Jenny Flynn is working wonders out in Viet Nam now she has returned from the USA for a further year. Below are extracts from her and Mr Viets latest news report:-
A Message from Mr Viet – Executive Director:
Despite of the high inflation rate, pricing up and bad weather, we have been still able to have another successful year of operation. Many disadvantaged lives have been changed in the past year. We have been able to make all of them happy again and they have been growing up safely and healthy.
With the assistant from some returning volunteers, we have been able to make our program more structured and organized which enabled volunteers to contribute the most their skills during their placements and brought more benefits to the local communities. The world crisis has not stopped the flow of international volunteers who have great hearts coming to our program. 180 international volunteers have been placed to our programs. Thousands of working hours have been donated and the other donation is equivalent to USD 75,000. Thank you very much volunteers for your great contribution.
I went to a meeting with local government of the location where we are based in Da Nang and I was told Vietnam will be still affected by the world economic crisis in 2009. From the chairman of people committee, I knew that there are thousand of poor children in that area; and I found that we would have responsibilities to another 200 orphans and street children who live nearby GVN office who need helps from us. This would make the number of children we work with to around 1,200. We would love to have around 250 volunteers to come and work with us in 2009. May you enjoy a healthy life and endless luck in this brand new year!!!
Happy New Year
A note from Jen Flynn – Operations Manager
My Welcome Home from staff, volunteers and the kids was fabulous! I came back in time to celebrate Christmas, my birthday AND New Years all within 10 days! We are hard at work now planning for 2009 Training for Staff is ongoing, Sustainable Fundraising plans are in the works as are plans to Build Partnerships with other NGOs to strengthen our presence in Vietnam.
Im very proud of the GVN Staff and Volunteers who worked hard in a terrible rainy season while I was in the U.S. They fought the battle of Mother Nature and won! Despite the worldwide economic issues, I had a successful working holiday and was able to raise $3600 on my trip home (THANKS TO EVERYONE!!). Im happy to be able to add my share of support for needed food and supplies for the kids.
The Chinese New Year is only 3 weeks away! Vietnam celebrates this holiday with a 3 day party and almost one week holiday. Our volunteers will pitch in to give some of the mothers and GVN Staff some well deserved time off.
If you aren’t already a member, please join us on Facebook!! Search: ‘Global Volunteer Network Vietnam’ for messages, photos and videos.
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Image credit: James Onwu
