Kelly and I have just arrived home from our trip to Vietnam, Laos, Timor Leste and outback Australia, where kids involved in ChildFund Connect have been making videos of their lives for the Our Day Project.
We’ve been amazed by the creativity of the kids and can’t wait to see their footage come to life on the big screen. We’ll be launching the film at events in each of the participating communities on Universal Children’s Day (20 November).
On this trip, we really noticed such a difference in the kids. Most of them were so shy when we first met them. Now they’ve really opened up and are excited about contributing their ideas and videos, and seeing what life is like for kids in other countries.
Truong, who has just joined the ChildFund Connect team in Vietnam, says: “One great thing about our project is that we can help build children’s confidence and help them to think creatively. It is so exciting for the children because it gives them a chance to communicate with other children outside their country.”
Check out our latest video from our last stop in Vietnam and Laos.
When the Khouzam family lost their brother Mark they wanted his memory to live on by helping a community for years to come.
As Mark was a supporter of ChildFund Australia for well over a decade, it seemed clear this was his favourite charity and a good organisation to leave a legacy with.
Together the Khouzam family agreed to fund the construction of the Don Phong health clinic in a rural community in Vietnam (Don Phong commune is located in Bach Thong distict, Bac Kan province), which would service more than 2,100 people in the community.
The most striking part of the project for the family was the construction would last for generations so Mark’s Legacy would live on in the community.
The Don Phong clinic opened in August 2010 and sisters Marcelle and Mimi (pictured above in black) were some of the family who attended the opening ceremony.
Marcelle said visiting the clinic provided closure. “While it was emotionally draining, it was wonderful be in the community as it was exactly what Mark would have wanted,” she said.
Some of the staff met Marcelle and Mimi and told them that even though they had been working there for six years this was their most important day. Nurses were crying and hugging the sisters, and told them that Mark was now a part of their community.
It was quite exhausting emotionally for the family, but they said they felt a sense of release and closure they didn’t have before.
We’re finding leaving a bequest to ChildFund Australia is becoming more common. If you would like to leave a legacy contact our Bequest Officer to discuss your wishes.
