Children of Vietnam

Our blog has moved!!

2010-02-02T10:08:00.005-05:00

Our blog has moved! Please check out our new blog site at our current website www.childrenofvietnam.org

Danang Offices Moved

2010-01-30T08:09:00.006-05:00

We have moved to new offices! All of our staff, partners, and children and their families are delighted. The new space is handicap accessible with a large room on the first floor to meet all of our children and families. While the new office remains in the Hai Chau District, it is now more central to many of the other districts in which we work including Ngu Hanh Son and Hoa Vang (these are both rural southern and western districts of the city). In the photo, our staff are posing in front their wonderful new office.

Business Supporting Children for TET

2010-01-24T10:28:00.009-05:00

Great News! 2 entrepreneurs, Jordan Sadler and Hao Ly, owners of Wiki Wiseman Designs, an on-line custom design t-shirt business, are sponsoring a fundraising campaign to bring nutritious food to children and their families during the TET holiday.

Donate $25 to Children of Vietnam through Wiki Wiseman Designs and they will send you a t-shirt free!

http://wikiwiseman.com/

Donate and warm your heart for Valentine's Day knowing that you helped a child and his or her family eat well and have a few sweet treats too on this very special holiday in Vietnam.

Thanks to all! Happy Valentines Day & Happy Lunar New Year! Chuc Mung Nam Moi!

Filling Hearts and Tummies

2010-01-16T11:53:00.005-05:00

Happy Lunar New Year! Chuc Mung Nam Moi!

During TET, the Lunar New Year Holiday in Vietnam, our generous donors give to poor children nutritious & sweet treat gifts so that they too know that they are special and can have full tummies. This year Valentines Day and TET fall on the same day, February 14^th!

Celebrate both occasions by filling hearts and tummies. A gift of $25 will provide for a family of four with:

22 lbs Fragrant Rice
2 qrts Cooking Oil
5 Cans Fish
1 Box of Cakes

Donations can be made on Children of Vietnam's website

Lunar New Years & Valentine Cards! Proceeds to Give Children a Treat for TET!

2010-01-10T11:47:00.005-05:00

Once again the on-line business Ladybugs & Red Threads Scraps Shoppe is sponsoring a fundraising event. This time 5% of all Lunar New Year and Valentine proceeds will support the children from poor families with nutritious food and treats during the TET holiday.

We are so grateful to everyone who orders cards from Ladybugs & Red Threads. Tommi-lynn, its owner, is an adoptive mom with a daughter from Vietnam and a founding member of Moms for Vietnam, an organization with which Children of Vietnam is partnering.

Check out Ladybug’s site at http://ladybugsandredthreadscrapshoppecards.blogspot.com.

Children of Vietnam Honored

2009-12-18T07:03:00.006-05:00

This week was a great honor for Children of Vietnam and for our wonderful supporters. During a ceremony in Tam Ky of 100 charities working in Quang Nam Province, 50 received awards. Children of Vietnam was the only non-profit to receive a double award, one for Organizational Outstanding Achievement and one for Individual Exceptional Accomplishments presented to our dedicated country director, Ms. Luong Thi Huong. We are proud of Ms. Huong and all of our staff. Thank you!

GOOD NEWS--500 House Challenge

2009-12-08T20:25:00.006-05:00

Our 500th house is just around the corner!

With your support, almost 500 homes have been built for poor families since 1998 with 494 completed or funded to date.

Make a donation to help the 500th family in need with a sponsorship of a house ($1250) between now and January 5th; you will be entered into a drawing for a gift of a lovely framed piece of Vietnamese art created in the ancient town of Hoi An near Danang.

The contest is now in effect!! Donations by check or on our website by Pay Pal are welcome.

Holiday Card Fundraiser for House Rebuilding

2009-11-24T22:44:00.003-05:00

We are so delighted announce a great fundraiser being offered by a very dedicated supporter. Tommi-lynn Sawyer, owner of on-line business Ladybugs & Red Threads Scraps Shoppe, is donating 5% of all orders to benefit the victims of Typhoon Ketsana. While the immediate crisis is over, there are still so many whose houses were damaged or completely destroyed. We will direct the funds raised by Tommil-lynn’s efforts to support the rebuilding of the homes for these families.

