Volunteer Information

Volunteer Information Table of Contents 1.

Volunteering with Education for Development .......................................................... 2 1.1. EFD’s Mission ................................................................................................... 2 1.2. Working towards the Mission ............................................................................ 2 1.3. Volunteers helping EFD work towards its Mission............................................. 3 2. Local Partner Organisations...................................................................................... 3 2.1. Local Partner: Ho Chi Minh City Child Welfare Foundation (HCWF) ................ 3 2.2. Additional Information: NGO Resource Centre ................................................. 5 3. Volunteering with EFD............................................................................................... 5 3.1. EFD Volunteers ................................................................................................. 5 3.2. What to Expect as a Volunteer.......................................................................... 5 Differences ................................................................................................................ 5 Expect challenges ..................................................................................................... 5 EFD’s Work Environment .......................................................................................... 6 Working independently and in teams ........................................................................ 6 Your role as a volunteer ............................................................................................ 7 Two ways to volunteer .............................................................................................. 7 4. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) about Volunteering......................................... 7 4.1. Clothing ............................................................................................................. 7 4.2. Shopping ........................................................................................................... 8 4.3. Accommodation................................................................................................. 8 4.4. Transportation ................................................................................................... 8 4.5. Living Costs....................................................................................................... 9 4.6. Health ................................................................................................................ 9 4.7. Visas.................................................................................................................. 9 4.8. Time Commitment ........................................................................................... 10 5. Materials to bring..................................................................................................... 10 5.1. Current Wish List............................................................................................. 10 Resources ............................................................................................................... 10 Equipment ............................................................................................................... 10 6. EFD’s Commitment to Volunteers ........................................................................... 11 6.1. Recruiting Volunteers ...................................................................................... 11 6.2. Orientating Volunteers..................................................................................... 11 6.3. Ongoing Management of Volunteers............................................................... 11 7. Volunteering in Vietnam .......................................................................................... 12 8. Volunteer Stories..................................................................................................... 12

1

1.

Volunteering with Education for Development

This information is designed to provide you with an outline of what is involved when you volunteer with Education for Development (EFD). It also includes a Volunteer Application Form.

1.1.

EFD’s Mission

EFD believes education improves the quality of life for disadvantaged children. EFD strengthens and empowers local social organisations enabling them to improve and expand their educational services for disadvantaged children. Through their development, disadvantaged children can gain fair and equal access to education and training thereby developing themselves to their full potential. EFD is guided by the following principles: • • • •

EFD’s activities should have a sustainable impact. EFD strives for maximum participation of all stakeholders, especially the children. EFD shares learning and best practices. EFD raises public awareness of the Rights of the Child, especially their right to education.

1.2.

Working towards the Mission

EFD’s Roles In working towards our mission, EFD assists local service providers who work directly with disadvantaged children. EFD works to provide the following roles to local partner organisations: 1.Funding (Small Grant Scheme) – Before EFD actually decide to provide funding, we carry out, in collaboration with the partner the following activities: project planning, monitoring, evaluation, programme needs assessment, and partner capacity review. Sustainable funding can include the following budget lines: - Buildings - External training - Materials that are durable and renewable - Equipment and vehicles - Consultants - Fundraiser’s salary and recurrent fundraising costs for an initial period The funding role is primarily performed by EFD’s Project Officers in co-operation with EFD’s Programme Co-ordinator. EFD funds the following programmes: • Inclusive Education Programme • Street-based Referral Programme • Vocational Training and Employment Programme (More detailed information on these programmes www.EDUCATIONforDEVELOPMENT.org)

may

be

found

at:

2.Training Centre EFD builds the capacity of organisations that work directly with disadvantaged children by providing training in the following areas: -

Fundraising and Public Relations

2

-

Human Resource Management Volunteer Management Child Participation Social work in relation to street children Education (teaching methodologies) Other areas as identified needs arise

Although Vietnamese people will do most of the training, their will still be numerous possibilities for well-qualified volunteers to carry out training. It is also possible that volunteers are placed with partners to increase their capacity in one of these areas.

