Does anyone know an Orphanage in Singapore or Hanoi, Vietnam I could volunteer at??????

Question

I am visiting Hanoi, Vietnam in May and would like to volunteer in an orphanage while there, but need some help in finding one I can contact to ask if they need me.

I will also be in Singapore in July and would also like to volunteer there also.

Please help.

Answer 1

I think you will find it hard to find a place at a state orphanage. I have experience of these places and they are fairly institutionalised with considerable bureaucracy for which Vietnam is well renowned.

I would go for an internationally run organisation and one that springs to mind is KOTO (Know one teach one) in Hanoi. It is a project that identifies street children and other poor and helps them learn a trade, generally in the catering industry. It is an impressive project and the young people (of who I know quite a few) who benefit from the project are quite charming.

I have visited a few times, raised money for them and know that they take volunteers. I do not know what their selection criteria is I am afraid but I attach the web link.

Even if you find a place somewhere else visit their cafe once, it is worth it just for the smiles you will see of the empowered young people.

In Singapore, I also think it will be hard to find a placement. Why not explore possibilities across the border in Malaysia or better still on Sumatra (Indonesia) which has suffered many disasters and where there are many international projects. I am afraid you would have to pose a separate question for a recommendation there or do an Internet search.

Answer 2

Wikipedia!

Answer 3

All of the answers are great, I would just add a suggestion to contact Catholic Charities. I know they run orphanages through-out Vietnam and all of Asia.

You might also want to click the following site, They're very knowledgeable about Vietnamese orphans.

http://www.adoptvietnam.org/

Best of luck on a worthy trip !

Answer 4

If you're in Hanoi, you will want to visit the Vietnam Friendship Village. It's not an orphanage, but I'm sure you will find volunteer work there that will be just as endearing.

The Friendship Village is a facility just outside of Hanoi that helps veterans and children who have ailments related to dioxin (agent orange). Their program is usually 18 months that educates their residents in skills that they will take back home with them and become productive in their society. This facility was created and supported by American and Vietnamese Veterans.

The Friendship Village is just West of the new sports facility. Most taxi drivers know where it is, and it will cost about 200,000 VND from Hoan Kiem district for the ride there. Ask for Suel Jones, who is one of the big shots there, a great guy and a good friend of mine.

Here's their Web site for more information:

http://www.vietnamfriendship.org/

Have a great time and good luck to you!

Answer 5

Open the link below for volunteer opportunities with children in and around Hanoi. Good luck and enjoy your stay in Vietnam. I know you'll fall in love the country and the people. I did.

Answer 6

Not trying to be a smart a** but you may want to check out some of the Angelina Jolie websites (seriously) you would think with how active she is in all of that they would have some links for someone like you who would like to help.