Uplift Lai Châu

Life in Lai Châu province is shaped by its mountainous terrain and remote location. Families rely on subsistence farming—growing rice, maize, and raising livestock—while navigating limited access to healthcare, education, and markets. Homes are often built from wood and bamboo, with tin roofs that offer little protection during harsh weather. Community ties are strong, with neighbors sharing labor and resources, and cultural traditions passed down through generations.

Among the many ethnic groups living in Lai Châu, the Lự, La Hủ, and Si La stand out for their cultural richness and vulnerability. The Lự are known for their indigo-dyed clothing and dual-roof stilt houses, with weaving considered a rite of passage for young women. The La Hủ, with their forest-based livelihoods and animist beliefs, face challenges in preserving their language and traditions. The Si La, one of Vietnam’s smallest ethnic groups, are recognized for their distinctive silver jewelry and historical facial tattoos. All three communities live in remote highland areas and often struggle with poverty, limited infrastructure, and access to education.

Despite these challenges, cultural resilience runs deep. Elders continue to pass down oral histories, traditional music, and craft techniques, while younger generations strive to balance heritage with modern opportunity. For many families, education and mobility offer the clearest path to a better future—one rooted in dignity, connection, and hope.

Over the course of two days, GGB Ambassador Chi Lan personally delivered essential supplies to impoverished families and students across four boarding schools in Lai Châu province.

On the first day, 417 warm coats were distributed to help children and elders prepare for the cold season.

On the second day, 84 families and students received rice, noodles, dried fish, sugar, salt, notebooks, pens, water tanks, and other basic necessities—each item carefully selected to support both nourishment and learning in this remote mountain region.