Afternoons at An Thạnh Nam Primary School are no longer quiet. Instead, the campus comes alive with laughter, splashes, and the sound of children eagerly learning a life-saving skill. Whistles blow, teachers call out instructions—“Put on your lifebuoy!”—and the steady rhythm of kicking feet fills the air. Just outside the school gates, parents exchange excited conversations about enrolling their children. A new swimming pool has transformed not only the school, but the spirit of the entire Cù Lao Dung community.
Launched in early 2026, a project supported by the Norwegian Mission Alliance aims to prevent children from drowning and equip children with essential swimming skills. Three swimming pools have been constructed across An Thạnh and Cù Lao Dung communes, including one at An Thạnh Nam Primary School—located in one of the island’s most remote areas.
Beyond infrastructure, the project provides essential teaching and safety equipment such as flotation devices for swimming including kickboards, pull buoys, arm bands, goggles, and pool maintenance supplies. With the fundamental principle of “the best interest of a child” at its core, the initiative also invests in long-term sustainability. In the coming period, a training on survival swimming techniques will be organised for physical education teachers from 11 primary schools, helping to ensure the continued delivery of high-quality swimming instruction well into the future.
The response has been overwhelmingly positive. In just two months, nearly 50 students have enrolled in swimming classes at An Thạnh Nam Primary School. Classes run weekly, with around 20 students per session, guided by dedicated PE teachers. The school has also opened its doors to children from the wider community. With demand rising, classes are set to run throughout the summer.
A representative from the commune’s Culture and Social Affairs Office shared:
“We are deeply grateful for this initiative. It not only equips children with essential skills but also aligns with our local efforts to prevent drowning. Each year, tragic incidents still occur. We truly believe that with programmes like this, such losses can be prevented.”
Even as the first seasonal rains arrive, the energy around the pool remains undiminished. The sound of splashing water, joyful laughter, and encouraging voices continue to echo across the school grounds. In this once-quiet corner of Cù Lao Dung, something meaningful is taking shape—confidence is growing, skills are being built, and a safer future for children is beginning to unfold.