1.3.

Volunteers helping EFD work towards its Mission

EFD is a small organisation with limited resources. We therefore need to carefully plan our staffing by only selecting volunteers who are able to fill identified volunteer roles which help us work towards our Mission. Perhaps the most important aspect to clarify about volunteering with EFD is that EFD staff and volunteers do not work directly with children. Instead, EFD provides support to local partner organisations who in turn provide services to disadvantaged children. Therefore we require volunteers with the skills to train and share their knowledge with the staff of our local partners. We also need volunteers to train, guide, and share their knowledge with EFD staff and also to carry out some of EFD's operational tasks, particularly in the field of fundraising and public relations. If your skills and interests do not match the needs of EFD, or if you are more interested in working directly with children, then our Volunteer Matching Centre will try to place you somewhere more suitable within one of our local partner organisations.

2. Local Organisations 2.1.

Ho Chi Minh City Child Welfare Foundation (HCWF)

The HCWF is a non-profit, Non Government Organisation (NGO) actively working for the education and empowerment of disadvantaged children. Since 1988 the HCWF has implemented 65 projects in Ho Chi Minh City. EFD currently works in partnership with the HCWF on its Street Vision photography project, Fundraising Department, and Project Tuong Lai. Project Tuong Lai (which means future in Vietnamese) acts as a bridge between life on the street and a more promising future by offering three core activities: -

-

the provision of information about existing shelters, open houses, medical services and health care, schools and vocational training centres to disadvantaged children (Children’s Desk) the provision of opportunities of vocational training and stable employment to those between 16 – 22 years of age (Social Employment Unit) the provision of English classes

The HCWF usually looks for native English speakers, or volunteers with experience in teaching English, to assist with their English classes for the Tuong Lai Project. Contact: Mr Hai, English Programme Manager E-mail: [email protected] Ph:821 0199 Please note that the HCWF does not arrange visas for volunteers. However, more recently it has been possible to become an office-based volunteer for those overseas volunteers who already hold a valid visa and who approach the HCWF whilst in HCMC or overseas.

3

For more questions contact Ms Bich, Executive Vice Chairperson E-mail: [email protected] Ph: 840 4139 2.2 Friends for Street Children FFSC operates a shelter for children at risk, providing education and safe accommodation. They also provide education and scholarships for children. 140/97 Vo Thi Sau, Ward 8, District 3 Tel: 848 826951 Email: [email protected] 2.3

Thao Dan Centre

Thao Dan is a grass-roots non-profit organisation that was founded in 1992. They encourage and work towards the reintegration of street children into the community. Thao Dan also provides and supports opportunities that allow street children to develop their self-esteem and skills. They carry out activities in the areas of outreach, education and vocational training. 451/1 Hai Ba Trung Street, Ward 8, District 3 Tel: 84 846 54 10 2.4

Triangle Generations

Triangle Generations operates a cooking school, aiming to equip children with practical skills to help them gain future employment 2.5

15 May School

15 May School is an informal school that provides classes, without school fees, to disadvantaged children in the local community. Around 20-25 former street, or at-risk children, live and study at the school and approximately 250 children from District 1 regularly attend classes. In 1998, EFD co-operated with 15 May School to set up English classes. Dance, theatre, singing, and circus classes were set up a year later. Children from these classes participate in fundraising performances which raise money to continue their English and Performing Arts classes. 15 May School requires volunteers to help organise their fundraising dinner held annually in June. This is an exciting night in which children perform circus, theatre, dance, and singing at one of the large hotels in Ho Chi Minh City. In particular, they need foreign volunteers to contact sponsors, help with promotion, and coordinate volunteers. Volunteers are especially required from February until July to help organise this event. The school always needs native English speakers to assist the teachers with their three evening English classes and their class for educators which is held during the day. Contact: Ms Luyen, Project Manager of English and Arts Classes at 15 May School E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.15mayschool.org Ph:(84 - 8) 837 7591

4

2.2.

