Addressing a granting ceremony in Hanoi on April 15, President ofthe Vietnam Union of Friendship Association Vu Xuan Hong noted thatsince its presence in Vietnam in 1994, the fund has built 48 primaryschools across the country, allowing 30,000 poor children to enjoyschooling.
With its projects reaching remote areas,the fund has assisted Vietnam , especially the project localities, inupgrading education infrastructure, he said.
As theVCF’s Country Director, Russell has exerted efforts to maintain theregular operation of the fund in Vietnam , even during tough timeswhen the regional and international economic situation was gloomy, saidHong.
He also expressed his hope that Russell andVCF will continue expanding activities in Vietnam , supporting thenational socio-economic development of the country, and strengtheningthe friendship and solidarity between Vietnamese people and people inthe rest of the world.
Describing the medal as hishonour, Russell said it has been his happiness over the past 20 years towork for the construction of new schools for Vietnamese children.
In the future, he and the VCF will continue working hard for the target of building more new schools in Vietnam, he said.-VNA