Check out her site at http://ladybugsandredthreadscrapshoppecards.blogspot.com/

Tommi-lynn is an adoptive mom with a daughter from Vietnam and a founding member of Moms for Vietnam, an organization with which Children of Vietnam is partnering to focus on future projects.

Pass on this information to anyone you think might be interested in buying holiday cards and do a good deed at the same time!

Children Coming Back!

2009-10-30T10:34:00.004-05:00

Great news! With the generosity of a donor, dedicated staff, and an excellent contractor, the repairs to the Hoa Mai Orphanage have been completed in record time and the children are able to return.

Many poor families still face challenges ahead as they struggle to rebuild their homes now in rubble or without a roof.

Thank you to everyone who made a difference by donating funds for relief packages and reconstruction. We at COV and the families and children left stranded by Typhoon Ketsana are truly grateful for your assistance!

Photos of Typhoon Ketsana Relief Effort

2009-10-17T06:42:00.010-05:00

Hoa Mai Orphanage damage. The wind ripped off the roof of many of the buildings. The damage was so severe the children were evacuated and can no longer live there until repairs are made.

Blanket distribution.

Typhoon Relief Update

2009-10-09T13:54:00.003-05:00

Going to the southern part of Quangnam Province, staff delivered Typhoon Ketsana relief packages to the people of Tam Giang and Tam Hai island wards. As part of this effort, children received school supplies to replace books, notebooks, and pencils that were washed away and/or water damaged.

$25 Provides Emergency Food & Blanket for Two Families

2009-10-06T14:45:00.009-05:00

At this time, our staff are spending all of their energy distributing relief packages to people without food or shelter. A single relief package cost about $13.00 per family and includes rice, noodles, oil, canned fish, and blankets and mosquito nets when families have minimal shelter.

A gift of $25 will provide immediate relief for two families. Donations can be made via our website at http://www.childrenofvietnam.org

Typhoon Ketsana is only the start of troubles for poor children and families. While the storm has passed (killing at least 163 people), the government is estimating 150,000 people are now displaced with damaged or completely destroyed homes. Many in this region are farmers who depend on the food they grow to feed the family. Now without a safe home and ruined crops, hunger is a stark reality. Without proper shelter and sanitation, disease is probable.

Thanks for caring!

Message from Rod Brooks, CEO, Stop Hunger Now

2009-10-05T19:56:00.010-05:00

After the Typhoon Ketsana ripped off the roof of our food warehouse, all of our food was at risk of spoiling. Staff acted quickly to salvage the thousands of meals generously donated by Stop Hunger Now. This food product is a highly fortified dehydrated tofu and vegetable mix designated for distribution to eleven institutions providing shelter for poor children and their families, orphans, street children, and old people’s homes within Danang City and Quangnam Province. Salvaging this fortified food was critical as the typhoon has negatively impacted many facilities, homes and crops. Stop Hunger Now is a major partner and contributor to our Nutrition Initiative, and in response to our successful salvaging efforts, Rod Brooks, Stop Hunger Now, CEO, sent the message below.

Dear Ben,

Thank you so much for your note. I am sincerely moved by the dedication shown by the COV staff in Vietnam. Their efforts demonstrate the value they place on the food we've donated and exemplify the high level of accountability that your organization provides. I have shared these comments with our Board and staff, stating how the partnership SHN has with highly effective organizations such as yours is indispensable to our efforts to end hunger.

Ben, please express my profound thanks to the staff who have worked so hard to ensure that the meals we sent are secure and distributed to the children who really need them. And please accept my sincere thanks for all that you are doing.

Yours truly,

Rod
Rod Brooks, CEO, Stop Hunger Now
2501 Clark Avenue, Suite 301, Raleigh, NC 27607, (919) 839-0689 office, (rbrooks706 SKYPE

EMERGENCY APPEAL - PLEASE HELP THOSE AFFECTED BY TYPHOON KETSANA!