Additional Information: NGO Resource Centre

The NGO Resource Centre distributes a weekly newsletter to INGOs and local organisations along with other publications. Prospective volunteers may place advertisements informing these organisations of their skills and interest in volunteering in the newsletter free of charge. Contact Details: E-mail: [email protected] Web site: www.ngocentre.netnam.vn

3. Volunteering with EFD 3.1.

EFD Volunteers

As well as seeking skilled and experienced volunteers, there are other personal qualities that prove to be important for volunteers to carry out their work with us. It is important for volunteers to display: • a sense of initiative - there may be times when you will have to make decisions without a great deal of support. • self-confidence - to take initiative and contribute where and when you can. • a sense of humour - this simple characteristic is an incredibly effective tool to propel you through the seemingly impossible. It also brightens the lives of those who you, as a volunteer, meet along the way. • patience and motivation - things do not always unfold as we anticipate. Therefore, patience and an inner resolve to move onward are essential. • energy - this quality keeps you in motion and is contagious. • good listening skills – to have patience to listen to the input of other staff and stakeholders. • sensitivity to cultural differences – some cultural differences are discussed later in this document. • a sense of fun !!!

3.2.

What to Expect as a Volunteer

Possessing the above personal qualities will help lead to a successful volunteer placement. Another important contributor to a successful placement lies in starting your volunteer placement with the “right” expectations. You can never foresee a complete picture of what will unfold in your volunteer placement before it happens, but you can at least prepare yourself for certain elements that are likely to shape your volunteer assignment. The following information has been provided to assist you in your preparation. Differences It takes a long time and can be quite difficult to get your head around the cultural and political differences in Vietnam. Areas that volunteers often encounter confusion include: • the political framework (in particular the restrictions) in which EFD and other Non Government Organisations (NGO's) operate • the work environment and organisational culture at partner organisations • the organisational structure of EFD that enables it to provide support to partner organisations As a new person to these factors, you will need to be flexible and patient to adapt to the differences. Most importantly, accept that there are differences. Have patience in learning about these differences - there are some things that you will need to be flexible and patient with. Furthermore, there are some things that you will just have to accept (that you cannot change – at least straight away) and continue to work within their limitations. Expect challenges Expect that things will not always go to plan throughout your volunteer placement. Obstacles, whether from outside sources or due to your own mistakes, will arise that will require you to be flexible. You will need to have patience and determination to move past any obstacles.

5

EFD’s Work Environment EFD has recently relocated to a larger workspace in Tan Binh District (near the airport). Although we know have more space in which to operate, we still suffer from limited resources meaning we can not guarantee individual access to a computer or desk. It is a good idea to bring a laptop if you have access to one as this means one less computer to be shared – and you can guarantee that you will always have access to a computer. As our office equipment is limited and needs to be shared, it is important that everyone communicates openly about their needs for access to resources and their working times at the office. You will also need to expect that the office can sometimes be quite noisy when there are a lot of people around. When asked what they have enjoyed most about volunteering with EFD, many volunteers mention the hardworking yet fun atmosphere of the office. EFD staff and volunteers enjoy an atmosphere in the office that is open, friendly, and relaxed. It is important for all staff and volunteers to be aware of maintaining a fun atmosphere that respects EFD’s high workload. In other words, it’s important to balance the relaxed atmosphere with the work pressure and deadlines that staff and volunteers face. Working independently and in teams Another aspect that past volunteers have enjoyed has been the balance between working independently and in teams. All staff and volunteers enjoy a high degree of autonomy in carrying out their work. This means that staff and volunteers, in performing their work, need to be prepared for high levels of responsibility and low levels of guidance.

