Go Vap Orphanage Visit 2017

On 25th November, 12 BIS HCMC students embarked on their Community trip to Ky Quang 2 Pagoda in the outskirts of Go Vap district, Ho Chi Minh City. Anh Khoa Tang and Victoria Fethke share their experience and lessons learned after spending time bonding with the children at the orphanage.

On Saturday morning the 25th of November, 12 BIS HCMC students left for Ky Quang 2 Pagoda in the outskirts of Go Vap district, Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arriving, we were greeted by the sacred atmosphere of the pagoda along with the welcoming spirits of the monks and children. We spent time with the younger children; arranging a variety of activities to keep them interested including colouring, mask-making and wristband-making. Two hours passed swiftly and were filled with great laughter and joy.

Through talking with the monks and helpers, we were able to see the challenges that the children there faced and the obstacles that they have to overcome. Most of them are abandoned by their parents at a very young age, thus experience little to no parental love. We were astonished at how, despite the difficulties and challenges that they have faced, the children were positive, enthusiastic, and friendly. 
Leaving was the toughest moment for me considering how we all bonded with the children. Arriving back at school, we brought back with ourselves a lesson of gratitude and the positivity of the children.

Anh Khoa Tang, Year 13 student

Early Saturday morning we embarked on our journey to the tranquil Go Vap pagoda, which the orphanage is part of. Despite the difficulties of getting there, we were soon greeted by welcoming and awaiting faces of both the children, monks and helpers. The 2 hours we spent with the children quickly passed as we were colouring, making masks and bracelets and forming shapes with play dough. The children were incredibly friendly, adorable and enthusiastic so it was quite sad when we had to leave! This was my first visit to Go Vap. It was an eye opening and enjoyable experience as these children, who have so little, still so unapologetically radiate with curiosity and joy.

Be sure to join the Go Vap Orphanage Visit next term!

Victoria Fethke, Year 12 student

Community Projects at BIS HCMC

The British International School, HCMC has a core commitment to the all-round development of each child. Through a range of planned community service and fundraising activities we provide appropriate opportunities for students of all ages to develop a respectful and caring sense of social responsibility towards other people and the environment on both a local and global scale.

#BISCommunity