On September 27, 2024, Maersk Vietnam, along with its strategic partners, celebrated the remarkable success of the “Container Library” program at Phuoc Ngai Primary School in Ben Tre Province. Building on the success of the 2023 initiative, Maersk has expanded the project to more communities in need. This initiative continues to bring hopes and opportunities to students, ensuring they have the resources needed to thrive academically and personally.
Aligning its CSR initiatives with its core business operations, Maersk Vietnam has repurposed a non-sale shipping container into a well-designed library with environmentally friendly aspects, giving them a new life and promoting sustainability. By transforming these containers into libraries, Maersk not only reduces waste but also creates valuable educational spaces that benefit underprivileged communities. This initiative reflects Maersk’s unwavering commitment to sustainability and social responsibility, making a positive impact on both the environment and the lives of young learners.
A Vision for Change
In many remote and rural areas of Vietnam, children face significant challenges due to a lack of access to reading materials and educational resources. Poor infrastructure and limited investments have stunted the development of reading habits, leading to higher dropout rates and reduced long-term opportunities for these children. To address these issues, Maersk Vietnam launched the “Container Library” project, aiming to make a tangible difference in under-resourced schools. The project focuses on fostering a culture of reading among young students in rural Vietnam, enhancing their reading skills, and improving their ability to seek information.
To bring this initiative to life, Maersk Vietnam partnered with leading companies: LYS Energy Group, CP Group, Crocs, Dow Vietnam and RMIT leveraged additional expertise and resources, all dedicated to supporting local communities and making a positive societal impact. Over 20 volunteers committed their time and effort to the project, which involved meticulous planning and preparation from June to September 2024.
From Container to Library: A Sustainable Transformation
Over the past three months, Maersk’s dedicated team members from various departments have provided invaluable support to our initiative. A comprehensive plan was developed to transform the container into a functional library. This involved designing the interior layout to ensure ample space for bookshelves, seating, and other essential amenities. The container was then modified to meet its new purpose, equipped with shelving units, reading tables, and air conditioning to create a comfortable reading environment.
Additionally, the library was fitted with solar panels on the roof, sponsored by LYS Energy Group, to provide a sustainable energy source. Waste segregation bins and LED lighting were also installed to create an eco-friendly environment, encouraging children to adopt sustainable habits from an early age.
A Book Drive for a Brighter Future
Thanks to the generosity of Maersk employees and partnering companies, the library now houses over 1,200 donated and purchased book titles, spanning a wide range of genres. These include colorful picture books, English literature, self-help guides, science, history, Vietnamese literature, foreign literature, and more, catering to the diverse interests of primary students. Initially starting with 1,200 books, the library is expected to grow to nearly 2,000 titles, serving 100-150 students daily.
In addition to the book donations, Maersk and its partners furthered their commitments to caring for school children by pledging VND130 million worth of in-kind donations. These donations include essential items and school supplies from Maersk Vietnam, CP Group, Crocs, Dow Vietnam and RMIT. The donations have been distributed to 70 students with extremely difficult family backgrounds, providing them with essential items to support their education.
Community at Heart
On Friday, September 27, 2024, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held, attended by local authorities, project partners, students, and enthusiastic Maersk volunteers. The library, which had once been a simple shipping container, has now become a beacon of hope and education for over 700 students at Phuoc Ngai Primary School in Ben Tre Province.
The library itself is believed to become a community hub, fostering a love for reading and learning among children and adults alike. They create a space for community members to gather, share knowledge, and support each other. It seeks to foster a healthy learning and recreational environment, promote a culture of reading, and instill valuable life skills and positive character traits in students.
The Journey Continues
This innovative project aimed to address a critical issue in rural Vietnam – the lack of dedicated reading spaces for underprivileged children. By addressing educational disparities, Maersk aims to contribute to the overall social and economic development of the regions where the libraries are established. Educated individuals are more likely to contribute positively to their communities and drive sustainable development.
Overall, container libraries create a lasting positive impact on local communities by enhancing education, fostering community spirit, promoting sustainability, empowering individuals to achieve their full potential, and paving the way for a brighter and more equitable future. At Maersk, we are committed to going the extra mile by building strong partnerships to foster a robust reading culture. Together, we strive to create a world where knowledge and education are accessible to every child, bridge the educational gap and ensure that all children have equal opportunities to learn and grow.