6

You will also need to be prepared for a high level of involvement in decision-making during project discussions and planning. For these reasons we aim to recruit volunteers with experience and areas of specialisation so that they are confident and able to work independently and make decisions. While volunteers and staff need to be able to work independently they, at the same time, often collaborate in teams. All staff and volunteers take part in the monthly meeting which acts as a forum for everyone to share their past month’s activities as well as any other organisational planning or discussion meetings. Your role as a volunteer In your role as a volunteer you will either be helping EFD to improve its own capacity or you will be helping EFD to provide services to local partners to assist them in building their capacity. If you are working with partner organisations you will be expected to represent EFD in a professional manner. Two ways to volunteer EFD is a small organisation and therefore we have had to develop two different ways for volunteers to contribute their services to EFD in Vietnam. 1. Office based volunteers Office based volunteers generally work full-time (40 hours per week) and for longer periods of time (i.e. 6 months or longer). Many of these volunteers tend to be sent through a volunteer sending agency such as Australian Youth Ambassadors Programme, Australian Volunteers International and World University Services Canada. These volunteers spend most of their time during work hours in EFD’s office. They come in at 8h and leave at 17h. They have the right, at all times, to use a desk and a computer in the office. Due to government regulations, the number of office based volunteers that EFD is allowed is limited. 2. Task oriented volunteers Task oriented volunteers generally work part-time and for shorter periods of time (i.e. less than 6 months). Many of these volunteers tend to be self-funded volunteers who have an additional occupation beside their work for EFD (e.g. they teach English in the evenings; they work on a thesis for university; etc.) These volunteers tend to work on one or two specific tasks/projects that do not require daily contact with EFD staff. They spend most of their time working for EFD from their home (if they own a computer) or from an internet cafe (if they need to rent a computer). They usually come into EFD’s office for half a day a week. They have the right to use all of EFD’s office equipment such as telephone, fax, printer and photocopier, but they generally do not spend much time behind a computer or a desk, other than during the half day a week they spend in the office. Task oriented volunteers may also become involved in EFD's administration if they wish. They can attend the monthly staff meetings and other organisational planning or discussion meetings. Task oriented volunteers are also invited to social events held by EFD. There are no government regulations which limit the number of task oriented volunteers that work for EFD.

4. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) about Volunteering 4.1.

Clothing

While EFD’s work environment is relaxed, we do aim to maintain a sense of professionalism. We do not dress in business suits and ties, but it’s important to dress “appropriately”. You could probably best describe the clothing that EFD staff wear to work as "smart casual". There is no "standard" dress - different staff and volunteers tend to dress differently. Here are some examples of what staff might wear in the office: 3/4 length pants with a short-sleeved cotton shirt and comfortable open shoes or jeans with a long-sleeve collared shirt.

7

The most important thing for women to consider is not to wear anything too revealing - even sleeveless tops are considered a bit too casual by some people. So bring shirts/tops that are at least short sleeved. We generally do not wear short pants or skirts to work either. Skirts and pants that fall below the knees are recommended. You can buy a lot of good work shirts and pants/skirts here quite cheaply and there is an abundance of tailors where you can get them tailor made (this is good if you're not a tiny Vietnamese size) at a reasonable price. You can wear comfortable open shoes here because of the climate although many local staff do wear the more conventional closed shoes. Shoes are another thing that you can buy fairly easily here - only size is sometimes an issue. Again, you can sometimes get shoes ordered or made to your size (and taste!). Note, however, that well-made sandals of larger sizes are hard to find.Keep in mind that it is particularly important to dress professionally when representing EFD in its service to local partner organisations.

4.2.

Shopping

Although Vietnam is a “developing country” you will probably be surprised at just how developed Saigon is and the variety of items that are available here. However, there are some items that are still difficult or impossible to buy. They include 100% cotton bed sheets, 100% cotton socks, and tampons. You can buy most toiletries here, however you may not be able to find your “favourite” or accustomed brand especially when it comes to herbal/organic soaps, body/facial products, essential oils, or hair products for hair types other than the average Vietnamese. Foods you might miss and are not easy to buy include muesli and cereals (you can get them but they’re expensive), wholemeal/grain breads (there’s mostly white breads), cheeses, and wines. A lot of copied books are sold by street sellers, however they are often limited to travel guides, Vietnam history and war books, and other “classics” or “favourites” that are popular with travellers. However, you will not have access to an extensive range of recently released books so you may want to consider bringing these with you as well as work-related materials (as discussed later). You can also buy most international newspapers and magazines a few days after their release. However, if you want to have a regular supply then you might want to consider a subscription to your favourite magazines, journals or newspapers.

