Philanthropy in Vietnam and Cambodia

This program is designed for those who wish to make a difference and contribute to doing something worthy in Vietnam and Cambodia. Several interesting and diverse charitable activities and causes we participate in contributes to a memorable and meaningful experience.

• Day 1-2: Hanoi | Creative Impact at a Silk Village

  In Vietnam’s north, the capital Hanoi, is regarded as one of Asia’s loveliest cities, with scenic parks and lakes, tree-lined boulevards and history-drenched architecture. Despite increasing developments, this ancient city still retains its traditional craft villages. Embark on a transformative philanthropic adventure beginning in the morning at the enchanting Van Phuc silk village in Vietnam. Explore an impactful collective economic model founded by a person with mobility disabilities. Dive into the centuries-old traditions guided by skilled artisans, uncovering the magic of silk-grafting production. Engage in a hands-on creative session crafting tote bags, purses, and folk paintings, expressing your imagination limitlessly. As the tour concludes, capture the memories with a photo session, cherishing this unique encounter. Beyond cultural immersion, this journey supports a noble cause, empowering People with Disabilities through vocational training and employment.

• Day 3: Hanoi | The Future Looks Bright and Hopeful

  Located on Hanoi’s outskirts, Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) ‘Hold the Future’ has been successful in creating livelihoods for young disabled people in Hanoi and other provinces. Because of their disadvantaged position in society, it is difficult for these youngsters with disabilities to find work. This NGO’s main mission is to offer them vocational activities and necessary life skills and support, enabling the disabled youth to lead more independent lives. Specialised training programmes cover health care and rehabilitation, vocational training and placement, through to paid employment. A half-day spent here lends a remarkable opportunity to learn how these disabled children achieve their goals. We also engage with them while they produce traditional handicrafts, the proceeds of which, help fund the centre.

• Day 4: Hanoi – Hue | Visit a Pagoda Orphanage

  In Central Vietnam, the Imperial City of Hue was Vietnam’s former capital and home to 13 Nguyen Emperors; it is now a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site . Remnants of this majestic royal past are still evident today with the walled Imperial Citadel, Emperor’s mausoleums and royal court culinary heritage. Hue is also Vietnam’s centre of Buddhism and home to numerous Buddhist Pagodas. One of these, Um Dam Pagoda, is actually home to an orphanage and around 50 orphans. During our visit here, we meet the orphanage’s main representative and learn more about their efforts to take care of the orphans, logistical aspects and Buddhist philosophy. There is also plenty of opportunity to chat with the orphans, learn more about their dreams and engage with them in their daily activities.

   

   

• Day 5: Hue | Make a Difference with a Cow Donation

  We drive to Hue’s outskirts and the surrounding scenic countryside to the small farming villages. It is here that we make a small benevolent gesture, helping out the local communities. A gift of just one cow can make a huge difference to the poor farmers in this region. Together with the local authorities and villagers as witnesses, we participate in a special ceremony during which we donate a cow to a local farmer. After this memorable experience, there is time to chat with the family and recipient of the cow. Meeting the village farmers gives us a better understanding of the challenges they face, besides their dreams for the future.

• Day 6: Hue – Ho Chi Minh City: A Blind Experience

  The former Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City, is Vietnam’s largest city and a dynamic, rapidly developing metropolis, divided-up into a series of distinct districts. We head to District 5, also known as Chinatown (Cholon). Here we find Bung Sang, a private residence and school for around 50 blind children, founded by a benevolent blind musician. Now run by Sister nuns, Bung Sang focuses on helping blind children born into impoverished families from Vietnam’s remote provinces. We meet the school manager for a better understanding of the blind children’s lives, meet the children themselves and listen to them singing and performing music. Afterwards, a visit to Noir Restaurant, with their ‘Dining in the Dark’ culinary concept, replicates what it is like to dine for a blind person.

• Day 7: Mekong Delta | Make a Difference with a Sampan Donation

  The Mekong Delta is a sprawling region of intensively cultivated land totally dominated – and dependant on – the Mekong River, an integral part of local daily life. The nation’s largest rice farming region, Vietnam’s ‘Rice Bowl,’ produces nearly half of Vietnam’s annual food crop. The picturesque landscape is dominated by luscious rice paddies and fruit orchards. Due to the Mekong’s myriad of tributaries and canals, this is the only region in Vietnam where boats are the main form of transport. Sampan boats are a crucial factor to making a livelihood here, yet some families can’t afford to buy one. In a specially arranged ceremony witnessed by local authorities, we donate a sampan to one family in need. This ensures a brighter future for the local recipient. We also have time to chat with the villagers about their livelihoods.