Volunteer Reflection by Marty

Better Life Vietnam invited me to participate in a volunteer program which delivers English speaking lessons and books to underprivileged young school kids across rural Vietnam. I thought it might be a nice way to visit the countryside with my wife and daughter. 

We left Hanoi early on a Saturday morning to travel south to our first of two stops. A light breakfast was provided in a comfortably air-conditioned mini-bus. The trip down was fun, getting to know the other participants, organizers, and sponsors.

Arriving at our first school was very exciting. The school was spotlessly clean with the kids and staff all presented immaculately. After excited waving and a chorus of “hello hello” from the kids, we broke off into groups to meet the kids face-to-face, where we presented fun and basic English lessons. They were so keen to spend time with a foreigner and to be exposed to the English language.

Our second school visit was equally welcoming. A lovely shaded area was set up for us to escape the heat of the day. The kids enjoyed a magic show, where each kid was given a book and an opportunity to joke around, play some games, and speak with foreigners from New Zealand, Australia, Canada, and BLV’s major sponsor and dear friend from America.

Caption: Meeting with representatives from the Education Department of Ha Nam and teachers of Trinh Xa School

Caption: BLV team and representatives from the Education Department of Ha Nam and teachers of Trinh Xa School

Caption: BLV team and representatives from the Education Department of Ha Nam and teachers of Trinh Xa School

After the kids went home for lunch we were invited to the staff room for a traditional Vietnamese banquet. After lunch we were invited back to the principal’s house for a refreshing drink, leaving with homegrown fruit and vegetables for our return trip to Hanoi.

Both Tiên Hiệp and Trịnh Xá Secondary School in Hà Nam are typical of rural schools across Vietnam. Limited funding and resources, extremely basic classrooms and facilities, but smiling faces galore, staffed by wonderful and caring local teachers and support staff.

Other than getting our mini-bus stuck in a ditch (which was very funny) the trip was a great experience and one I highly recommend to anyone wishing to enjoy some time out of the busy cities.