Many people ask me why Thai Ha Books publishes books.

My answer is always the same: We do not publish books merely to sell books. We publish books to plant seeds of goodness in people’s lives.

And sometimes, those seeds do not grow only within the pages of a book.

Sometimes, they take shape as a classroom. That classroom is KARUNA Classroom in Myanmar.

In Pali, Karuna means Compassion. This modest school was built through the collective efforts of Thai Ha Books and many friends, supporters and volunteers from Vietnam and beyond. Not all of us have had the opportunity to visit Myanmar. Not all of us will ever meet the children who study here. Yet we are united by one simple belief: Every child deserves an education.

A single classroom may not change the world overnight. But it can change the life of a child. And a well-educated child can transform a family, a community, and perhaps even an entire generation.

When I look at the plaque bearing the words: “Karuna Classroom – Donated by Thai Ha Books (Vietnam)” I do not see the name of a company. I see friendship between people. I see books transformed into action. I see the spirit of service that the ThaiHa family has cherished and pursued for many years.

The most precious thing is not that the classroom has been completed. The most precious thing is that compassion continues to be built within the hearts of everyone who helped make it possible. My heartfelt gratitude goes to all the friends who have walked alongside us.

Thank you to everyone who contributed their time, resources and loving-kindness.

May the Karuna Classroom always be filled with the joyful laughter of children.

May the young people who learn here grow up with wisdom, kindness and a spirit of service.

For there are schools built with cement and bricks. And there are schools built with human compassion.

Happy International Children’s Day (1 June) and a joyful Vesak 2570! May all beings be peaceful and happy.

Dr Hung Manh Nguyen