Yes, dear readers, there is a Bill Gates School (BGS) in Hanoi, which consists of a kindergarten and an elementary school. I saw an ad in my neighborhood and thought I’d check it out. Perhaps the founders were inspired by several visits to the City of Peace by the Man Himself and his Microsoft success story. Or perhaps it’s an example of honor by association. Build it, name it after one of the most famous and respected people (Vietnamese or foreign) in Vietnam and they will enroll.
- The website, a bit sparse in both languages and obviously still under construction, features dance aerobics and martial arts performances by BGS students on the occasion of the 2011 International Women’s Day, a “Bill Gates TV” corner and a FAQ section with answers to these questions:
What is the climate like in Vietnam?
It is safe to travel Vietnam?
When is the best time to travel Vietnam?
What currency your prices are in?
Can you name a school or any other institution after a living person without his/her permission? Just wondering. 🙂 P.S.: I’m checking with Mr. Gates about this and will let you know what I hear…
An International Educator in Viet Nam 
OMG really. I can’t believe this.
LOL.
I am wondering how can this school gets government approval in the first place?
I think “bill” and “gates” make sense as common nouns. So we don’t have to worry about the school referring to the Microsoft person.