2009-10-02T06:47:00.004-05:00

On September 29 Typhoon Ketsana roared through Danang and central Vietnam with winds up to 90 mph and dumping 10 to 15 inches of rain. Children of Vietnam offices did not suffer too much damage, but our food warehouse lost its roof. Per our Country Director, Ms. Hong, “two /third of food have got wet, but each small box covered by plastic bag so we have to use a lot of towels to dry each bag and put to another box. 620 Boxes ax 36 bag = 22,420 bags. About 25 people help us yesterday including 7 COV staff, Hai Chau Orphans, our University Scholarship students. We finished around 7 PM.” Ms. Hong and the volunteers knew that salvaging this food (fortified rice, tofu and vegetable mix) was vital to provide some relief for people flooded by the storm. Staff are now swamped with requests for food and housing assistance.

Our staff are focusing on the immediate need now and will send photos and a full report shortly after the situation becomes less severe. So far we have learned that two of the poorest districts of Danang have suffered considerably, In Hoa Van, a very rural district, 64 villages and 5,384 people are flooded with water (up to 2 meter is some locations), 92 households have completely collapsed, and 1,089 household have lost all their roofs. In Gnu Hanh Son, 50 household have completely collapsed and 500 households lost their roofs. We know the need will be great for sometime to come until families are able to rebuild and begin their lives again. COV is using it limited emergency funds to provide relief and we are also redirecting our food stocks originally designated to supply food supplements to 11 agencies in the area (orphanages, street children programs, old people and people with disabilities homes.)

We are asking for donations for our emergency funds which will be dedicated to crisis food, health, and housing support. Your gift would be a tremendous lift to the families and children facing this crisis. Please act now by making a donation.

We will share more information as it becomes available.

Thank you,

Ben Wilson, President and Founder

The many faces of the Children of Vietnam...

2009-03-11T14:19:00.004-05:00

One Very Happy Day!

2009-03-11T09:11:00.007-05:00

What a joy we shared today in the dedication of a new kindergarten in rural Quang Nam province. The school was built with funding from COV donors and will provide early education for the children of this community. Our visitors were treated to quite a reception by government officials, parents and children. The festivities included dancing, singing and many smiles.

Visit to the Ancient City of Hoi An

2009-03-10T13:28:00.002-05:00

Our staff and visitors had a blast visiting Hoi An. This was a day to enjoy the sites of Vietnam. We toured the city and saw how silk is made through the cultivation of the silk warm. I think everyone had some clothing made from the beautiful fabrics. The highlight of the day, was a trip on a riverboat to see the sights along the river. This included watching a fisherman casting his net.

The gift of a home!

2009-03-09T09:44:00.006-05:00

Safe housing is something that most of us take for granted. In Vietnam, many families do not have the luxury of dry and safe housing. Our team has seen families in dire need of a home to protect their family. We have also seen families who have received new homes built by our donors.

On Saturday, we dedicated a house for a family that included a single mother and her daughter. There were smile of happiness and tears of gratitude. That same day, we visited a single mother with two daughters in need of a house. There, we saw tears of desperation. Children of Vietnam, with funding from Dining for Women, built the first house and plans to turn the tears of fear and sadness into tears of joy.

A touching moment with a new friend!

2009-03-08T15:56:00.005-05:00

There are times in our lives when a moment touches us deep within our being. Such a moment happened to the COV team when we visited the Center for the Aged and Handicapped in Hoi An. We met a young man lying in a flat wheel cart. He spoke some English and interacted with us. Cory, one of our visitors, was very moved by his situation and asked if he would like a wheelchair that would allow him to sit up. His eyes lit up and he squealed with delight. Everyone was brought to tears. This young man will get a modified wheel chair and Cory has made a new friend.

Welcome to Danang!

2009-03-08T15:55:00.000-05:00

Ben Wilson and a team of visitors arrived in DaNang on Wed, March 3 and were welcomed by the COV staff and children from the Street Children Program. The team visited a kindergarten, which is under construction and will be dedicated on March 11.

In addition, the group visited Tam Ky orphanage where they delivered toys and clothing to the children donated by residents from Winston-Salem.

A special visit in Saigon

2009-03-08T15:48:00.003-05:00

Saigon:

On Tuesday, March 3, Ben Wilson and a group from COV went to visit a young girl with ichthyosis, a genetic skin condition. The team brought in lotions and clothing to assist with her treatment. A doctor was present to help with the use of the lotions and will follow-up with her care.

Come Celebrate Tet and Support COV!

