On Thursday 11th April a wonderful event happened that not only bought all of our parents together from each campus but also raised money for an important long term BIS community partner.
I am sure that many people who attended the event would agree that the PTG Coffee and Cake morning this year was a great success which bought together parents from all campuses to raise funds for such an important cause.
The event was in aid of Thuy’s Dreams which is an organisation that helps children with cancer in Vietnam. They provide donations for treatment, enrichment of the children within the hospitals as well as long term support.
BIS have a strong connection with the cancer wards here in HCMC and for the past 7 years, our secondary students have been visiting cancer hospitals in HCMC to bring laughter into the children’s lives. This after-school activity is understandably very difficult and many of us here would find it hard to get on a bus every week and visit the hospitals. Our students' commitment and dedication to such an important cause is truly admirable.
At the event, 3 Secondary Students, (Rose Mincher, Mai Ly Burke, Mai Anh Tran) from the cancer ward co-curricular club spoke about their experiences at the hospitals and their determination to continue to support the children. In a joint presentation, the students talked about the condition of the children they are visiting at the hospital and how some children are malnourished, bruised and disabled as a result of their cancer. They talked about the children at cancer wards enjoying the simple learning activities they do with BIS students as they can’t go to school because of their cancer. They also enjoy fun games as well as colouring and painting.
The students also described their feelings during and after the visits especially observing the harsh condition inside cancer wards being overcrowded with not enough beds and minimal care for the children.
A representative of “Thuy’s Dreams” gave a presentation explaining how the organisation was founded to support children with cancer and their families. Ms. Le Na mentioned the different activities the organisation sponsor such as scholarships, treatment, and food supplies.
We also had two of the secondary students (Khanh Linh Tran and Agraj Joshi) reciting poetry which lifted spirits along with performances from our talented Junior harmony choir students, primary and secondary instrumentalists and singers as well as the community choir!
Funds raised at the event will go directly to the children who are in need of treatment at the hospital and to Thuy’s Dreams to support the enrichment of the children in the hospital and their long term support.
On behalf of the PTG who did an amazing job organising the event and the Community Service Department, I would like to say a big thank you for either attending or donating cake/money to this event.
This event was special because it highlighted what a strong school community that we have. Thank you to everyone involved with the event and who donated!
In total, we raised 91,675,000 VND which will make a huge difference to those children living with cancer in Ho Chi Minh City.
Reem Mehanna, Community Service Projects Manager
101 Thao Dien Street,
Thao Dien Ward, Thu Duc City,
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Junior Campus
225 Nguyen Van Huong Street,
Thao Dien Ward, Thu Duc City,
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Secondary Campus
246 Nguyen Van Huong Street,
Thao Dien Ward, Thu Duc City,
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
