Thanh’s Story
Our travelers visiting Cambodia-Vietnam in February 2014 met several women who are beneficiaries of the work of Children of Vietnam and its Empowering Foundations program. Dang Thi Thanh’s story is one of them. Details
A special dinner at Children of Vietnam
Each of three small groups were guests at a beautiful, bountiful luncheon which had been prepared by single mothers – recipients of DFW micro-loans to Children of Vietnam’s Empowering Foundations for Women & Children (EFWC).
How appropriate that the last line of the DFW Dinner Affirmation reads, “May we all be able to feast together some day.”
(And then, of course, there were the dishes to do!!!)
— Marilyn Murphy
Visiting Children of Vietnam
DFW member Ashley Gibb at Children of Vietnam
By Cynthia Sawtell
San Anselmo (CA)
Feb. 22 — Our day started off rainy and cool. We spent most of the morning in the wonderful Ethnographic museum learning about the 53 ethnic minorities which together make up 14 percent of the population. Later, we visited an ancient Confucian university with its lovely gardens and shrine. The rest of the day was deeply meaningful. Details
Vietnam 2013 trip diary: Rolling up our sleeves in the kitchen
By Tina Yoppolo
Sylvania, OH
We began our day with a walking tour of Old Town Hoi An. Well preserved temples, pagodas and ancient homes line the vibrant narrow streets. UNESCO has named this a World Cultural Heritage Site. Centuries old structures gave us the feeling of walking through 16th century Viet Nam. Our guide bravely took us through the Hoi An market to look, not shop! The bustling market was bursting with exotic fresh fruits, vegetables fish ,and meats. Open kitchens serving fresh local dishes, flowers, and spices all contributed to the visual and aromatic delights. Artisans sold their crafts, vendors offered silk scarves, kitchen utensils and so much more. Details
Vietnam 2013 trip diary: Mai’s story
By Lynn Broadbent
Fairfax, VA chapter member
Since our group split up to visit the women in the Children of Vietnam program, here are a few notes from Group Three’s meetings. The beneficiaries in our group were: Mai, Nhung, Mui, Trang, Chi, Dao, Bich, and Ha.
This is Mai’s story.
Mai has been in the Empowering Women Program since 2009. She is a hairdresser. Details
Vietnam 2013 trip diary: Visiting Children of Vietnam
By Lynn O’Connell
Alexandria, VA chapter member
Living in Washington, DC, I tend to think of a nation or a destination in terms of its monuments and memorials. Â So, during this week in Vietnam, as I have seen 200-foot tall Buddhas, statues, etc., I immediately assume “National Monument” and try to find out what it is in my guidebook or from my Vietnamese contacts at home. Â Finally, one Vietnamese friend texted, “Remember, very few national treasures remain in Vietnam today.” Details