I am a primary school teacher and during March/April this year I spent 4 weeks volunteering with this life-changing program. I was not part of a group but rather chose to undertake this experience independently. As luck would have it, another volunteer was working there already so I had company for part of my stay. When I was on my own ( this was just at night and my choice, and on the weekends) for two of the four weeks, I was never lonely or felt unsafe. The CSV team and our friendly neighbours were always popping in, walking past or just a phone call away.
This truly wonderful program is filled with love, support and commitment from all involved. I was supported in my application right from the very start by Sandie, who regularly emailed me to answer any questions or concerns I may have had. Once in DaNang I was immediately part of the CVS family consisting of Mr T, Kimmy, Mr Phuc and Co Tram. Each of these extraordinary people play a vital role in running the program and watching over their international volunteers. Nothing is ever too much trouble for these four dedicated people. Having a weekly timetable helps to get you thinking well ahead for activities or resources you may wish to organise for specific groups. The team is very open to ideas you may have or experiences you might like to share with the children. Each group you visit throughout the week has its own particular needs and Mr T and Mr Phuc are well versed in who needs what care/ physio/medication/etc. This is a program where those running it, are completely immersed in all the 'goings on'. They are in there feeding, changing nappies, playing, bathing, exercising the children's twisted little limbs, wrestling the toddlers, painting fences, making purchases and all the while watching out for their volunteers. If you are thinking that volunteering for this program could be for you, then take a leap of faith and join up. Will I be going back? Absolutely, only next year it will be for longer than 4 weeks!
GGC Volunteers
Myself along with 5 other students where selected to represent Australian Catholic University Brisbane for a children’s physiotherapy placement. We spent 5 weeks in Da Nang, Vietnam in the GGC volunteers and Care and Share Volunteers program with our educator Sandie (from GGC volunteers) and assisting volunteer physiotherapist Luci.
We visited a number of orphanages and schools for disadvantaged and disabled children in Da Nang, Tam Ky and Hoi An. The children in these centres have diverse backgrounds from disabilities to poor or no families. It was a humbling experience to be able to use our university studies on children that truly deserved the attention. The children love any attention they can get, as interaction with adults can be scarce in the orphanage/school situation. Our interactions with the children varied between the centres but generally consisted of physiotherapy, English teaching and physical activity. Playing games and dancing to Gangnam style really had the children interacting and having fun. We may have had a bit of fun as well.
The volunteer house is a true Vietnamese experience that even included our own chef Co Tram who specialises in delicious Vietnamese home cooked meals. Its only 300m from the beach and is in quiet and safe area. The 3 level house is massive and had plenty of room for us all. After the first few weeks it really starts to feel like a home away from home.
This program comes along with a team of 3 lovely Vietnamese locals from Care and Share Volunteers. Mr Phuc a physiotherapist showed us the in’s and out’s of how to do physiotherapy and general care for a child in Vietnam. Listen closely he has a killer karoke voice. Along with Mr T and Kimmy who help with managing the day-to-day activities and can answer any questions you may have. Kimmy and Mr T also love learning slang English and like a few good laughs.
I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Vietnam with GGC volunteers and cannot wait to come back. This organisation has the utmost professional and caring approach to volunteering this was evident by the amount of projects that they are involved with. My small summary doesn’t give this life changing experience justice. This is without a doubt t
I am currently volunteering with GGC Volunteers with their "Care and Share Volunteers - Vietnam" program.
I cannot recommend it enough!
The volunteer house is located in a quiet street (except Karaoke noise, but that is everywhere!!) near the beach. It is possible to walk to main shops and is only 300metres from the beach. It is clean, secure, and spacious and includes internet, food, power and all living costs.
Care and share focus on caring for children in orphanages, particularly helping those kids with disabilities, and teaching English.
The program includes all meals (all delicious and freshly made! I am still trying to convince the cook that I don't need so much food as she makes, but it tastes so good and I just wanna eat it anyway!)
It also includes support from 3 vietnamese staff; a physiotherapist who will help guide you if you do have any experience working with disabilities. The house manager and volunteer coordinator. All 3 staff attend the orphanages with us every day and are there changing nappies with the best of us. They also frequently are doing things after hours in their own time (like painting murals in one of the clinics to make it nicer for the kids until 3am!!!). They are very honest and lovely people. They are also very open and always checking if you need any help (e.g. with buying phone cards, or medicines) or if you have any issues at all. At night there is even a night watchman to make sure everything runs smoothly (not that I have ever noticed anything dodgy).
This program is very new, but every step of the way they are setting it up to ensure there is no chance for profiteering. For example, staff will never ask for donations for anything, and if you do donate money you will be given receipts and sent photos of what your donation paid for if you have finished the program already.
This is one program where you really will make a difference, there isn't huge volun-tourism money being made, and then people are all genuinely honest, friendly and helpful.
I have been here one month already, and am so glad I choose GGC and Vietnam to spend the next 8 months of my life!
