Since 2015, Hearts For Huế has established a close partnership with the Australian Volunteers Program. Over nearly a decade, more than seven Australian volunteers have supported and collaborated with Hearts For Huế in enhancing management capacity, developing staff, and advancing the foundation’s humanitarian programs.
The Beginning of a Connection
This collaboration began with Hearts For Huế’s aspiration to build a strong workforce equipped with the knowledge and skills to carry out community development projects in Thừa Thiên Huế. the Australian Volunteers Program responded promptly to this need by providing experienced volunteers who not only offered technical support but also served as motivators and sources of inspiration.
Outstanding Contributions of Australian volunteers
- Organizational Development Strategies:
In 2015, with the assistance of volunteer Christina Raddatz, the foundation began planning its program and project development strategy for 2015–2020 and a vision for 2025. This plan focused on microfinance projects and livelihood support for people with disabilities.
- Building Professional Project Management Systems:
From 2015 to 2024, with the direct support of volunteers Ann CorfieldIsabell Evans, volunteer Alex Robert, and Alistair Cameron, along with the online guidance of Romeo Esangga and Chi, Hearts For Huế progressively developed a professional project management system. This system includes project proposal writing, implementation, evaluation, reporting, and communication processes, significantly improving organizational efficiency and transparency.
- Soft Skills Training:
Australian volunteers organized training sessions on communication skills, time management, and teamwork for Hearts For Huế staff, helping them become more confident in their work.
- Expanding the Partnership Network:
With support from the Australian Volunteers Program, Hearts For Huế extended its network to include international and local non-governmental organizations, creating numerous collaboration and resource mobilization opportunities. For example:
- The PiCCA organization (Australia) funded livelihood programs for people with disabilities and Agent Orange victims in A Lưới District through connections established by Christina Raddatz.
- Other support programs were funded by the Australian Embassy through connections facilitated by Isabell Evans, Alex Robert, and Alistair Cameron.
Proud Achievements
These collaborative efforts have yielded remarkable outcomes. From a small nonprofit organization, Hearts For Huế has become one of the leading organizations in Thừa Thiên Huế, implementing numerous effective community support programs in education, healthcare, and sustainable livelihoods.
The staff of Hearts For Huế have not only grown in professional skills but also developed leadership mindsets, preparing them to take on greater roles in the future. The strong partnership between Hearts For Huế and the Australian Volunteeers Program is a vivid testament to the power of international collaboration, where organizations and individuals from different countries can work together to build a better future for communities.
Find out more about the Australian Volunteers Program at australianvolunteers.com
