Supporting Underprivileged Vietnamese Children: Nonprofit Led by Students Making a Difference
High school students also want to help build a school in Vietnam.
Last summer, Mai-Lan Vu, a junior at Clark High School, returned from a trip to Vietnam inspired to make a difference. During her visit to her family, Vu witnessed children selling souvenirs to tourists to help support their families. While she had been to Vietnam before, it was the first time she felt compelled to help these children. At just 16 years old, Vu decided to join forces with friends from school, some of whom also have family roots in Vietnam.
“We saw how different the living conditions were there and wanted to help in any way we could,” Vu shared.
In August of last year, Vu and her friends founded the nonprofit organization, Giving to Kids. The organization consists of seven young board members and 40 volunteers from Clark and other district schools. Their mission is to provide resources, essential items, and support to underprivileged children globally.
In their first year as nonprofit leaders, the students raised $30,000. This summer, they returned to Vietnam with the funds to purchase food, clothing, and bedding to donate to orphanages, temples, and other organizations.
“We also gave them treats they wouldn’t normally buy, and it was heartwarming to see how happy they all were,” said Robert Chondro, program coordinator for the nonprofit organization and a senior at Clark High School.
Another benefit of purchasing items to donate in Vietnam was supporting local small businesses. Chondro, 17, expressed how inspiring it was to see the orphanage directors’ faces and their gratitude for receiving supplies they couldn’t afford.
“I think that’s what inspired us to create an even bigger impact next year and in the future,” Chondro stated.
Future goals for Giving to Kids include expanding their work to other countries and partnering with Build a School Foundation Inc. to help build a school in rural Cambodia. The students also have a vision to construct a school in Vietnam.
“We believe that providing necessary items and supplies is only half the battle, but education is equally important,” Chondro explained. “This way, we can give the youth there the opportunity to change their own future.”
Subheading: Making a Lasting Impact
In their efforts to support underprivileged Vietnamese children, the students of Giving to Kids are not only providing material assistance but also aiming to create a lasting impact on their lives. By focusing on education and partnering with organizations to build schools, they are laying the foundation for a brighter future for these children.
The organization’s commitment to sustainability and long-term change sets them apart from other charitable initiatives. Through their dedication and passion, they are not only addressing immediate needs but also looking towards the future to ensure that the children they support have the tools and resources to thrive.
Subheading: Empowering Youth Through Service
Giving to Kids is not just about providing aid to those in need; it is also about empowering youth to make a difference in the world. By involving students in every aspect of the organization, from fundraising to donation distribution, the nonprofit is instilling a sense of responsibility and compassion in the next generation of leaders.
The hands-on experience of working with underprivileged children and communities in Vietnam has a profound impact on the students involved. It teaches them valuable lessons about empathy, resilience, and the power of collective action. By empowering these young individuals to take charge and make a difference, Giving to Kids is shaping the leaders of tomorrow.
Subheading: Building a Brighter Future
As Giving to Kids looks to the future, their vision extends beyond providing immediate relief to underprivileged children. By focusing on education and infrastructure projects like building schools, they are investing in the long-term development of communities in need.
The construction of a school in Vietnam and partnership with Build a School Foundation Inc. demonstrate the organization’s commitment to creating sustainable change. By equipping children with the tools they need to succeed academically, Giving to Kids is paving the way for a brighter future for generations to come.
In conclusion, the nonprofit organization, Giving to Kids, led by students like Mai-Lan Vu and Robert Chondro, is making a significant impact on underprivileged children in Vietnam. Their dedication to providing resources, support, and education is not only changing lives but also empowering youth to become compassionate and proactive global citizens. As they continue their mission to build schools and expand their reach, Giving to Kids is setting a powerful example of how young people can make a difference in the world.