The wheels of success DPR/TV/736

An uplift to education in the South Vietnam village of Hoa Long has been provided by the Army's Civil Affairs Unit and troops of the 1st Australian Task Force. Both Units are based at Nui Dat in Vietnam. Eleven year old Nguyen Thi Kim Chi won a competition organised by Australians. She also won the honour of being named outstanding student at her school in the village. As her prize she won a bicycle which was presented by the Commanding Officer of the Civil Affairs Unit, Lieutenant-Colonel John McDonagh, of Canberra, ACT. After the presentation a party was held at the school, and fruit and sweets donated by the Australian soldiers were a staple part of the menu. The problem of education in small Vietnamese villages is a matter of keen interest with Australians in Vietnam. They are constantly trying to help local teachers raise the educational standard, and give children greater opportunities to study.