tra District and the Tuong Lai (Future) Special School in Cam Le District.

US Ambassador to Viet Nam Ted Osius visiting Rang Dong Pre-school

The Rang Dong Pre-school features 2 classrooms which together are capable of accommodating 40 kids.  The school buildings have severely deteriorated over the past 3 years due to the effects of storms and floods. 

Eight Seabees from the US Naval Construction Force replaced the classrooms’ damaged floors and ceilings, and installed new lighting systems and electric fans.   They also repainted the school, repaired its toilets, and replaced its damaged entrance gate.

Established in 2011, the Tuong Lai (Future) Special School offers training courses to a total of 214 pre-school, primary, and junior high school pupils who suffer from hearing impediments, mental retardation, or autism.

Around 18 members from the two naval ships removed grass and bushes from around the school, repainted its walls, and cleaned up the schoolyard before planting some flowers.

PP16 concluded in Da Nang today (28 July), and the event will be continued in Malaysia and Indonesia.