4.3.

Accommodation

EFD can only provide volunteers with limited assistance in organising accommodation. We are more than happy to refer you to hotels that past volunteers have stayed at and are confident with their services. On of the most popular areas to stay is around Pham Ngu Lao Street (District 1, in the heart of the city centre) which is the main budget tourist “strip” in Ho Chi Minh City. There is a wide range of cheap (and a limited range of expensive) accommodation nearby. The main advantage to living in this area will be the large number of restaurants, bars and other entertainment venues on your doorstep. We will sometimes also inform you of other accommodation options, such as shared housing, if we know of them at the time. Due to our relocation to Tan Binh District, the Pham Ngu Lao area is not longer so conveniently close to our office. However, it is easy to get to our office by motorbike taxi which should take less than half and hour and is a great way to get to know the city! The journey each way should cost around 15 000 VND (or 1 USD) and office based volunteers will be reimbursed for their travel expenses each month.

4.4.

Transportation

Transportation is your own responsibility (unless it is connected to your assignment work). However, getting oneself around Ho Chi Minh City is very cheap. • A taxi from the airport to Pham Ngu Lao St (the main tourist “strip”) costs around 60,000 65,000 dong [US$1 = 15,500 dong]. Try to negotiate a reasonable price with the driver and agree on this price before starting your trip.

8

• • •

If you do not know what is a reasonable price then we recommend you only use an official or registered taxi and ask the driver to use the meter. No matter what form of transport you use, a good piece of advice is to agree on a price with the driver before you ride. Cyclos (a three-wheeled bicycle propelled by a driver) costs around 15,000 – 20,000 dong per hour. A bicycle can be hired for about US $5 a week or you can purchase a second-hand one for around 300,000 dong. Moreover, EFD is often able to provide bicycles for volunteer use. A motorcycle can be hired for about US $5 a day. Monthly rates are slightly cheaper. Although Ho Chi Minh City houses a large population, the centre is not particularly big and so walking is a feasible option (although it is sometimes difficult to manoeuvre through congested sidewalks and busy traffic) and environmentally friendly to boot.

4.5.

Living Costs

Relative to other parts of the world, living expenses in Vietnam are very low. Longer term accommodation can be obtained for around US $5 per night, decent meals for US $2 and beers for US $1. Unless you are intending to really “live it up” or do a lot of travelling, monthly living expenses should hover around US $250, excluding accommodation costs. Upon discussion, EFD may consider paying a small allowance to contribute to living expenses of volunteers who have worked with us for a number of months and who intend to remain with us for the long term.

4.6.

Health

We have two very strong recommendations to make with regard to personal health care: • take out medical insurance. • visit your doctor before leaving home to obtain current health information related to living, travelling and working in Vietnam. It is important when visiting your doctor that you tell him/her the length of time that you will be spending here and also in what location(s), i.e. city and/or country (if you intend to do some travelling). This will enable your doctor to best determine which preventative medicines and/or vaccinations you will require. International medical centres and hospitals (although these are expensive) do exist in Ho Chi Minh City. Medicines can be bought quite cheaply here although the range may not be as extensive as that found elsewhere in the world. Other notes about your health: Mosquitoes are not a big problem in Saigon; they only become a problem when travelling to other parts of Vietnam • We recommend that you bring extra contact lenses and solutions with you. • Bring supplies of any medicine including prescriptive medicine, herbal medicines, vitamins, or supplements that you use on a regular basis as we cannot guarantee the reliability of access, quality, or cost of these products in Ho Chi Minh City.

•

4.7.

