The 15 May School is a Vietnamese Government initiated project that began in 1986 to support the underprivileged children of District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. Since then we have grown to become an educational facility and shelter for Ho Chi Minh City’s poorest children.

The school functions as a Vietnamese Government initiated project, with additional support provided by sponsors and donors to provide our students with additional resources, programmes and support.

15 May School Time Line

May 15th 1986

School Opens

1986-1990

School served as an Open House for free education for the underprivileged children residing in the area. Classes were very small and informal.

1990

District 1 recognizes the school and enables it to become official. The People's Committee of District 1 provides the school with an account, a principal, and even a board of advisors. A name was also established, “Trường Truong 15 tháng 5. Trường Vừa Học Vừa Làm.” (15 May School, a Learn and Practice School)

1991

Besides from academics, sports and other vocational trainings were introduced and set to action. (I.e. carpentry workshops)

1994

Nico, a Japanese organization, sponsors the Sewing and Embroidery Program for 3 years. Sewing machines were provided and a Japanese instructor was sent to instruct the children. The students worked on old and disassembled Kimonos sent from Japan. Upon finishing, they re-exported it back to be sold. Handbags were also being made.

1997

School opens for children of the streets, with both boys and girls dormitory.

1998

Education for Development (EFD) starts working on-site at the school to develop performing arts program and yearly funding events.

1999

Students begin to showcase their talents at Christmas fundraising, hotels, and at other local events.

2000-2001

EFD office transitions to what is now the Volunteers Office. Partner Organizations such as VSO and EFD begin to send a volunteer each year to lead fundraising and develop extra curricular activities for students.

EFD funding secures money for vocational training such as sewing, embroidery, electronics, cooking, and carpentry.

15 May Soccer Team takes 1^st prize in the Street Children Competition held in Thailand.

2002-2003

Phillips sponsors Hair and Beauty Program

French Restaurant takes in 10 students to for their Catering and Hospitality Program

Saga Sponsors Computer Program by providing cash for computers and other related materials

2004

Child Sponsorship Program for Residential Children begins.

AMCHAM sets up Medical Facility and pays for an onsite doctor for 1 year.

UNV sends their first volunteer to lead Volunteers program.

Interflour Vietnam sponsors bakery class for 1 year

Full Medical Insurance is purchased for 50 most underprivileged students from the school for the next 3 years.

2005

New Boys dormitory is constructed.
Renovation of Bathroom Facilities.

2006

Coca-Cola join 15 May School as a long term corporate sponsor .

Bakery programme reopens (thank you Coca-Cola!).

Water Filtration System installed (again, thanks Coke!).

Extensive, overdue renovations begin.

SPE (Society of Petroleum Engineers) becomes 15 May School's largest donor.

2007 (Please Click here for full report of activities for 2007 PDF >>)

Our Library opens and for the first time our children can borrow and return books

SEALNet Team came and set up the 3 year English Programme and prepared the computer classroom for student use. SEALNet also donated 9 computers and teaching materials for the English classes.

The Half Way House Program launched (October ) for 5 residential girls to move out into a halfway house. Program supported by Saga Charitable Trust.

The Child Sponsorship Porgram merged with the new Scholarship Fund. SPE sponsors $5000 per year for a period of 3 years in total for scholarships.

Please help us to continue the excellent work of the school for another 20 years!