Vihn Phuc, Vietnam
August 20–September 3, 2010
This trip to Vietnam is the only Global Village trip that is organized in recognition and honor of Anne Carroll. Anne Carroll is a dedicated Habitat volunteer who has lead nine GV trips to Europe, Central Asia, the Pacific and the Americas. This is the first year when she is taking the “easy way out” and enjoying herself on the trip as a team member. The team will feature many fun activites her previous team members adore her for, such as Ice Cream Evenings, Laugh and Giggle Marathons and last—but not least—Fun Construction Days. Join the team and you will have the opportunity to meet, laugh and work with Anne Carroll.
About Vietnam
Vietnam (“Viet Nam” in Vietnamese), officially the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, is the easternmost country on the Indochina Peninsula in Southeast Asia, bordering China, Laos and Cambodia. The population is densely packed in the bustling and chaotic streets of Hanoi in the north. About 3,450 km (2,140 miles) of coastline to the south, are tranquil rice paddies and tropical islands.
The country has experienced significant economic growth in the past two decades as the country shifted to a market-style economy. A driving force for the future is Vietnam’s strongly motivated and educated population—the country boasts a 90 percent literacy rate. But while Vietnam has the second fastest-growing economy in Asia, it is still one of the poorest countries in the region. A 2004 census estimated 19.5 percent of Vietnamese lived below the national poverty line. Substandard housing in Vietnam ranges from overcrowded urban units to shacks constructed from scraps or natural materials that need frequent replacing.
Vinh Phuc is a Red River Delta province in North Vietnam. Vinh Yen is the capital town of the province, 50 kilometers from Hanoi and 30 kilometers northwest of Noi Bai International Airport. The province population is approximately 1.1 million. Geographically, Vinh Phuc consists of three ecological zones: plains, midlands and mountains. These zones favor development of agriculture, forestry, industry and tourist services.
About Habitat for Humanity Vietnam
Habitat’s work in Vietnam is organized through the Habitat for Humanity Vietnam national office that was established in October 2002. Currently, Habitat has projects in the southern provinces of Kien Giang, Tien Giang, Dong Nai as well as Ho Chi Minh City.
To learn more about Habitat Vietnam, visit www.habitatvietnam.org.
Types of construction for volunteers
Volunteers may work on existing home renovations and complete home construction. Volunteers may help with some—but not necessarily all—of these activities: transporting materials; filling foundations with dirt, stone and sand; compacting floor; mixing mortar; laying bricks; and cleaning and painting windows and doors.
Standard itinerary
Day 1: Depart for Vietnam.
Day 2: Arrive in Hanoi; free time; dinner; overnight in hotel.
Day 3: Travel to Vinh Phuc; orientation with local staff member; visit project sites and families; welcome dinner.
Days 4–8 (Work days): Breakfast served before traveling to work site; work from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. with lunch on site. Free time after work to clean up; dinner and time for team activities.
Days 9–10 (Free days): Activities in local community.
Days 11–13 (Work days): Breakfast served before traveling to work site; work from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. with lunch on site. Free time after work to clean up; dinner at house; time for team activities; farewell lunch with families.
Day 14: Travel to Hanoi; free time for local activities; dinner.
Day 15: Departure day.
Note: Trip includes special events throughout the week, including cultural experiences with affiliate staff, such as market tours and visits to museums, church, historical sites, etc.
Accommodations
Teams typically stay in a local hotel with air conditioning. Participants will share double-occupancy rooms with a private bath.
Breakfast will be eaten at the hotel. Lunch will be prepared by local restaurants that are located near the work site. Dinners will be at local restaurants. Snacks and water are included, as well as the cost of welcome and farewell dinners.
Trip cost
$1,690
Trip cost includes: donation to the Habitat host program and HFHI; meals; accommodations; transport (excluding trip participant air fare); medical emergency evacuation and trip cancellation insurance; some local cultural activities and team coordination and orientation materials. The team leader’s trip cost and estimated airfare may be included in the trip budget. The trip cost does not include trip participant air fare, R&R activities or visa and exit fees (not applicable for all destinations).
Team leader
Nora Liksai has been friends with Anne since 1999, when Anne brought a GV team to the Eclipse Build in Beius, Romania. She first got involved with Habitat 20 years ago in Hungary. She served internationally with Habitat for Humanity International for four years in many countries in Europe and Central Asia. You can learn a lot more about Nora when you join the team! You will be welcomed with open arms and a big smile!
If you are interested in this trip to Vietnam or have any questions, please e-mail Nora at gv11308@gmail.com.