Visas

Volunteers are responsible for the application and payment of their Vietnamese entry visas. Short-term tourist visas (i.e. 1 month) are best organised directly through the Vietnamese Consulate in your country. However, in the case of 6 month working visas EFD can provide some assistance in obtaining the authorisation letter required to be exchanged for a visa at the Vietnamese consulate in your country. This letter costs the volunteer approximately US $25 (fee of service company) and will take about 5-7 days to be issued. Note however, that where there is an urgent requirement for the visa, the letter can be processed in 2 days for around US $50. The cost of faxing the letter to you will be around US $5 or we can send it to you by post. Upon taking the letter to the Vietnamese Consulate in your country an additional fee of approximately US $60 must be paid. The visa will then be issued on the following day, or for around US $15 extra, can be processed immediately. Extending your visa at the end of the 6 month period will cost around US $60.

9

4.8.

Time Commitment

As we aim to have a long-term sustainable impact in our service to local partners, volunteers generally need time to learn about EFD and its partners in order to make an effective contribution. We therefore usually ask office based volunteers to commit to a minimum of three months at 30 hours per week. This minimum commitment allows time for volunteers to orientate themselves in Vietnam, with EFD, and with the work we provide to partners. Long-term volunteers also help to maintain some continuity in EFD’s work. However, we realise that task oriented volunteers can still make an important contribution with a sustainable impact over a shorter time period. If you are only able to commit to one or two months then your assignment would need to be negotiated with EFD staff, based on the contribution you could make within your proposed timeframe.

5. Materials to bring Many volunteers ask EFD about our resource requirements in Vietnam. EFD and our partners require many additional resources, however some can be purchased here more cheaply than in overseas countries so be sure to check with us first before buying items.

5.1.

Current Wish List

Resources Research papers or projects in the Development field especially in vocational training, child participation, and inclusive education, CD ROM/video training courses in management, communications, child participation and other relevant areas. Equipment Computers (including Laptop computer) Power point projector Desks and chairs File cabinets Digital camera Stationary – paper, pens, overhead transparencies, etc Floppy discs and CD ROM Disks First Aid supplies Fridge Bicycles and helmets Motorbikes and helmets Tape recorder Training Materials As the role of volunteers is largely to provide training, guidance, and to introduce or improve systems to EFD and partner staff, you might consider obtaining training materials in areas identified in volunteers’ roles: participatory project planning, project and programme management, monitoring, evaluation, problem-solving, fundraising & PR, personnel management, volunteer management, child participation, social work with street children, Education, and organisational management. If you are considering buying any materials, then please ask us about our specific needs at the time. If you find any materials that you feel might be suitable then please inform us of its content and price. We will then let you know if the specific material is needed and, in the case of training materials, whether EFD is prepared to pay for the item from our training budget.

10

6. EFD’s Commitment to Volunteers In order for volunteers to be effectively involved in EFD, it is important that expectations are clarified between EFD staff and volunteers. As a volunteer you will need to be clear about what you expect from EFD and also what EFD expects of you. Likewise, EFD staff needs to be clear about their expectations of you and, on the other hand, what your expectations of EFD staff are. A code of Rights and Responsibilities has been developed to ensure that the needs and expectations of EFD’s clients, volunteers, and paid staff are respected. As a volunteer you will be entitled to certain rights; you will also have to fulfil certain responsibilities. Likewise, EFD is also entitled to certain rights; it also has to fulfil certain responsibilities to volunteers. Please read the Rights and Responsibilities document. You should also be aware of the following ways that EFD works towards effectively involving volunteers:

6.1.

Recruiting Volunteers

In order to effectively match volunteer candidates with a volunteer placement at EFD we will: • provide interested volunteers with information, including the Rights and Responsibilities of EFD and volunteers, to give interested people an outline of what to expect when volunteering with EFD. • provide candidates with an outline of potential tasks for them to perform. • answer any other questions that candidates may have about volunteering with EFD or local organisations. • clarify the proposed tasks, time commitment, and other expectations with a volunteer before accepting them for a specific volunteer assignment with EFD or a local organisation. • select only those applicants whose skills, experience, and qualities match those of EFD’s volunteer needs or one of our local partner organisations.

6.2.

