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Vietnam Resource Pack

Vietnam, home to the longest river in South Asia, is also home to a long history of war, occupation and corruption. Vietnam is the 12th most populous country in the world, and is still growing at a fast rate. Within this, Vietnam has a massive child population - making up around 41 percent of Vietnam's total population, that's nearly 32 million children aged between 0 and 18 years.

After being at war for over fifty years, the total economy of Vietnam was in shambles. There was a refugee society in place, bombs and fighting had displaced persons from their homes and families, and many Vietnamese families were on the move. It was an incredibly stressed situation where countless persons were no longer able to care for themselves and the government did not have resources for social services. Orphans and orphanages grew and the legacy is still there today, despite Vietnams rebuilding.

Volunteers are involved in the day to day running of the orphanage and care of the children. Basic teaching and nurturing of children is vital in helping them develop. They are also taught sports, music, arts and crafts by volunteers.

Volunteers also teach English at Universities and foreign language centres. The English language is an important tool for the Vietnamese to become involved in the rest of the world and without volunteers, schools would not be able to provide lessons due to monetary restrictions. Teaching involves helping high school students with their English examinations to colleges or universities or equipping them with the necessary language skills for conversations at work or higher education.

The programs are centred around Da Nang (Danang), a beautiful coastal city, and in other areas in central Vietnam. All of the placements offered are working with government run programs. This program gives volunteers a chance to make an important contribution to the people of Vietnam, and to gain an in depth experience of the country and its culture that will stay with them the rest of your life.

"What affected me the most was probably the vulnerability of these children and how affected they really are from being orphans. I think I felt amazed at how we humans rely on family and family life to nurture us and also shape us as who we are." Hannah Pugh- U'Ren

Easy Facts

For the Vietnam Easy Facts sheet, click here.

Articles

Volunteer In Vietnam Finds Frankness, Spontaneity and Generosity: click here.

Further Reading

Vietnam Revisited, Brian Barron, November 16th, 2000: Once Saigon was a country's capital. Today the name and the country itself - South Vietnam - are only a memory. They were wiped from the map by the legions of revolutionary North Vietnam following one of the most stunning victories of modern times.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/716609.stm

WTO Plan Reshapes Vietnam's Economy, Alan Sipress, Washington Post, July 15th, 2006: HANOI -- A pair of eager workers gaze skyward from a billboard at the main gate of the Hanoi Textile and Garment Co., arms raised in proletarian zeal, a tableau of industry unfolding behind them. Bold slogans across the bottom urge worker solidarity and diligent labor.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/07/14/AR2006071401524.html

Country Profile

For Vietnam's country profile, click here

Vietnam
Volunteers have the chance to teach English, care for and play with children in placements around central Vietnam.  > Read More