2008-01-11T17:50:00.000-05:00

TET CELEBRATION AND FUNDRAISER

Come Celebrate the Lunar New Year

When: Saturday, February 9, 2008 between 11:00 am and 3:00 pm Location: A Southern Season in Chapel Hill, NC

The event is being co-hosted by UNC students from the Vietnamese Student Association (VSA). Throughout the day Vietnamese foods will be sold, Vietnamese cooking will be demonstrated, and the VSA Traditional Dance Team will perform Vietnamese dances.

AND...

As a prelude to this year’s event, A Southern Season will match any gift dropped in their "Piggy Bank Boxes" located by each register throughout the whole month of January.

COV is hoping to raise $3,000. These funds will be used to provide milk, food ,and vitamins for orphans and street children in Quangnam Province. A year’s supply of milk for 50 children to have one serving a day costs $3,000 that breaks down to $8 a day, or 16 cents a child.

Thank You USS Peleliu!!

2007-08-21T11:35:00.000-05:00

Last month, the Children of Vietnam got a very big surprise--a donation of goods valued at $20,000 from the USS Peleliu of our US Navy!

In mid-July, one of our board members, Nancy Letteri, was in Danang, Vietnam working hard on a grant for COV when she and Dannia Southerland, another COV consultant, met a navy team from the US navy ship, USS Peleliu. The USS Peleliu was in Southeast Asia as part of its 2007 Pacific Partnership mission. After talking with Nancy and Dannia, they met the Danang staff and were so impressed with COV's work that they wanted to donate 6 large crates filled with toys, medical supplies, sewing machines and fabric!

Mrs. Huong, our wonderful program director in Danang, along with our diligent Danang staff, worked hard negotiating with Danang Customs and managed to get all of the donations quickly cleared through customs --an amazing feat in itself! Thank you staff!

The USS Peleliu was so impressed that they invited COV's Danang staff aboard the USS Peleliu for a ship tour and reception also attended by the Chairman of Danang People's Committee and other dignitaries.

Here are some pictures of their wonderful afternoon aboard the USS Peleliu...

After COV's exciting visit aboard the USS Peleliu, Ben Wilson, COV President, received the following email from Lt. Kent Hepler of the USS Peleliu...

"Mr. Wilson,

I want to begin by saying that it has truly been an honor to work with your team here in Danang!

Ms. Huong and the rest of the Children of Vietnam team in Danang are remarkable people! I was impressed with the organization instantly and that sentiment has only continued to grow. When we originally met with Ms. Huong, we were of the understanding that the government had cleared all of the donations through customs; she would only need to accept the gear. However, the day prior to the ship's arrival, we found out that there was a completely different customs requirement necessary for donations to NGO's. Ms. Huong immediately shifted gears, began coordinating with all governmental agencies here, and clearly relayed all of the requirements necessary. Without Ms. Huong's assistance, there is no way we would have been able to complete the paperwork necessary to deliver the gear prior to the ship departing. After Ms. Huong spent countless hours with Vietnam customs, we were able to deliver the materials. The ceremony yesterday was a very memorable time for all of us!

I noticed that you are located in Winston-Salem. I lived in Asheboro, NC for a few years and still have many friends in the region. If it is okay with you, I would like to meet sometime and learn more about your organization. Of all organizations I worked with in Danang, Children of Vietnam is by far the organization that impressed me the most!!

I look forward to hearing from you again and can not stress enough how impressed I was with your organization here. The team in Danang truly "gets it" and it is evident how much they are focused on improving the lives of those in need.

Sincerely,

LT Kent Hepler"

Come Support Children of Vietnam!

2007-05-02T18:44:00.000-05:00

Please come out to Ten Thousand Villages

and support Children of Vietnam!

On Thursday, May 10th, the Ten Thousand Villages store in Greensboro, NC will be supporting Children of Vietnam. 15% of all proceeds from sales between 6 pm and 8 pm will go to COV to support our wonderful programs. Please come out and join us! You can buy some wonderful third world handicrafts and support COV at the same time!

For more information or store directions, please check out Ten Thousand Villages.

Controlled and Happy Chaos - Hoi An Orphanage

2007-03-17T10:17:00.000-05:00

Hoi An Orphanage was one of the last outings we made before some of our group headed back to the United States. It was controlled chaos as 51 pairs of brand new sandals were distributed to these children. The orphanage director explained that the children had never received shoes all at the same time. In the past, they had received donations of only 5 or 6 shoes at a time.

