Go Vap Orphanage Visit March 2019

On Saturday the 16th of March, 35 BIS HCMC students and staff embarked on their community trip to Ky Quang Pagoda located in the outskirts of Go Vap district. We were welcomed warmly and had a really memorable time doing crafting activities, chatting and dancing with the children.

At the Pagoda, we split into 2 groups where one group worked with disabled children and the other group worked with younger children at the orphanage. Though it was hard for some of us to communicate with the children, we were able to learn that smiling is part of a universal language. We spent the valuable time doing activities the Community Committee had prepared: colouring, jigsaws, playdoh and painting. The children were adorable, incredibly enthusiastic and loved sitting on our laps! I was especially very happy to see the children appreciate even the smallest things we prepared for them. 

“It was one of the best experiences of volunteering I have had. The children were adorable - especially one boy who stuck with me throughout the day. We introduced paint and made a lot of mess but seeing the children enjoy it was really rewarding. It made me very happy to see the smiles on their faces because of the simple joy which is brought by coming to play with them.” - My Khanh Pham

Leaving was the toughest moment as we had built new friendships with the children. This unforgettable experience has taught us to be humble and appreciative of the things we take for granted. The Community Committee organise a trip to the Pagoda once per term, so we are all looking forward to our next visit in Term 3.

Chae Won Oh