Hope your holidays were great and things are settling down. They are in my home. My son is back at college and Kristina is back in school and I get to be her personal uber driver.
Though the holiday's season in the States has drawn to a close, in Vietnam it is just gearing up. Tet (Lunar New Year) is Feb. 8. For those in the "Western" world it is a Phenomena not easily understood. Sorta like our Birthday, 4th of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's all rolled into one!
In years past we innocently would give "Tet Baskets" to the poor" children. I often remember seeing moms standing at the back while I smiled with their children for the photo opportunity.
One day I read "toxic Charity" and realized we were robbing the dignity of the parents and especially the fathers. We were innocently teaching that the American NGO would help you. Yes there is truth to this, but was there not a better way to do so?
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| A mom earning enough to purchase Tet gfts for her family!!!. |
The last few years we have set up a "Tet Store." A place where parents can come and buy gifts for their children at 10 cents on the dollar. We invite the same needy families , but this time they get to purchase the gifts and they be the real heroes. If a person does not have enough to pay 10% of cost we have simple "jobs" for them to work a few hours and earn enough to shop.
It has been a real joy to see not only moms but fathers to come and shop. Often the dads come and say "before I would never come but now that I can buy for my family I come proudly!"
Several of you mentioned last year you wanted to help. Tam has asked me for funds to serve more families in need. If you can help us to give some dignity back to the family and especially the fathers. Please give. It can be done at www.givingitbacktokids.org. Be sure to put in the comments box TET. Bless You!!!
I also want to include a journal from one of our "Dorothea's Project legacy" teachers.
Please meet Suong. A primary school age teacher;
"Congratulations! You come to the office to start your job at 8:30a.m on August 15th, 2015"
That moment was such magic for me. After graduation at the end of June, I applied for a job in lots of places in most districts, but I was eventually disappointed since I don't have a household registration in Da Nang. At that time, I just thought about how to find a job to cover my expenses, not about my dream.
On the appointed day, I came to the office 30 minutes earlier than scheduled. While I was waiting for the staff, I took a chance to look round the room where I had an interview before. The images of unfortunate children and others in lovely pictures on the wall, not only brought me the feeling of great emotion, but also created an enormous impact on my thoughts. I had a desire to give kids as well as other people who are in difficult circumstances, a life full of laughter and happiness. Working at GIBTK, I learned that there are still large numbers of benefactors who give with their whole hearts.
Working and playing with children in this organization is my nurtured dream. GIBTK provides me with all necessary conditions and a friendly working environment to fulfill my dream, which is joining hands to assist kids in studying and being closer to their wishes. I am deeply thankful for that.
Every day when I come to classes, my students always make me happy. They are also very naïve and lovely that inspires me a great deal. I want to put all my passion and enthusiasm into teaching. Among my community classes there is a student in grade 2 who always gives me a big hug. That moment seems to be the whole world for me. Another student in grade 5 said to me that "I want to be a teacher like you to assist other children who are in the same circumstances". I just replied "If I can, you had better work for GIBTK. It will help you make your dream come true". Therefore, each passing day is a pleasure and joyfulness for me.
Ms. Nhung is the first person I met at the organization. She led me to the feeling of extreme friendliness, so I felt very comfortable to be calm during the interview. Luckily, I did it quite well without any nervousness. The way she showed me her own experience and gave me several pieces of useful advice was also very friendly. For me, all members in the organization seem to be a big family. They share valuable things in life with each other warmly and impartially.
Additionally, I am offered an opportunity to learn about emotional health. Due to that, I get a better insight into children's mentality together with some unexpected problems, and how to deal with them reasonably during classes. Emotional health is extremely helpful and suitable for my job.
Knowing and working for this organization is the most wonderful thing for me. I would like to make huge efforts along with other members here to reach GIBTK's target that is making a difference in human life. My love reserved for children has been gradually increased. Moreover, I find my own career passion.
Sincerely;
Suong
