Viethope 2007 Spring Newsletter

Spring IX

VietHope is a nonprofit organization dedicated to Vietnam’s socioeconomic development. We at VietHope believe that the wealth of Vietnam lies in its human capital and its prosperity depends on whether we harness this human capital. As such, we believe that good education is indispensable to Vietnam’s growth and its future. VietHope is a 501(c)3 non-profit. We are a volunteer-based organization with 20 active team members. VietHope members are based in Boston, San Francisco, New York, Washington DC and Southeast Asia. Contributing Writers: Lynn Huynh Hansel Pham Oanh Nguyen Nam-Tran Nguyen My-Anh Ha Van Nguyen Editor: Minh Dang Contributing Editor: Jennifer Lou

WORD FROM THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS By Lynn Huynh Over the last five years, VietHope has successfully thrived on the support of those who believe in its mission--sponsors, donors, members, and our dedicated staff. As a member of the Board of Directors, it is my privilege to thank you for believing in VietHope’s vision and for the generous support and commitment you have given to the organization. VietHope was founded by a group of friends who believe education is an indispensable right and the key to Vietnam’s prosperity. Five years since incorporation, VietHope continues to contribute to Vietnam’s socioeconomic development through education. At VietHope’s annual retreat in January in Rockville, MD, VietHope staff members celebrated the organization’s five-year anniversary, reviewed yearly achievements and challenges and established organization-wide goals for 2007. Viethope’s five-year history began in 2002: • 2002: VietHope established its mission and was incorporated in the state of Massachusetts. • 2003: VietHope built its first school in Ca Mau and awarded 19 educational scholarships; Received its 501(c)(3) tax-exempt non-profit status organization; Published its first newsletter; Expanded its staff network from its Massachusetts base to California, DC, and overseas to Vietnam. • 2004: VietHope established the Community Scholarship Program (CSP) to support indigent villages and the University Scholarship Program (USP) to support firstyear university students. • 2005: VietHope increased its scholarship recipient pool ten-fold and established partnerships in all three regions in Vietnam. • 2006: VietHope provided over 800 scholarship awards to talented students with financial need through the Merit, Community, and University Scholarship Programs; Expanded its network by collaborating with ten local partners in

April 2007 Vietnam; Organized a group of young, ambitious, and multi-talented members in Vietnam to lead its programs and projects. VietHope would have not been able to accomplish and achieve its goals without your support and belief in the organization and its mission. As we grow, we strive to distinguish ourselves and will continue to provide operational excellence and efficiency in all of our initiatives. For 2007, VietHope is committed to expanding its scholarship programs and projects, implementing the monitoring and evaluation components of its programs and projects, finding innovative ways to fundraise, and building a strong and cohesive group of talented and committed staff members both in the US and in Vietnam.

Thank you…

Happy Spring! IN THIS ISSUE: Word from the Board of Directors……………... 1 Updates on VietHope Projects …………………. 2 Project Aspire……………………………………2 University Scholarship Program..……………….2 Viethope’s Amazing Volunteers in Vietnam..…....4 VietHope Voices (from Hanoi, Vietnam)......….…5 Announcement of 2nd Annual Benefit Dinner….....6 Become a VietHope Sponsor!................................ 7

VietHope | 423 Brookline Avenue #199 Boston, MA 02215 | [email protected] | www.VietHope.org

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VIETHOPE NEWSLETTER Spring IX

Scholarship Programs:  Merit Scholarship Program: Provide access to education for poor students in rural areas from grade 1-12 ($120 /student/year). Merit is a renewal scholarship program whereby scholarships are renewed on a yearly basis until students finish grade 12, or fail to meet VietHope criteria.  University Scholarship Program (USP): Provide access to education for disadvantaged students at the university level ($150/student/year). USP aims to develop a network of university students and potential community leaders. Summer activities are organized for USP scholars to engage in community service activities.  Community Scholarship Program: Provide monetary support for uniforms and school supplies for the least well-off students in Vietnam.

