The AASuccess road-building project, known as “Huyen’s Road,” was launched in Long My, Hau Giang, Vietnam, to improve access to essential city services for 70 underserved rural households and families. Spanning 2.2 kilometers and requiring a budget of $150,000, the project aimed to address travel challenges and health disparities by enhancing local infrastructure. This initiative served as a model of cross-cultural collaboration, involving Vietnamese and American efforts to foster trust, cultural responsiveness, and sustainable community impact.

We sincerely thank Prow Charities and Mr. Jonathan Padgett for funding and sponsoring the road-building project. Jonathan’s vision not only enhanced the safety and well-being of the Hậu Giang community but also fostered the professional growth of AASuccess students. These students, known as AASuccess Associates, collaborated from America and Vietnam to make this initiative a success. Guided by Dr. Huy Luu’s invaluable mentorship, they developed leadership skills and teamwork strategies, staying organized and focused throughout the project.

• Team Lead: The project was led by a multidisciplinary team under the guidance of the AASuccess leadership team. The Associates team, including Erica Shin, Angela Le, Liem Nguyen, Vivian Cao-Dao, and Ngoc Huynh oversaw coordination between American and Vietnamese collaborators, ensuring seamless communication, cultural sensitivity, and on-time project delivery.
• Timeline
  • • February 2024: Project initiation and community engagement. Local needs assessment conducted, highlighting travel and access difficulties faced by rural families. Initial design and budget planning were completed.
    • March 2024: Secured funding through partnerships, grants, and donations. Coordinated with local authorities to finalize the project scope and align with regional regulations. The construction team was assembled, and groundwork preparation began.
    • April to June 2024: Construction phase, focusing on building the 2.2-kilometer road. Weekly site visits ensured quality control, adherence to timelines, and cultural respect in local labor practices.
    • July 2024: Project completion and ribbon-cutting ceremony. The newly constructed road was officially handed over to the community, marking the successful conclusion of the initiative. Feedback was gathered from community members to evaluate the project’s impact.
• How
  • • Needs Assessment: AASuccess collaborated with local leaders and residents to identify travel and access challenges. Cultural responsiveness was emphasized to ensure that the project respected local customs and needs.
    • Collaboration and Funding: The project was a joint effort between Vietnamese and American teams. Funding came from Prow Charities – Mr. Jonathan Padgett.
    • Construction: Professional contractors and local workers were engaged to construct the road, integrating local materials and labor where possible to support the community economy.
    • Student Involvement: AASuccess students played an active role in project management, logistics, and communication. Their involvement provided hands-on experience in applying academic skills to real-world challenges.

• Results
  • Improved access to essential services for 70 rural households, reducing travel time and health disparities.
  • Strengthened community relationships through cultural exchange and collaborative problem-solving.
  • A tangible milestone in Vietnamese-American service partnerships, setting the stage for future initiatives.