HANOI, Vietnam -- General Robert Brown, commanding general of the United States Army Pacific, officially handed over the Quang Phuoc Kindergarten to the local community on February 24, 2017.

This United States Army Corps of Engineers Humanitarian Assistance project is the result of hard work and a comprehensive total-government approach to build trust and deepen the relationship between the United States and Vietnam.

Since 2009, the U.S. Government, through the Overseas Humanitarian Disaster Assistance and Civic Action Program, has partnered with the Vietnamese government to construct schools, clinics, disaster coordination centers, and bridges in many towns and villages throughout Vietnam.

"As a father and grandfather, I understand the importance of having a safe and good environment for education," said Brown. "Among these children are the future leaders of Vietnam."

The new two-story school consists of four classrooms which will accommodate 80 students and their teachers. During the wet rainy season, the school also serves as a flood-shelter.