Celebrating 8 years of Service Learning in Viet Nam

June 05, 2019

This summer, seven students spent 20 days in Viet Nam on PAAC’s Service Learning Study Tour. Students honed their teamwork and creativity skills as they planned arts and crafts lessons for keiki at an English language center and a school for hearing-impaired children.

Students also learned about important Vietnamese community building efforts during their visits to several non-profits serving youth in Hanoi. They collaborated with at-risk youth undergoing training in the hospitality industry at Know One, Teach One (KOTO), and learned about human trafficking rescue and rehabilitation work at Blue Dragon.

A study tour to Viet Nam would not be complete without seeing highlights from the cities of Hanoi, Hue (the ancient capital of Viet Nam), My Son, and Ho Chi Minh City (the economic center of Viet Nam). The students enjoyed making lanterns, incense, pottery, and Vietnamese-cuisine.

This trip was possible thanks to the generous scholarships provided by the Takitani Foundation and our continued partnership with the Glocal Literacy Foundation. View more pictures in the Gallery.

Student Reflections

“This trip has made me want to be more active outside of my community/country. Making the world a better place doesn't have to be a giant fundraising campaign or a million-dollar invention. I think we made the world a better place just by being there for those kids, and now that I know that even small change is change, I want to do more.”

“The excursions around Viet Nam taught me about the diversity of Viet Nam itself. That this country is so much more and has so many different ethnicities. I was amazed to be able to learn all of this and see the unique architecture of each area. Viet Nam was hot but it was breathtaking!”

Student Participants

Kourtnee Arciaga, Maryknoll School
Kezia Burgoyne, Waialua High
Kaile Dills, Honoka'a High
Kau'i Leong, Nanakuli High
Odin McDermott, University Laboratory School
Sinese Savini, Nanakuli High
RJ Villa, Farrington High