Russell and his wife Ursula had been to Vietnam before but in late 2019 they made a special trip to the country, which led them to helping a school in a remote village.
The couple from Victoria were visiting their sponsored child, 10-year-old Yen, for the first time. They had been sponsoring Yen for six years and had regularly written letters to her through ChildFund’s sponsorship program, but wanted to meet Yen and see for themselves what her life was like.
“We had always planned to visit her because it makes it more real,” Russell says.
“It was very exciting to meet Yen. It was a very nice experience. Her parents were delightful and Yen was delightful – a little shy at first, but after a little while she opened up.”
Russell and Ursula met Yen and her family at Yen’s school, where they were taken aback by the number of students.
“I was a bit surprised that the school had so many children – there were about 500 children – in such a remote place,” Russell says. “It was a big school for a place that was so remote.”
The school was in “good nick”, but Russell and Ursula noticed that the computer room was lacking in resources. “I think they had six or seven computers for a class in the entire school,” Russell says. “Given the children’s economic circumstances, I imagined they wouldn’t have computers at home.”
After returning home to Australia, the couple decided to donate eight computers to Yen’s school.
If thinking about adventure travel gets you excited, imagine actually doing it. Are you looking for an experience that will help you find balance and cultivate gratitude? Do you want to refocus, realign or reconnect? Do you want to experience the trip of a lifetime, while also supporting a good cause?
Well, then this is an adventure you can’t miss. In September of this year, we challenge you to challenge yourself, and join us for a trek through northern Vietnam, and raise money for some of Asia’s most vulnerable children. Here’s why.
This is your chance to do something life-changing
Yes, this will be a life-changing experience. You’ll spend five days trekking through northern Vietnam. The patchwork of rice paddies and rippling green mountains is a picturesque backdrop to Vietnam’s rural villages, where children and families continue to struggle with high levels of poverty.
As you lace up your boots and soak in the splendour revealed by every kilometre, you’ll have the chance to reflect, assess and grow. It’s on journeys like these, when you have the opportunity to see how others in the world live differently, that life-changing truths emerge.
Experience the traditions of Vietnamese culture
Rural Vietnam is home to rich traditions, many of which you’ll experience in the villages en route. From the taste of traditional food, to the colours and sounds of rural life, you’ll bear witness to the real Vietnam, the Vietnam outside the bright lights of Hanoi.
Make a difference by fundraising for children in need
All adventurers are asked to fundraise $3,500 in support of ChildFund Pass It Back, an award-winning sport for development program, recently the 2019 principal charity partner for Rugby World Cup.
The program teaches valuable life skills to help children build resilience, overcome life challenges and inspire positive social change in their communities. ChildFund Pass It Back is currently active in Laos, Philippines, Timor-Leste and Vietnam.
There’s no catch, only an adventure
At the end of the trek, you’ll see where your fundraising money is going as you spend two days visiting ChildFund projects. You’ll be invited to play a game of tag rugby with children and coaches active in the ChildFund Pass It Back program, learning first-hand how supporters like you are helping children play, learn and grow.
Here’s some answers to questions you might have:
When is the trek?
From touchdown to lift off, the Inspired Adventures trek will take place between 5th and 16th September.
Do we have time for sight-seeing?
The adventure includes an initial few days in Hanoi, where you’ll bond with your teammates and meet your local guides, who’ll be leading the charge on the trek.
Once the trek is complete, you’ll spend time in Ha Long Bay, and visit a selection of ChildFund projects.
Is accomodation included?
Yes! We’ll arrange accommodation for all adventurers for the length of the trip. You’ll lodge in twin-share 3-star hotels and homestay during the trek.
How much does it cost?
With the exception of your fundraising target, you’ll be charged a non-refundable registration fee of AU $770, and a travel package of $2,590 (land only and subject to change).
Will you accept the challenge?
We challenge you to challenge yourself.
Don’t think you can raise the funds? Here’s how one Aussie couple have started to fundraise for their inspired adventure.
It’s not too late to kick-off your efforts, go on a life-changing adventure, and make a difference for children in need.
