In early September 2024, Typhoon Yagi, a powerful tropical cyclone, swept across the Philippines, Laos, Myanmar, and northern Vietnam. At least 900 people were killed, and there was a lot of flood and storm damage. Bambusa Steiner school in Hanoi, Vietnam, is located between two rivers. I received pictures of the situation just after the typhoon had moved on. The rivers had far exceeded their banks, the high water rushed under the bridges with great force, the rainfall had wet the floors of the classrooms, trees were uprooted and scattered across the street. In one photo, the school garden was nothing but water, water, water.

Nevertheless, the mood was good, there was only material damage, no students, parents or teachers had lost their lives. The belief that a Steiner school gets protection from higher power was strong.

A month later, in October, new photos arrived. The fallen camphor trees in front of the school on the street had been chopped into pieces. Large pieces of wood were used to make toys and play equipment, small pieces of wood went home with teachers and students as firewood. The fruits from the camphor trees were harvested. The essential oil in the fruits was used, and the rest was made into bracelets by and for the students.

The water had receded. The school garden was visible again. All the vegetables and herbs that had grown there had disappeared with the water, but there was no long mourning. They looked at what all the water had brought for the garden. A lot of silt had been left on the garden with many living organisms that would provide a fertile garden.

Spring 2025, the school garden is blooming and growing again. Children play, learn, and harvest there. Teachers are trained in biodynamic agriculture. The International Aid Fund wants to support the school in growing bigger. Will you help?

Please contribute to code: Vietnam

Mira Spelbrink