Oxalis Foundation Sponsors For the Annual Open Water Swimming Classes for Children in Phong Nha - Bo Trach - Tuyen Hoa - Kim Phu

Quang Tri Province is characterized by a high density of natural rivers and streams. During the hot summer months, coinciding with the school break, children frequently visit rivers and streams for recreation and swimming, posing a significant risk of water-related accidents.

Recognizing the importance of swimming education and drowning prevention, the Oxalis Foundation has fully funded summer swimming classes for children living in rural riverside areas in Phong Nha, Bo Trach, Tuyen Hoa, and Kim Phu. From 2019 to 2025, nearly 3,000 in total, took part in these classes, and 100% of them were able to swim after completing the course.

The Opening Ceremony of the Swimming Class in the Phong Nha area.

Building on this positive impact, in 2026, Oxalis Foundation continues to organize free swimming classes for around 1,000 children in four localities: Phong Nha, Kim Phu, Bo Trach, and Tuyen Hoa. The total sponsorship budget for the 2026 program is VND 450 million, with UOB (United Overseas Bank) contributing VND 250 million. The remaining funding comes from Oxalis Foundation, mainly generated from 100% of the profits from Oxalis Gearshop products, including trekking clothing, accessories, and jungle sandals, together with part of the profits from Oxalis Adventure and contributions from Oxalis customers.

UOB’s support this year not only provides additional resources for the swimming classes but also helps spread a strong message about social responsibility and the shared effort to create a safer living environment for children. This activity is also part of UOB’s commitment to creating positive value for the community, alongside its role in supporting customers on their journey to manage and grow their finances.

Oxalis Gear Shop products.

To carry out this program, Oxalis Foundation has worked closely with local authorities to encourage parents to let their children take part in the swimming classes. The teaching team includes qualified and experienced instructors who have completed professional swimming instruction training and received certification from the Quang Tri Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism. This not only helps local communities organize the classes in a safe and effective way, but also creates favorable conditions for the program to be developed and maintained in the long term. With their professional knowledge and strong teaching skills, the instructors help children learn, practice, and improve their swimming skills with greater confidence and safety in the water.

The swimming course began on June 7, 2026, a suitable time for children to learn new skills and enjoy a meaningful summer. Each course has 18 lessons, covering both theory and practice, with each lesson lasting 45 minutes.

During the classes, one teacher is responsible for guiding five children. This small-group format helps ensure that every child receives close attention, proper guidance, and timely support as they build their swimming skills and confidence in the water.

The swimming course will introduce safety rules and diverse swimming techniques, specifically including:

1. Water Safety Awareness and Rules

• Benefits of learning to swim
• Hazards and risks
• Safety rules

2. Practical Skills

• Entering and exiting the water with confidence
• Water movement and buoyancy games
• Practice pushing, gliding, and kicking drills
• Practice front crawl and doggy paddle
• Practice freestyle swimming
• Practice backstroke swimming
• Practicing breaststroke
• Rescue methods using ropes and lifebuoys
• Personal survival skills

This swimming and water safety course is an extremely practical and beneficial activity for local children. In addition to providing opportunities for children to exercise during the summer, this activity also contributes to promoting awareness and skills in drowning prevention for children in the province, supporting disadvantaged children to learn to swim for free, and preparing them to adapt to flood conditions.

Children enthusiastically engage in enriching and enjoyable swimming lessons.

Thanks to the continuing support of customers, Oxalis is truly proud to be able to contribute to the sustainable development of the community through these meaningful and practical activities.

By Oxalis Adventure