Quang Tri, August 8, 2025 – The Government of Ireland, through its Embassy in Vietnam, has awarded a €350,000 grant to RENEW Center. This funding will support victim assistance, disability support, and explosive ordnance risk education in Quang Tri, a province heavily impacted by the lingering effects of war.
A Decade of Partnership
The grant agreement, signed by H.E. Deirdre Ní Fhallúin, Irish Ambassador to Vietnam, and Nguyen Hieu Trung, Director of RENEW, marks a decade of collaboration. RENEW Center, established in October 2024, builds on the legacy of Project RENEW—a joint partnership launched in 2001 between Quang Tri Province and international NGOs dedicated to healing the war legacies. The milestone aligns with Project RENEW’s 24th anniversary, reflecting a sustained commitment to safety and recovery.
President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins signs the guestbook following his visit to the Mine Action Visitor Center – Project RENEW in Đông Hà, Quảng Trị Province, on 9 November 2016.
Impact in Quang Tri
The project, Victim Assistance/Disability Support and Explosive Ordnance Risk Education toward a safe community from explosive ordnance risk, aims to reduce EO accidents and enhance livelihoods. Through EO risk education, RENEW trains communities to recognize and avoid unexploded ordnance, preventing devastating incidents like the 1984 bomb explosion that blinded 11-year-old Le Quang Thanh.
With RENEW’s support, Thanh and his wife Gai transformed their lives by launching the “Thanh Gai” incense brand, earning over four million VND monthly. This initiative provides vocational training, tools, and market access—empowering survivors and persons with disabilities to achieve financial independence and rebuild their futures.
Ambassador Deirdre Ní Fhallúin observes a UXO safety session organized by RENEW for young children.
Le Quang Thanh, losing his sight due to a cluster bomb accident, makes incense at home to earn independent income, with support from RENEW.
Thanh’s journey began with tragedy but evolved into resilience. After the accident, he found purpose through RENEW’s programs, which connected him with resources to start his home-based business. His success inspires others, demonstrating how targeted support can turn survivors into community leaders.
Marking Milestones in 2025
This grant also coincides with Vietnam’s 50th anniversary of reunification—a poignant reminder of the value of peace in a world where armed conflicts still persist. RENEW’s efforts, supported by Ireland, contribute to healing the past and building safer, stronger communities.
Adapting to Change
Beginning 1 July 2025, Vietnam implemented a sweeping governance reform, streamlining local administration into a two-tier system comprising only provincial and communal levels. Ireland’s continued support ensures that RENEW can effectively navigate this structural shift, sustaining essential services such as EO risk education and disability support across Quang Tri’s newly reorganized landscape.
Join Our Mission
We value Ireland’s continued support and remain committed to transforming lives in Quang Tri. Visit www.landmines.org.vn to learn more about our work and how you can contribute.