UPDATES ON VIETHOPE PROJECTS PROJECT INSPIRE By Hansel Pham Project Inspire Vietnam was initiated in the Fall of 2006 by a group of VietHope volunteers, led by Wendy Nguyen. Project Inspire complements our scholarship based programs by improving the infrastructure of Vietnam’s school systems. To that end, Project Inspire focuses on promoting literacy through the re-design or construction of school libraries and integrating technology to increase the quality of English language instruction. The Project Inspire team, which also includes VietHope members Xuan Nguyen, Truong Minh Thang, Vidya Subramanian, Nathan Lasche and Daniel Myers, has been reviewing detailed construction schedules and blue prints for the renovation of Xuan Dieu Middle School in My Tho. Xuan Dieu has approximately 3,000 students from 6th to 9th grade. The school's library lacks updated books and the capacity to serve the large school population. Teachers and students jointly share the same room during break times. The first phase of renovation was recently completed and, with Project Inspire’s assistance, we hosted an art contest to generate excitement around the re-opening of the school’s library and new language lab. VietHope’s Project Inspire is now working with the principal of an in-need school in District 9 of Ho Chi Minh City to plan a second school project.

Infrastructure Investment Program: Provide access to education by funding construction projects for schools, libraries and learning centers.

April 2007

UNIVERSITY SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM (USP) By Oanh Nguyen Congratulations are in order I am delighted to congratulate Trần Quang Khải, a 2006 USP recipient who has won the prestigious Monbusho (Monbukagakusho) scholarship offered by the Japanese Government to study in Japan. Khải, a native of Dak Lak in Central Highlands of Vietnam, is no stranger to success. A two-time thirdprize winner in the National Physics Competition, Khải was able to bypass the university entrance exam to enter the renowned University of Technology in Ho Chi Minh City to study in the Vietnamese-French Cooperative Program with a concentration in Applied Technology. His USP application touched on some of his accomplishments, which are even more impressive given the hardships he and his family have faced. Working on his goal to win a scholarship to study abroad, Khải used the VietHope (VH) scholarship as well as regular English practice sessions organized by VH volunteers to help improve his English in preparation for the scholarship competition. His hard work paid off after he successfully passed all three rounds of rigorous selection, which included taking math and science exams and completing interviews (all in English). By the time you read this article, Khải will have arrived in Japan to begin a year of intensive Japanese language before beginning his studies there. Before leaving, he wrote about his experience and tips on applying for the scholarship on the USP message board that VietHope established to connect all of its USP recipients and to raise awareness of the scholarship opportunity amongst potential candidates. On behalf of everyone at VietHope, I would like to wish Khải success in his studies in Japan and beyond.

Type of computer labs that Inspire seeks to create

VietHope | 423 Brookline Avenue #199 Boston, MA 02215 | [email protected] | www.VietHope.org

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VIETHOPE NEWSLETTER Spring IX

Ways to Support VietHope: VietHope welcomes anyone who believes in our mission. There are a number of ways in which you can support VietHope:  Sponsor a student

through one of VietHope’s 3 Scholarship Programs  Donate to

VietHope’s infrastructure investment program

April 2007

UNIVERSITY SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM (cont’d) Building a network of university students

projects from their university administrators who were present at the award ceremonies.

VietHope wrapped up the 2006-2007 University Scholarship Program (USP) cycle at the end of January with three award ceremonies in Hà Nội, Huế and Hồ Chí Minh City to award 152 scholarships to deserving recipients who have displayed great academic potential and determination in the face of hardships. On behalf of everyone at VietHope, I would to thank Xuân, My Anh and all of the volunteers in Vietnam for their hard work, which made the event a success. We at VietHope are also grateful to the universities who have provided tremendous help during the organizing process.

After the award ceremonies, VietHope created an online social network for USP students to continue their discussions on the web and other topics that interest students. This online networking site also provides students with personal pages and blogs. The site's forum is a place to exchange information about housing, job search, test preparations, etc. Staff members also visit this site to offer activities for students to improve their English. VietHope also organized regular conference calls via Skype to keep in touch with students. The launch of the online USP network is an exciting opportunity for VietHope to interact with students, offer social support, work with students to plan exciting community development projects, receive feedback from students and foster lifelong connections.

