November 19, 2024 by Thanh Tazumi

This year has been an exceptionally busy year for initiative lead Thanh Tazumi, initiative assistant Mark Tazumi, field coordinator Minh Nguyen, field leads, Mau Le, Kim Anh Nguyen, and Gina Le, and other ICO volunteers.

In April, Thanh traveled to Hanoi with sponsor Bruce Izard to celebrate with six graduates. In July, Thanh traveled to Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) to connect with Kim Anh, Gina, and about a dozen students. At the beginning of August a student sponsor traveled to HCMC and met up with Thanh and the student she is supporting.

After spending three weeks in HCMC, Thanh flew to Hanoi and stayed there for two months. Initiative assistant Mark Tazumi joined Thanh for seven weeks, and together they hosted many group activities, including large group birthday celebrations, games night, and several field trips.

In September, Darcy Demerse and Charis Tazumi traveled to Hanoi to volunteer with the project for two weeks. Students in Hanoi had plenty of opportunities to practice conversational English with Mark, Charis, and Darcy.

The team was in Hanoi during the biggest typhoon Vietnam has experienced in 60 years, Typhoon Yagi. Fortunately, all volunteers and students were safe; although, some families connected with the project were mildly impacted. A group of students rolled up their sleeves and traveled to Ha Nam after the typhoon to assist families whose homes were flooded.

In 2023-2024 we provided scholarships for 41 students. After a couple of withdrawals from school, six graduates, and three students referred to a different funder, we were left with 29 students at the end of the school year. We have received and accepted 10 applicants for scholarships, which brings us to 39 post-secondary students this year.

Collage by Charis Tazumi