Volunteering on Hagiang Motorcycle Trip by two Norwegians Ulrik and John

In a world often focused on rapid advancement and technological progress, we sometimes forget that some communities are still struggling with basic needs. In October 2023, two riders from Norway, Ulrik and John from Steen Hansen Corp, embarked on Hagiang motorcycle trip that would change their lives—and the lives of many others—forever. Their 6 days motorbike trip to the Ha Giang loop led them to a school in Van Chai, where the realities of life for the children there touched their hearts and sparked a mission to make a difference.

In Van Chai, where they were deeply moved by the conditions the children lived in at the dormitory. With only 400 square meters of space, about 650 children live together. Ranging in age from 3 to 16, the kids share bunk beds, with two children per bed. Some rooms are just 12 square meters, yet they are shared by 14 kids. Many of the children come from impoverished families, and their parents cannot provide warm clothing or blankets. In the winter months, the region gets very cold, making this especially difficult for the children.

In addition to the cold, living in the highland karst plateau means that water is a constant issue. Most of the water the children use is collected directly from rain, and there is little attention to hygiene. During the spring, the monsoon rains bring heavy drizzle, which means the children often have to wear wet clothes, putting them at risk of illness.

The teachers are doing their best to provide quality education, but they lack the necessary resources, and waiting for government aid takes much longer than expected.

Witnessing these hardships firsthand, Ulrik and John were determined to help improve the lives of the children and teachers. In May 2025, Ulrik contacted ADV Motorcycycle Tours & Dirtbike Travel team to launch the project. He was excited to inform us that they had raised a fund of US $15,000 and were ready to get started. Our manager, Min, contacted the school principal to get a list of the most urgently needed items.

After four months of preparation, we collected the following donations:

• 1,159 jackets
• 650 blankets
• 650 pillows
• 650 sets of soap, toothbrushes, and toothpaste
• 2 water filters
• 2 water dispensers
• 5 televisions
• 2 clothes dryer machines

On November 2nd, 2024, we traveled to the school to deliver the items. Everyone was overjoyed, especially the children, as the monsoon rains started the very next day.

The impact of this small act of kindness will resonate for years to come. It wasn’t just the warm jackets, blankets, and supplies that made a difference, but the reminder that when people come together with a shared purpose, they can change lives. For the children of Van Chai, this project brought more than just physical relief—it brought hope. As we reflect on what we’ve achieved, we are reminded that the power to make the world a better place often lies in the hands of