 Spread awareness

about VietHope and VietHope’s mission

 Donate time and

energy by becoming a VietHope volunteer

“Education, in its broadest sense, is the means to this social continuity of life.” - John Dewey, Democracy and Education, 1916

Group picture – USP award ceremony in HCMC (recipients from universities in HCMC, Can Tho and An Giang)

At this year’s award ceremonies, VietHope introduced a new activity called the “USP Summer Game”. The activity aimed to encourage interaction between fellow scholarship recipients at each award ceremony as well as foster discussion about implementing community development initiatives. Before the award ceremonies, VietHope’s staff scoured scholarship applications to gather a list of project ideas. At the award ceremonies, each student was free to pick a project s/he was interested in and discuss it with similarly interested students. VietHope’s volunteers served as facilitators for these discussions. The groups were asked to present on the rationale for their choice of project and the project's feasibility. Students and volunteers enjoyed this activity very much. VietHope also received positive feedback and pledge of future support for these students'

Group picture of USP scholarship recipients with Nam Tran in Hue

Group discussion – USP award ceremony in HCMC, Jan 2007

VietHope | 423 Brookline Avenue #199 Boston, MA 02215 | [email protected] | www.VietHope.org

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VIETHOPE NEWSLETTER Spring IX

Upcoming VietHope events and activities: • Second Annual Benefit Dinner on June 17, 2007 in Boston - An evening of entertainment, auction and raffles to support ongoing VietHope programs and projects • VietHope-a-Thon: Raffle drawings as part of the Annual Benefit Dinner • Publication of VietHope Spring Newsletter Please visit www.viethope.org for more details on upcoming events and activities

VIETHOPE’S AMAZING VOLUNTEERS IN VIETNAM By Nam Tran Nguyen & Oanh Nguyen Since inception, VietHope’s volunteers in Vietnam have made invaluable contributions. From program implementation to program evaluation to interaction with communities/students to strategic input, VietHope’s Vietnam team has dedicated an enormous amount of energy and time to ensure the success of VietHope. The entire staff would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the dedication and contributions of our VietHope volunteers in Vietnam.

April 2007

Given VietHope’s program expansion, seamless integration and collaboration between teams in the U.S. and Vietnam become critical (team integration is one of VietHope’s 2007 goals). VietHope staff is excited about our growing team in Vietnam and would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge all the hard work and dedication from our volunteers in Vietnam.

I was fortunate that my trip to Vietnam this year coincided with the award ceremonies of the University Scholarship Program (USP). Not only did I meet many talented USP scholars, I was able to witness our amazing volunteer team at work to make these events successful. The USP ceremony in Ho Chi Minh City (the largest award ceremony with over 120 award recipients) was led by Xuan, VietHope’s team representative in Vietnam. Tasks were planned and completed with precision and enthusiasm. The talented Minh Phuong initiated the ceremony by leading the entire conference hall in singing two songs. Ky and Xuan served as the MCs for the afternoon, guiding the students and guests through a program packed afternoon. They were so energetic, like two "Energizer bunnies!" Mai, Nhung, Tan and Phong took on numerous tasks, from registering students to facilitating student discussions during the VietHope Summer game to handling monetary issues, to ensure the success of the ceremony. The award ceremony is just one example of the amazing work accomplished by our volunteer team in Vietnam. Xuan and My Anh have been leading the effort in recruiting volunteers to work with VietHope in all three regions. We also receive many queries from within Vietnam regarding volunteer possibilities with VietHope. As we work to expand our programs this year, all volunteers will play a crucial role in the implementation of our programs and projects.

The amazing group of volunteers that made the USP award ceremony in HCMC possible: (from left) Thi, Phuong, Tan, Hoai, Phong, Nam-Tran, Mai, Ky, Nhung, Xuan

MC's Ky and Xuan interview Nam-Tran and Thi about VietHope

VietHope | 423 Brookline Avenue #199 Boston, MA 02215 | [email protected] | www.VietHope.org

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VIETHOPE NEWSLETTER Spring IX

Nội) and Hanoi University (Đại học Hà Nội) for a pool of 80 applicants, out of which 26 financially needy and talented students were selected for the grants. Twenty-six students are twenty-six tellable stories and twenty-six immeasurable joys. Their joy is among the greatest joys of all for they can now continue to confidently head towards a brighter, more educated future, knowing that there is hope all around for those in need.