Tam Ky Newborn Orphanage

2007-03-17T09:39:00.000-05:00

We were fortunate to visit Tam Ky Newborn Orphanage a second time during our trip. The pictures below are just some of the infants we delighted in visiting and seeing how well they are doing. COV provides milk, food, and vitamins for these precious children.

Bicycles Keep Children in School

2007-03-17T09:03:00.000-05:00

Donors Jack and Jerry raised funds, through their church, to buy bicycles for these great kids -- many must travel 5 to 8 kilometers one way to get to school in 90-degree heat. Helping these children get to and from school quicker makes a great impact in keeping them in school longer.

Vocational School Dormitory Dedication

2007-03-16T21:55:00.000-05:00

We were happy to have our donors Suzanne and Bud present for the dedication of the new vocational school dormitory in DaNang. This dormitory, which they funded, will house 12 street children who have completed their vocational training and need safe housing as they enter the workforce. It was wonderful, filled with joyful emotion.

One of the first resident spoke to the audience about how important this housing is to his life and to personnally thank the donors. This handicapped young man, Hung, was orphaned at age 12. In his own words, he told us he had contemplated suicide by jumping in a river, because he had no hope for his future. He said, "As you can see I am a disabled boy, but I will try my best and now I have a job. I work at hairshop. My income is $98 a month. I wish the last part of this dormitory be built so more children can live here."

The goal of Children of Vietnam is to raise additional funds of $45,000 to complete three more wings to this dormatory and ultimately provide needed housing for 48 youth starting a new life.

Education is the Key to a Brighter Future

2007-03-14T09:07:00.000-05:00

University Scholarships

On Monday, education was the theme. We were invited by the People’s Committee to formally meet with students who are receiving scholarships from Children of Vietnam. It was thrilling to meet the young people, but even more moving for the students to meet the family who is funding their education. Some of the stories were so very moving.

One young lady tearfully explained how her mother was so happy when she passed the university exam. Their joy quickly turned to sadness when they realized that there was no way they could fund her education. The mother first sold the family’s only pig to provide clothing for her daughter and left the rest to fate. COV was the blessing they were looking for.

Children of Vietnam is funding 47 university students this year, thanks to the generosity of our donors. When we see the conditions these children live with, it is hard to imagine how they succeed. It is through hard work and commitment. What a joy

Mang Non Kindergarten, Hai Chau District
The kindergarten teacher had just gotten them settled for a late morning nap but when we arrived a nap was out of the question! This little people are full of swagger! They laughed and giggled, hugging pushing, each wanting their picture taken. This kindergarten was built with the funds of a generous single donor. It provides all day enriching care from 7:00am to 5:00pm with four meals for poor children who come from very poor families.

Tutoring for Street Children
In the evening, we visited the DaNang Street Children Tutoring Program. Children of all ages are tutored in small groups in algebra, trigonometry, English, and other subjects. Younger children practice math and language skills. COV is funding this program, which includes a meal – a big draw for the children. Many of the children live in a dormitory setting, while others live with family members in poor situations.

Vietnamese Countryside

2007-03-10T19:56:00.001-05:00

Saturday was a free day for us and we toured the countryside and visited the ancient Cham city of My Son. We wanted to share our pictures with all our bloggers.

Vietnamese Athletic Club

2007-03-09T08:50:00.000-05:00

Early each morning (5 am) the people of DaNang are up walking, jumping, and stretching. One of our team, Dawn, was asked to join a group of wonderful Vietnamese women on one of her morning walks. She invited the rest of us to join them. What a blast. In Vietnam there is no need to join a health club, all the streets are one huge gym!

Traveling to Tam Ky

2007-03-09T08:42:00.000-05:00

When we think of orphans we think of children without parents. That can also be the situation in Vietnam, but often babies and children are dropped off at orphanges and street children programs by the parents because of poverty, like the one in Tam Ky, a rural town south of DaNang.

