The Challenge
In remote and rural areas of Vietnam, early childhood education facilities often operate with limited infrastructure and constrained budgets. While national education policies emphasise holistic child development, spending disparities between urban and rural regions mean that many kindergartens lack safe, purpose-built outdoor play spaces. According to UNICEF, children in ethnic minority and remote communities face persistent gaps in access to quality early learning environments, including facilities that support physical activity and play (UNICEF Vietnam, 2021).
Play is a critical component of early childhood development. The World Health Organization and UNICEF both identify active play as essential for children’s physical health, cognitive development, social skills, and emotional well-being (WHO, 2019; UNICEF, 2018). However, in many rural schools, outdoor areas remain bare or unsafe, limiting opportunities for movement, exploration, and play-based learning. This absence disproportionately affects children in disadvantaged communities, where schools may be the only safe place for structured play.
Our Response
Help build a playground
At Hoa Sen Kindergarten in Ea M’đroh, Đắk Lắk, we built a playground, called the Fairy Garden (Vườn Cổ Tích), transforming what was once an empty, lifeless space into a vibrant, engaging learning environment filled with toys, teaching materials, and equipment. What made this project truly special was the collaboration with the local Youth Union: GKIA provided the funding for materials, while they contributed the labour. This partnership not only reduced costs but also fostered shared ownership and community pride.
A defining feature of this project was local partnership. GKIA provided funding for materials and equipment, while the local Youth Union contributed labour and on-site coordination. This collaborative approach not only reduced costs, but also strengthened community ownership and long-term sustainability.
Members of the Youth Union of Ea M’đroh, Đắk Lắk dug the foundation for the Fairy Garden (Vườn Cổ Tích)
Our Impact
Today, the Fairy Garden provides children with a safe place to play, learn, and interact, while supporting teachers in delivering play-based learning activities. Beyond its physical function, the playground represents a broader investment in children’s dignity, development, and everyday happiness in a setting where such spaces are often missing.
Handover Ceremony of the Fairy Garden (Vườn Cổ Tích)
References
UNICEF Vietnam (2021). Situation Analysis of Children in Viet Nam. UNICEF Viet Nam Country Office.
UNICEF (2018). Learning through Play: Strengthening Learning through Play in Early Childhood Education Programmes.
World Health Organization (WHO) (2019). Guidelines on Physical Activity, Sedentary Behaviour and Sleep for Children Under 5 Years of Age.
