I FINALLY MET THE WOMEN OF VIVNCUAS!!! It is a dream come true. I felt so at home today. I got to use my Hmong and learn about the amazing work that they do. They are absolutely phenomenal. I'm planning to volunteer with VivNcuas two to three times per week while I am in Vientiane studying Lao. I feel so sad that I won't be here the whole year to be with them.
I learned today during my orientation with Nou and her staff that here in Laos, NGOs are called NPAs or "Non-Profit Associaionts." VivNcuas is currently on its way to becoming a registered NPA in Laos (the paper work takes really long--it's been 2 years). While ViVNcuas is waiting for their permit, they are continuing their programs and perfecting their strategies so that once they become official in Laos, they hit the ground running.
This organization alone has served more than a thousand individuals. They have three main components: their social enterprize "Handcrafts from the Heart," their Education program which encompases English language classes, computer/tench classes, and professional development, and their Healthy Lifestyle program which is a mentorship program for young Hmong women.
The staff member here are so passionate about their work. They are very inventive with the resources they have so much knowledge. I cannot wait to learn from them. The most amazing part is that they are the PIONEERS of their field. I spent most of my day just talking with all the staff members and I left astounded at how dynamic, intune, and progressive their thinking is with the world. The staff here know very well the conditions they are in because they are located in Laos and at the same time very well aware of the global world. They are committed to taking two-prong, holistic approaches to solve issues like trafficking, abusive international marriages, and poverty.
All I can say is WOW.
I learned today during my orientation with Nou and her staff that here in Laos, NGOs are called NPAs or "Non-Profit Associaionts." VivNcuas is currently on its way to becoming a registered NPA in Laos (the paper work takes really long--it's been 2 years). While ViVNcuas is waiting for their permit, they are continuing their programs and perfecting their strategies so that once they become official in Laos, they hit the ground running.
This organization alone has served more than a thousand individuals. They have three main components: their social enterprize "Handcrafts from the Heart," their Education program which encompases English language classes, computer/tench classes, and professional development, and their Healthy Lifestyle program which is a mentorship program for young Hmong women.
The staff member here are so passionate about their work. They are very inventive with the resources they have so much knowledge. I cannot wait to learn from them. The most amazing part is that they are the PIONEERS of their field. I spent most of my day just talking with all the staff members and I left astounded at how dynamic, intune, and progressive their thinking is with the world. The staff here know very well the conditions they are in because they are located in Laos and at the same time very well aware of the global world. They are committed to taking two-prong, holistic approaches to solve issues like trafficking, abusive international marriages, and poverty.
All I can say is WOW.
Director Nou explains this drawing to me. This is a past participant's dream board. She draws her past, present, and future. In the past she addresses her challenges and in the present she addresses what she can do to attain the opportunities in her future.
If you don't speak Hmong, this is what Nou says:
"She said in 2014 she wants to attain her certicate (education) to show her parents so they can feel proud of her. In her drawing she has the past, present, and future. The present is filled with things she can do to achieve her dreams. One of these things is being with VivNcuas and our programs so she can get the support she needs to get where she wants to be."
If you don't speak Hmong, this is what Nou says:
"She said in 2014 she wants to attain her certicate (education) to show her parents so they can feel proud of her. In her drawing she has the past, present, and future. The present is filled with things she can do to achieve her dreams. One of these things is being with VivNcuas and our programs so she can get the support she needs to get where she wants to be."