A Message from the Board: The Work Continues, Looking Ahead with Purpose

Posted on July 7, 2026 View all Articles

At Friends of Project RENEW, our mission has always been rooted in a simple belief: the work of healing and recovery does not end until communities can live safely and thrive. While the humanitarian needs in central Vietnam remain significant, so does our commitment to supporting Project RENEW and the people they serve.

In recent months, funding for humanitarian mine action and survivor assistance has become increasingly uncertain. The elimination of U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) funding has created interruptions in financial support, making it more challenging to sustain long-term planning for critical programs. Despite these challenges, Project RENEW’s dedicated staff continues to carry out life-saving work every day, clearing unexploded ordnance, educating children about explosive hazards, and supporting survivors and families affected by the legacy of war.

We are encouraged by our continued collaboration with the US Embassy in Hanoi and remain grateful for the strong relationships that help advance this important mission. These partnerships are essential as we work together to identify new opportunities and ensure that humanitarian programs continue to serve the communities that depend on them.

On July 7, members of Friends of Project RENEW will travel to Vietnam to meet with the Project RENEW leadership team, community partners, and other stakeholders. These meetings will provide an opportunity to assess current needs, discuss future priorities, strengthen partnerships, and explore sustainable solutions that will keep this important work moving forward.

One of those solutions is the creation of a Friends of Project RENEW Endowment Fund. An endowment would provide a reliable, long-term source of funding that could help bridge future funding gaps, protect essential programs during periods of uncertainty, and ensure that support for UXO clearance, survivor assistance, disability services, and community education continues for generations to come.

The work is far from finished. Every piece of land made safe, every survivor who receives support, and every child educated about explosive ordnance brings Vietnam one step closer to a future free from the dangers of war’s legacy. With the continued generosity of our supporters and the strength of our partnerships, we remain confident that this mission will continue to make a lasting difference.

Thank you for standing with Friends of Project RENEW as we work toward a safer, healthier, and more hopeful future for the people of Vietnam.