Thursday, our hearts were stolen by the children at Tam Ky orphanage and Tam Ky Street Children Program. One of the most moving moments was meeting Nga,a beautiful 19 year old deaf girl. Children of Vietnam will be bringing her to DaNang, where she will join other young deaf adults at the Bread of Life. We will have her hearing evaluated and determine further opportunities for her education.

Christmas in March

2007-03-09T08:38:00.000-05:00

This year our visitors June and Jack decided to give bicycles to their children and grandchildren for Christmas. The bikes, however, were to be delivered on the other side of the world to children they had never met. Thursday those 23 presents were exchanged in Quang Nam Province, Vietnam.

The faces of the children of Vietnam

2007-03-07T10:25:00.000-05:00

Kids at the DaNang Orthopedic Hospital

2007-03-07T10:17:00.000-05:00

We had the opportunity to meet with Mr. Cuc, Director of the DaNang Orthopedic Hospital and his Chief Surgeon. After explaining their needs to us, we were treated to a tour of the facility. The children of Vietnam seem to have a high incidence of limb deformities. These are surgically corrected through contributions of our donors. The children sleep on maps suspended from a metal frame. Parents that stay with them often sleep under their beds, as there are no facilities in the hospital to accommodate caregivers. One of the dreams of COV is to build a compassion house for families with sick children.

Seeing so many children with these deformities is difficult but they are all sweet and charming. One young girl stole are hearts particularly. Vinh, a quite soft spoken girl of 19, she was 7 years old when she was in a motor cycle accident that resulted in the lose of both lower portions of her legs. She could not walk until she was identified at the Tam Ky Street Program by COV staff as a candidate prosthetics. She is now walking. Although she has only completed 9th grade she dreams of studying English at the University level.

Hoa Mia Orphanage Visit

2007-03-07T10:12:00.000-05:00

When we arrived the children were all returning from school for a hot lunch. It must be difficult living without the love and encouragement of parents and family, Hoa Mia Orphanage houses 46 school age children. The facility is bright and very inviting. The children and young adults are happy to see us and update their lives with Ben. One of the students has passed the university exam and will study to become a kindergarten teacher, which Children of Vietnam has pledged to fund.

Families with so little

2007-03-07T09:48:00.000-05:00

In the morning we visited four families living in bare circumstances, most with dirt floors, single rooms, and made of scraps of tin and wood. The floors were all damp, the rooms dark with electrical wires hung haphazardly. Food was cooked over an open wood fire in the back corner of the houses. Water for washing dishes was discolored and pungent. Only one house had an indoor latrine. We noticed one of the little girls had a severe case of head lice that staff will work with the parents to remedy. In most cases the parents were bricklayers or farmers earning less then $50 per month. As a result of hard labor two of the families reported back and other injuries. Children of Vietnam was happy to be able to promise all four families a new home.

Monday was a busy day…

2007-03-06T11:04:00.000-05:00

We finally met Tung, who in partnership with Facing the World, received facial reconstruction in London and returned home to Danang with his mother after 5 months of treatment.

Next our group participated in the award of 46 bicycles to poor students in Hoa Vang District. School for these children is about 3 miles away and a bike is the difference between going or staying at home. Smiles were abounding!

In the afternoon we drove out into the country to visit a family whose home had been completely destroyed by the Oct 1 Typhoon. In addition to committing to building a new home, Children of Vietnam offered to provide the family with two bicycles so their 3 children would have transportation to school. They were very grateful. Upon hearing our offer, the mother immediately said, “One bike will be enough, as there are other families in need.” We were all humbled with her concern for others.

We've arrived!

2007-03-06T10:59:00.000-05:00

Street Children welcome Mr. Ben as he and the rest of us walk out of the Danang Airport. The children call him Santa Claus!

Leaving soon for Vietnam

2007-02-24T23:04:00.000-05:00

Our team leaves within a few days. We have many plans including visiting several orphanages, kindergartens, and local hospitals. We will have the honor of meeting several families with whom we hope to provide new homes and meet with many of the students who receive scholarships, vocational training, and bicycles.

Welcome!

2007-02-15T19:44:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the Children of Vietnam blog!

Children of Vietnam is a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina and Danang, Vietnam. We have been making miracles happen in the lives of children of Danang, Vietnam since 1998.

Please follow our journey as we continue to make miracles happen and visit us at our website at www.childrenofvietnam.org!