Orphan Impact: Vietnam Orphanages Update 2016

Since 2009 Orphan Impact has been delivering valuable computer training to orphans throughout Vietnam. In 2016 we helped expand the EdTech program to China. Underprivileged ​children learn to use computers and the Internet to design, create, store, share, consume, and communicate information. Students gain self-confidence, motivation, and important job skill training.

Stats at a Glance

• Total participating orphanages in Vietnam: 27
• Total participating students in Vietnam: 939
• Average number of students in each orphanage: 35
• Age of students: 8-18 years old

​We are so very grateful to TFish Fund for providing the grants that make this expansion possible.

Map of orphanages in Vietnam with computer classes

​Timeline of Growth in Vietnam

• 2009: 3 orphanages
• 2010: 3 new orphanages; 6 total
• 2011: 2 new orphanages; 8 total
• 2012: Canceled cooperation in 2 orphanages; 6 total (Instead of growth this year, we focused on replacing equipment.) 
• 2013: 2 new orphanages; 8 total (Instead of growth this year, we focused on replacing equipment.)
• 2014: 2 new orphanages; 10 total - growth made possible by TFish and Chao Foundation
• 2015: 10 new orphanages; 20 total - 100% of the growth was made possible by TFish and Chao Foundation
• 2016: 7 new orphanages; 27 total - 100% of the growth was made possible by TFish and Chao Foundation

Program Expansion

​This has been the most exciting, fast-paced, year we've ever had. In addition to growing our orphanage partner computer labs, we introduced 2 new programs that will become cornerstones moving forward:

1. Career Prep for 16-18 year olds
2. Maker Academy, implementing the on-trend style of creative learning that includes arts, engineering, coding, alongside design thinking, communication, collaboration, and critical thinking.

​New Orphanage: Kien Giang Province

This new orphanage is located very far from Saigon city center, an 8-hour bus ride away. Hien, age 9, is among the first to join our class each week. He is attentive, helpful, and excited. Kahoot, a common website we use to quickly assess the students’ understanding, is very popular with the students because of the “game show” style of questioning and waiting for the anwer. Hien waits anxiously once his answer has been submitted and often jumps in celebration when he is correct. 

This level of engagement is one of the core components of Orphan Impact. We bring high quality education to students in remote and isolated locations and help them re-engage in the learning process and see the importance of education for creating opportunities they wouldn’t otherwise have after they graduate and leave the orphanage.

​New Student with a Missing Arm: An Giang Province

​This continuing partner orphanage is located 6 hours away from Saigon city center. Tad shares his experience visiting this orphanage.

“When I was visiting our orphanage partners prior to the beginning of the school year in August, I was just leaving a meeting with the orphanage director in An Giang when a group of students circled around me and chatted. Amidst the group, I felt a small tugging on my shirt and looked down to see a small girl. She showed me that she was missing one arm but asked if she would still be able to join our computer class this year. When I responded affirmatively, she broke into a huge smile and promised that she would work hard. She has now joined through the first 1/3 of the school year and done very well. 
​
Accessibility, opportunity, encouragement, hope…these types of intangibles are a crucial part of what we offer in our classrooms. Of course, we have significant academic goals. But before we can achieve success with the students academically, it is so important to help them feel valued and see their self-confidence grow to the point where they are willing (even excited) to try new things.” 

New orphanage in An Giang Province

New orphanage in An Giang Province

More Photos from Vietnam