Vietnam
A leprosy village in the war-scarred Central Highlands. A community that deserved safe spaces for children to grow, play, and thrive.
A village still living with the scars of war
The Central Highlands of Vietnam was the epicentre of some of the fiercest fighting of the Vietnam-American War. Decades later, the region continued to bear its scars: unexploded booby traps still claimed lives and limbs. Kids at Play chose this region for its second project, specifically a leprosy village dealing simultaneously with isolation, poverty, and the lasting physical toll left by conflict.
Many residents, including children and elderly, had lost limbs to still-active land traps. Safe, joyful spaces for children to simply grow up did not exist here. We came to change that.
Playgrounds, a sports field, and wheels for independence
In 2012, Kids at Play built four playgrounds for the children of the village. Raw land was cleared and converted into a full soccer field and a volleyball court. We also donated specially designed one-armed wheelchairs to residents whose mobility had been taken by leprosy or land-mine injuries. Total project cost was €5,000, raised entirely through community fundraising.
What we achieved together
€5,000 raised. Here is how.
Every single euro was raised through the Kids at Play community: a charity run and donations from people who believed in the mission.
Rooted in the community
This project was carried out in direct collaboration with the local leprosy village community and its leadership in the Central Highlands. Local knowledge and trust made everything possible.
Building where the war left its mark
Converting raw jungle land into usable sports facilities in a region with limited equipment was a real challenge. The continued presence of unexploded ordnance nearby required extra caution during site preparation. Those obstacles made the finished playgrounds all the more meaningful to everyone involved.
Vietnam
Our second project, completed in 2012.
A place that will always be part of our story.
to more children.
Every project starts with a community in need and people who care enough to act. Your donation or your time makes the next one possible.