Hearts for Hue’s Community Service Programmes connect international and local volunteers with marginalised, often rural, kindergartens and schools to deliver construction and cultural exchange projects aimed at enhancing educational opportunities for children.
Projects vary and may include school improvements such as building handwashing facilities, equipping computer rooms, erecting fences, constructing green libraries, and creating gardens and courtyards. Other activities involve repairing homes and building toilets for disadvantaged families. All programmes incorporate recreational and cultural exchange activities, such as English language classes, cultural exchange with students from Hue University, and visits to paddy fields or traditional handicraft villages.
Volunteers work together to complete construction projects and take part in cultural exchange activities.
HOW THE PROGRAM WORKS:
Hearts for Hue works in collaboration with Wide Eyed Tours, the Singapore Management University, Singapore Institute of Technology, Ngee Ann Polytechnic ASEAN Young Professionals Volunteers Corp (AYPVC) and other international schools to bring volunteer groups into rural communities. Together, they carry out construction projects aimed at improving educational opportunities for children.
CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS:
Fence Building: By building fences around rural kindergartens, Hearts for Hue provides protection to children while enabling schools to receive larger financial opportunities from the government. Schools that have fences are eligible for more government funding which can be used to improve and expand educational programs.
Many schools have crumbling infrastructure, which can lead to health and safety issues. During rainy season, some schools that lack courtyards or driveways will flood, leaving students exposed to contaminated sitting water. Walking to class becomes struggle and a health risk. By taking part in infrastructure building projects such as building courtyards, playgrounds and gardens, volunteers are able to give children a new learning environment and positively contribute to their future.
CULTURAL EXCHANGE:
Volunteer groups are given the chance to experience authentic Vietnamese culture through various cultural exchange opportunities while working with Hearts for Hue. Cooking lessons are offered by the schools, allowing volunteers to learn how to cook traditional Vietnamese dishes and experience Vietnamese culture through the sharing of food.
Groups are also given the opportunity to participate and lead English lessons with students at the kindergarten. Children study and practice English in their schools but rarely have the chance to engage with fluent speakers. By allowing volunteers to interact with children, Hearts for Hue is hoping to increase the children’s English language skills while introducing them to different cultures and people.