Recent additions to the VietHope Staff Ngan Dam Ngan is head of the Community Scholarship Program (CSP). Ngan is a high school teacher in Boston and brings valuable “teaching” experience to the team My-Anh Ha My-Anh is a VietHope member in Hanoi, Vietnam. My-Anh is currently co-chair of the Project Committee and works with the USP team to expand the program to Hanoi. MyAnh comes to VietHope with a wealth of nonprofit experience Minh Le Minh is a member of the Fundraising team. Minh recently quit Corporate America (i.e. Palm) to pursue a greater passion in medicine David Nguyen David is VietHope’s “CTO”. David is a PhD candidate at MIT, working on crazy projects in the field of neuroscience Van Nguyen Van is Co-Chair of the Fundraising Committee. Van works in real estate and brings to VietHope a wealth of innovative ideas and spirit

April 2007

Manning the check-in table: Tien (USP scholar 2005-2006), Nhung & Mai. Also pictured Xuan (standing)

VIETHOPE VOICES By My-Anh Ha Hanoi, Vietnam It all came up one beautiful day in Spring last year, when Lynn Huynh’s email knocked on my door with her lovely smile and the cutest proposal: “Would you be interested in joining VietHope with the volunteer work in Vietnam?”. And with the most wonderful feeling, that I still recall, I replied “Yes, I do!”. Then the story began, one of the most beautiful stories that is shaping my life. I became a VietHope volunteer in Hanoi and have felt myself part of the VietHope family ever since then. I first learned about VietHope when I met Lynn in Hanoi during 2003-2004. I knew then that the path VietHope is leading is exactly the path that I have been trying to draw up for myself. I was so happy to know Lynn and realized how great a friend she could be. I was excited to think that VietHope could be a community of awesome people like Lynn. And I was right! I have found in VietHope a sweet spirit of amity and the strong commitment and an admirable dedication of each individual member towards the organization’s mission. In the one year that I have been with VietHope, what I have experienced has already been such a treasure. I started with the University Scholarship Program (USP) in its first year reaching northern Vietnam. The pilot USP year in Hanoi was set up with two universities, Hanoi Polytechnic University (Đại học Bách Khoa Hà

This year, we have 150 stories all over the country to tell each other, and to be reminded that there is still lots of work to do, to give potentially thousands of others the chance at acquiring an education. The aim of the program is to build a network where USP students and VietHope join forces in different education-related initiatives and where the arms of friendship of VietHope are wide open. We were able to share happy moments in a gathering between the students, Minh Dang and David Nguyen in early February in Hanoi. We all learned from each others’ experience in work, in studies, and in life. Their faces beamed with smiles, eager to work with VietHope on community initiatives, to see that dreams can come true.

From left : Khánh, Tùng, Mây, Trang, Hưng, Quân, My Anh, Yvonne, Minh, David

As VietHope’s projects expand to the northern region and on a more official basis, I can see the year ahead filled with adventures challenging our inspiration to achieve the VietHope mission. I feel so blessed that I am part of the VietHope family, a home inspired with love and hope. I see

VietHope | 423 Brookline Avenue #199 Boston, MA 02215 | [email protected] | www.VietHope.org

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VIETHOPE NEWSLETTER Spring IX

Recent additions to the VietHope Staff (continued) Xuan Nguyen Xuan is a VietHope member based in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Xuan coordinates and executes VietHope projects in Vietnam, with focus on the USP. Xuan has deep nonprofit experience and an impressive mastery of English Quang Tran Quang is co-chair of the M&E team. She currently lives in Chicago and works a JP Morgan. Anh Nguyen Anh is Fundraising CoChair . She brings a legal services background from Greater Boston Legal Services along with energy and enthusiasm for a good cause. Jack Nguyen Jack currently lives in Totonto and works for big 5 accounting firm Deloitte & Touche. Besides financial and accounting expertise, Jack brings to VietHope 5 years experience of setting up businesses in Vietnam.