Orientating Volunteers

In order to prepare a volunteer for their assignment at EFD we will: • provide the volunteer with further information and answers to questions about volunteering with EFD and their specific volunteer assignment. • provide the volunteer with a checklist of important steps to take before starting their volunteer assignment (and before leaving their country if they are recruited from overseas). • provide the volunteer with an on-site orientation that will cover EFD as an organisation, a workplace orientation, and an orientation of partner organisations. • discuss proposed tasks and time commitment, once you have had time to settle in, to come to an agreement. You and the Volunteer Co-ordinator will sign a Volunteer Agreement that outlines your commitment to EFD and EFD’s commitment to managing you as a volunteer.

6.3.

Ongoing Management of Volunteers

The support and guidance given to volunteers varies from one volunteer role to another. EFD volunteers are usually given a lot of autonomy. We therefore require volunteers who enjoy working independently with responsibility, little supervision, and the ability to make their own decisions. It is important that both the volunteer and EFD share the same expectations about how much support and guidance will be provided to the volunteer. This will be agreed upon when signing the Volunteer Agreement.

11

7. Volunteering in Vietnam We have already made references to some of the cultural differences you will face living and working in Vietnam. We suggest that you prepare for these differences by reading travel guides, history books, and other books about Vietnam, looking for information on the Internet, and speaking to people who have been to Vietnam. Try the following sources of information: www.EDUCATIONforDEVELOPMENT.org •

•

Lonely Planet Guide to Vietnam

8. Volunteer Stories Many moments come to life as I sit reflecting upon my time at EFD whilst sitting in the office of my new position back in Australia. It not only feels a long time ago but in a place far away where if walls could talk they would tell a thousand tales! Working at EFD as an Australian Youth Ambassador for Development for a year was an experience that enriched and changed my life. It brought me people I call best friends, taught me lessons that last a lifetime and created enough memories to reflect upon every day until I’m 90! My role as Program Management Mentor provided me the unique and valued experience of working alongside EFD’s three dedicated and diligent Project Officers within all facets of program management. It is near impossible to describe this experience from the confines of a Hospital office looking at a computer that works too quick for my brain within unimaginable quietness. There is so very much to be missed of Vietnam and of course EFD that perhaps only comes to light upon leaving. It now seems so dull to understand what everyone is saying compared to the chatter of multilingual tongues, solo lunches from a sterile staff room certainly don’t compare to all of staff outings and what could possible compare to EFD’s office drink list anywhere in the world! I believe people make places and the team of EFD was, and still is an amazing display of talents and tastes as unique as Vietnam’s very own pho. Of course the experience had its challenges but without this the shared learning would not be so great nor the friendships made so strong. Together everyone was striving for the same impact, to make a small difference to the lives of the people that mattered most, the children. Under the pink frangipani tree at EFD’s former office at May 15 School, I quietly watched children sing to Daddy Cool, dance like Elvis and grow into people with the potential to undertake anything. It was a privileged to have a glimpse into their lives and for that I am always grateful. It is so very true to say that I arrived as a mentor but left learning more than one could ever imagine. Lisa Crouch, Australian Volunteer Volunteering at EFD was something I hadn’t planned when I first came to HCMC. A friend who was also a volunteer for EFD asked me to help with the construction of the web site and I jumped at the opportunity. Not only could I hone my skills, but I could do it while helping an organization that directly improves the lives of disadvantaged children. The task given to me was huge. When it unfolded in front of me it seemed bigger and bigger. As I was enlisted as a task based volunteer, I had no permanent place in the office. I had to work at home or in an Internet café most of the time, but sometimes I could slot myself into a space at EFD. This was sometimes an impediment when communicating with other staff members, but when they could they helped out. The lack of office availability also impeded the speed of some of my work, but in the end the mammoth task was finished and the web site was launched. This achievement was a great reward. Also being invited to stay on as a task-based volunteer was an even greater reward. Damian McDermott, Australian Volunteer

