- Vietnam
Overview
Ho Chi Minh is the largest & most populous city in Vietnam as well as one of its blooming metropolises. It is a prosperous economic center & a gem for Vietnam’s tourist industry. The city proper has been very successful in its commercial, infrastructural & institutional development, but there are segments of Ho Chi Minh’s residents who remain marginalized from the city’s achievements. These less fortunate populations continue to rely on the good will of volunteers to help better their communities & well being. Note: We have grouped available projects into a broad category based on the scope of their work. However, many of these programs overlap in their overall goals & objectives or go beyond the work listed here. So, if you are interested in a particular projects or tasks, please inquire more about specific projects & itineraries.
Specialized Project: Early Education & Child Care
The main objective of these projects is to help some of the most vulnerable of any community, young children. Unable to work or provide for themselves just yet, local children need the help of their community to stay healthy, grow, learn & transition into productive & successful members of society. These volunteer projects are designed to help aid this process for both orphans & children coming from families with fewer resources. Volunteers may also decide they want to help struggling to overcome acute challenges, such as disabilities or an HIV/AIDS diagnosis, who also need care, education & support during their treatment regimen. Some of the activities that volunteers may be responsible for:
- Monitoring nutrition & growth in children;
- Providing counseling, care & support to children affected by HIV/AIDS;
- Helping the staff with their daily routines (i.e. lunch time);
- Helping children with hygiene rituals;
- Caring & aiding those children who need additional assistance with common tasks;
- Assisting the children in developing good communication skills;
- Working alongside teachers during pre-school classes;
- Leading & assisting with fun & educational activities (i.e. games, arts & crafts, sports, music);
- Teaching basic computer skills;
- Assisting the children in developing good communication skills & good manners;
- Teaching English.
Specialized Project: Education
Participants work with the local community to improve the quality of education & care in day care centers, special institutions, & regular schools. Among some of the responsibilities common to volunteers:
- Tutoring;
- Preparing teaching materials;
- Teaching basic subjects, like mathematics & literacy, with creative lessons;
- Providing additional support to those students who have fallen behind;
- Organizing recreational activities;
- Maintenance of institutional facilities.
Specialized Program: Caring for the Elderly
Give a helping hand to elders in need within a local community in Ho Chi Minh. There are many ways in which volunteers can help to aid the process of their daily routines & assist in creating a comfortable & pleasant environment. Activities may include:
- Assisting with daily hygiene routines (i.e. bathing, brushing teeth, shaving);
- Helping with other domestic tasks (i.e. washing clothes, making beds);
- Assisting with transportation of elderly around & within the facility;
- Feeding those who need assistance;
- Spending time socializing with them;
- Leading activities for exercise & entertainment.
Includes
- International flights
- Airport transfers
- Half day orientation on the work involved & important cultural considerations
- All relevant materials for improvement of community facilities as per the need assessment
- All meals during the working days
- English speaking translator/guide for the entire duration of the program