hope in Oanh’s sleepless nights working on the USP online database and staying up until four o’clock in the morning to be with me and Xuan during preparations for the award ceremonies. I see lots of hope in Lynn and Ngan’s walks to the far corners of the country in community projects. I see hope in the joys glittered in each word that you shared after the success of the fund-raising events. It is the joys of bringing hope to the poor children and students in Vietnam, those we believe to be the hope of the nation in the future. Someone says that love is looking together towards the same direction. I see love all around. Coming back to my story, I believe in happy endings, and in most of the stories with happy endings, the couple falls in love with each other. I have fallen in love with you, VietHope!

From left : David, Khánh, Tùng, Mây, Trang, Hưng, Quân, My Anh, Minh

April 2007

EVENTS AND FUNDRAISING UPDATE Dear all VietHope donors and sponsors, VietHope cordially invites you to our Second Annual Benefit Dinner to be held at the Holiday Inn in Brookline, MA on Sunday, June 17, 2007 from 6:00PM-9:00PM. We hope to have continued support from all our sponsors and donors as well as to attract young professionals, colleagues, friends and family from the New England area to the event. The evening will consist of VietHope's presentation on its programs, projects and student recipients as well as a silent auction and raffle drawing. Please check VietHope’s web-site at www.viethope.org to register for the event and pay via PayPal. If you have any questions regarding the Benefit Dinner, please feel free to contact Van Nguyen at [email protected]. We look forward to seeing you all on Sunday, June 17, 2007 at 6:00PM! Thank you in advance for your time and support, VietHope Staff

VietHope | 423 Brookline Avenue #199 Boston, MA 02215 | [email protected] | www.VietHope.org

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VIETHOPE NEWSLETTER Spring IX

VietHope Executive Committee Nam Tran Nguyen, President Lynn Huynh, Vice President and Scholarship Program Chair Uyen Kim Huynh, Secretary and Monitor & Evaluation Co-Chair Chau Nguyen, Treasurer Hansel Pham, Administrative Chair Anh-Hoa Nguyen Project Co-Chair My-Anh Ha, Project Co-Chair

April 2007

VIETHOPE-A-THON We hope that you be able to join us on June 17th for VietHope Banquet at Holiday Inn. If you are unable to attend and would like to contribute to VietHope, we will be designating 5 raffle drawings for these donations. For every $2 that you provide, your VietHope Representative will dedicate a raffle ticket at the dinner in your name and collect the prize should you win.

DONATIONS FROM CORPORATIONS VietHope would like to acknowledge the generous donations from its corporate supporters.

for a prosperous Vietnam tomorrow

Donation Form (Online donations accepted via www.viethope.org) The objective of VietHope’s Scholarship & University programs is to provide financial assistance to children in poor rural areas in Vietnam who cannot afford the costs of continuing their education. The students are selected on the basis of financial need, performance in school, and their motivation to excel. Your contribution will directly support the education costs for these children. Name:_______________________________ Address:_____________________________ ____________________________________ Email:_______________________________ Please check one or several of the boxes: 

Ngan Dam, Head of Community Scholarship Program

I wish to sponsor a child through VietHope’s Merit Scholarship Program. With my support of $120/year, I will help children in Vietnam attain a higher level of education



Thai-Hien Nguyen, Director of Communications

I wish to make a contribution of $_____ towards the University Scholarship Program



I wish to support and become more involved in VietHope’s work by becoming a member for $25



I wish to make a general donation to VietHope in the amount of $______

Oanh Nguyen, Head of University Scholarship Program

Van Nguyen & Anh Nguyen Fundraising Co-Chairs Xuan Nguyen, VietHope Representative in Vietnam Chi Pham Monitor & Evaluation Co-Chair Alan Tu Public Relations Chair

*Please make checks payable to:

VietHope, Inc. 423 Brookline Avenue, #199 Boston, MA 02215 ______________________________ Signature

Date

VietHope | 423 Brookline Avenue #199 Boston, MA 02215 | [email protected] | www.VietHope.org

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