12

My volunteer at EFD ,which was an internship during summer break from my university, was very exciting and it was what I could never experienced in my country. Even though I was studying about the NGO sector, I did not predict that warmth and comfortableness in EFD before. As all the volunteer mentioned often, working as a volunteer at EFD is like becoming a part of the one of warmest families in the world. EFD’s hospitality to volunteers always makes me feel at home and it helped a lot to challenge my new task in the developing country. I was working for EFD for fundraising in Vietnam, which was very relevant and interesting topic for me and also new to EFD. Of course, I had a struggle to manage my task but the challenge will definitely contribute to broadening my possibilities and views to seek a career, challenge the new, rebuild my perspective toward the NGOs. In course of my working, I learned a lot from the other volunteers and the EFD project officers who have diverse backgrounds and experiences. I was working at the office most of the time, however, the one of the most exciting thing in volunteering here was to visit the projects to know why and what I am working for. Children in a shelter for street children, which is EFD’s one of projects, were so adorable that my motivation to my work was increased and gave me more time to rethink about my way of approaching to the causes. This past three months at EFD will be unforgettable moment for me in my lifetime and I will surely miss EFD and all my friends here. Tomomi Hokari, Japanese volunteer I will never forget the moment when I received the email saying “congratulations, you are going to Vietnam!” I was sitting in my office at United Way in Vancouver, Canada. The process to be accepted as a development worker by World University Service of Canada (WUSC) had been intense - and I had been anxiously waiting for about 10 days to hear if I’d been selected. The answer was yes – and I was about to spend two years as a Fund Raising & PR Advisor with a Belgium-Swiss organization called Education for Development (EFD) in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. After a one week orientation at WUSC headquarters in Ottawa, Canada, I flew to Hanoi to attend another week of in-country training with 7 other development workers. Our days were spent in the nearby WUSC office learning about the Vietnamese people, culture, monetary system, language, etc. If Ottawa was the macro - then this second week in Hanoi was definitely the micro study of Vietnam. We traveled to the market to learn how to negotiate for food, we ate in street stalls to start getting our stomachs accustomed to local food, we went to the bank and opened our own accounts, and we jumped on the back of motorcycle taxis to get around the city. In our spare time we saw some of the tourist attractions, but mostly we just wandered around soaking up the sights and sounds of our new home. After a week, we all shipped out to our new home bases. I was the only one heading for Ho Chi Minh City, which was a bit worrisome for me, as I was afraid I would be a bit lost and alone. That was not the case. Immediately upon my arrival, I was welcomed with open arms into the EFD family. Everyone was very friendly and helpful as I settled into a new country and new job. EFD was just like being at a mini United Nations. Over the next two years, I would have the great pleasure to work with staff and volunteers from Vietnam, Belgium, Switzerland, France, Australia, The Netherlands, USA, Germany, and the United Kingdom. My work life was an interesting balance between introducing new systems and processes to EFD – mostly in the areas of fundraising and public relations – but sometimes more on the program delivery side. And spending time with our local Vietnamese partner organizations where my time was divided between team activities like meetings and workshops, and one-on-one interaction that fell under my guidance and mentoring role.

13

The Vietnamese staff I worked with were bright and eager to learn. Most had little or no experience in the areas of fundraising and PR – so it was a challenge for me at times to keep to basics and not venture too far off the fundamentals. My primary goal was to develop solid plans and instigate some form of implementation process and evaluation plan that could be put in place over a length of time that might surpass my two year commitment - always with the view to building long term sustainability and self-reliance. As I reflect back on my time with EFD and its local partners, I have a definite sense of accomplishment. It was not without its challenges – dealing with issues including the language barrier, a lack of confidence that things would work, and sometimes the unwillingness to accept change or try something new. But no obstacle was insurmountable – and without a doubt, the personal rewards I received from overcoming these hurdles will last a lifetime. I will look back on my time at EFD with fond memories - of sharing my knowledge and experiences with those eager to learn, and spending time with new friends – laughing and enjoying each other’s company and the journey we undertook together. Cheryl Pultz, Canadian Volunteer

14