Every year, volunteers representing Sunflower Mission travel to Vietnam as part of our annual Work Camp to help complete a school in progress, teach workshops for local students and families, and present scholarships and gifts. Here, we document our reflections, thoughts, and lessons learned. Follow along.
by Amanda Webster
For the past 13 years my view of Sunflower Mission has been through the website, newsletters, blog posts, photos, and the words and stories of Duy-Loan Le. Being at the workcamp in Vietnam in person has awakened all of my senses to more fully understanding and experiencing the work of Sunflower Mission.
Read Moreby Julia Betts
I've had the pleasure, along with my National Instruments colleague Amanda, to join the work camp these past few days and what an amazing effort by all to create such a remarkable experience for these kids.
Read Moreby Fablab Đà Nẵng
Đối với Fablab, việc đem những máy móc thiết bị đến với các trẻ em vùng sâu vùng xa luôn gặp nhiều khó khăn. Sau 14h trên xe bus từ Đà Nẵng đến Đà Lạt cộng với 3km đường đá thì thật sự sáng hôm đó Fablab rất lo lắng liệu máy móc có bị hư hỏng gì không, nhưng khi đến nơi việc đầu tiên đó là thấy mọi người vẫn đang bận rộn để làm kịp tiến độ thế là vẫn chơi liều bắt tay vào bưng gạch quét dọn lau nhà để kịp hoàn thiện 5 phòng học mới.
Read Moreby Tiffany Ma
We are coming to the end of the work camp in Dalat. So much effort, laughter, and generosity has been poured into the school. Before boarding the plane in America, my expectations were very basic. My sister spoke highly of Sunflower Mission and her work camp experience. However, I still couldn't imagine what was to come. Every person and experience has enhanced my standard for Sunflower Mission. Without a doubt, I am coming back.
Read Moreby Dan Q. Dao
On our final day of working and painting, we doubled down to make sure the rooms were ready for the students to arrive for their workshops. From building a wall, brick by brick, for the playground sandbox to finalizing murals and stencil-work for the library and teacher’s room, the whole team pitched in to make it a reality. We also welcomed our teams for the medical clinic and the Lego, robotics, and 3D workshops.
Read Moreby Kory Ngo
This is my 3rd work camp and by far the best one in terms of weather and food. So far, everyday I’ve either climbed on scaffolding to touch up the walls or helped short people with not-so-short tasks. However, I spent today learning new things, such as the art of cement making and the humbling acceptance of the fact that a petite Vietnamese construction lady was stronger than both Don and I.
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