What is the Helping Kids in Vietnam program?

Make a genuine difference to the lives of these special needs kids at a day-care centre attached to a local hospital in Ho Chi Minh City.  This project cares for up to 25 disabled Vietnamese children, and volunteers are a valuable help to the local full-time staff.

Week 1 is full of activities, culture, and sightseeing before getting stuck in to volunteering at the project from Week 2 onwards. 

What did previous participants think?

“I loved the entire trip, the volunteering itself was absolutely life-changing. I made so many new friends and we had plenty of time to go out after volunteering, the nightlife in Vietnam is extraordinary. ”  ​Kirstin from QLD

 “My experience was amazing. I met an amazing group of people and the program itself was very rewarding; the kids were beautiful”  ​Chelsea from VIC

Where will I stay?

Single-gender dorm rooms on a uni campus, shared with up to 10 other western volunteers. There is air-con, a safety box for your valuables, wifi, bed linen and a pool and gym on campus. Next to our accommodation is a local café where volunteers love to hang out, it is a beautiful and peaceful place which serves fresh juices and snacks.

What will I do?

The key focus area for improving the quality of the children's lives is enhancing their speech and muscular capacity. Daily regimes are carried out in which you will play a part. 

The volunteer team will help with all aspects of care, from assisting at mealtimes to reading, playing games, dancing, and singing and generally having fun with the kids. Painting, art and other creative pursuits are encouraged by the hospital.  Previous childcare experience, whilst helpful is not essential.

Your enthusiasm and love for these kids will be of great value – bring lots of energy, heaps of patience and a great big smile and you will enjoy every minute – not only that, but the kids will love having you there too!  Vietnam is a fascinating country with a turbulent history, and during your time here you’ll explore and learn all about it.  By joining this program and giving 1-1 attention you will play a part in helping these special kids become more socially active, developing skills which will enable them to live a life with more dignity and independence and to become active members of the community in the future.

Intro week is packed full of exciting adventures and cultural excursions where we explore Ho Chi Minh City (aka Saigon) and its beautiful surrounds and get acquainted with Vietnamese culture.  You can expect your week to look something like this: 

• Monday – orientation, Vietnamese language and culture session, activities with local students
• Tuesday - City tour inc. Reunification Palace, Opera House, Notre Dame, Jade Emperor Pagoda, War Remnant Museum and Ben Thanh markets
• Wednesday – Vietnamese cooking class, bracelet making workshop and Can Cu markets
• Thursday – an all-day visit to the famous Cu Chi Tunnel system
• Friday – first day to your volunteer project

How do I apply?

If you're interested and want some more info or to apply to this program, chuck in your details below or download the info pack and someone will be in touch to help you out!