As the 2026-2027 school year begins, SCDI’s Breaking the Cycle program has been supporting children and families across our implementing sites with practical resources and activities to help children prepare for school and stay engaged in learning.

In Ho Chi Minh City, children received school supplies to help them start the new school year with the materials they need. These contributions also help ease some of the financial pressure families face during the back-to-school period. The supplies were made possible through contributions from individuals and organizations in the community, whose support enables Breaking the Cycle to continue providing assistance to children and families.

Photo: Children in Ho Chi Minh City receiving school supplies

In Hanoi, children took part in a back-to-school gathering at the SCDI office, where they reflected on their summer experiences and set personal goals for the year ahead. They shared hopes ranging from staying healthy enough to attend school regularly to improving their academic performance. Parents and grandparents also joined the session and identified ways they could support their children throughout the school year. The activity provided a space for children and families to recognize progress, set goals, and think together about the next steps in their learning journey.

Photo: In Hanoi, children received new school supplies and wrote down their goals and commitments for the new school year, reflecting on what they hope to achieve and how they can work toward it.

In Gia Lai, SCDI and local partners organized a series of activities in Ia Tul and Phu Tuc, combining school supplies with interactive experiences for children and parents. A total of 1,150 gift packages containing notebooks, pens, books, and age-appropriate toys were distributed to students at 10 schools. Back-to-school activity days also brought children and parents together through games, reading, exploration, and other hands-on activities. Designed to be accessible to children with different learning and communication abilities, these activities gave children space to share their hopes for the new school year while encouraging families to stay involved in their education.

Photo: Students in Gia Lai receiving notebooks and pens ahead of the new school year.

In Dak Lak, SCDI, the Dak Lak Metta Foundation (DMF), and other partners marked the start of the school year by providing 3,443 gift packages to 3,443 students at seven schools in Ea Kly and Tan Tien. The activity also marked the beginning of Breaking the Cycle’s implementation in these two communes, where SCDI and the Dak Lak Metta Foundation will work with local partners to support children’s education, health, skills development, and future opportunities.

Photo: Representatives from SCDI, DMF, and teachers delivering school-year gifts to students.

Across these locations, the back-to-school activities reflect a broader approach of Breaking the Cycle: supporting children not only with essential school materials, but also by creating opportunities for them to participate, set goals, and stay connected to their families, schools, and communities.

As the new school year gets underway, we will continue working with our partners in accompanying children and families as they take their next steps in learning and development.