Established on 7th September 2009, ECO Vietnam Group (EVG) is a nongovernmental and non-profitable organization with the aim:
“Together we bring the genuine benefit to our community.� Founded by people who share same passion and enthusiasm to work for community activities, EVG takes responsibility as a bridge of trust between volunteers, sponsors and disadvantage communities in remote areas, including ethnic minority. Our visions are to become a reliable house for passionate volunteers, a trustworthy bridge between needy places and other organizations or corporate and a body that can promote and cultivate long-term and sustainable spirit of volunteering for both local and international youth. In order to achieve these aspirations, we aim to develop reliable, responsible and meaningful community projects to bring a better life for needy areas in Vietnam and instil compassion to serve in young generation in Vietnam.
Sustained by nature, sustained by talent
THE FOUNDER Harry Pham Van Anh is a hardworking person who makes things happen and believes in the divine cooperation between man and nature. His all-rounded achievements in high school awarded him the Asean Scholarship to study Electronic Engineering in Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore. He performed exceptionally well in university and graduated with the First Class of Honour Degree. However, no matter where he goes, his heart never leaves the unfortunate people in his hometown, Vietnam. That was why when his passion calls him to do the extraordinary; he quitted his stable engineering job and started ECO Vietnam Group (EVG). “The conviction to help his community has made Harry Pham the founder, an outstanding youth leader in my eyes. He is always willing to give of his time to ensure that our students have a meaningful community project as well as provide opportunities for their growth. His tireless work in Vietnam to change the mindsets of the youths and undergraduates in servant leadership is a Herculean task that he has taken on without any complaint and at great personal sacrifices. I am proud to call Harry a friend, someone who shares my ideal of making the world a better place, one youth at a time." Lily Chua, Head of Humanities and History Department of Nanyang Girls’ High School.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS ECO Vietnam Group (EVG) partnered many educational institutions in Singapore to develop rural communities in Vietnam through various Overseas Community Involvement Projects (OCIP). For the past three years, EVG has faithfully arranged 19 OCIP projects which nurture young generations to have compassion for the unfortunates through their volunteering experiences. Each OCIP trip has two main aims; Big Service for the community and Big Learning for the participants.
O2
2009
Green Leaf
Project Youth
2010
Project RiSe 1.
Project Edu
Project O2
EVG collaborated with Rotaract Club of Nanyang Technological University (NTU) – International Services Division in a two-week community service in Gia Bac village, Lam Dong Province. They did many enriching activities for the first time, such as, planting saplings, collecting woods, chopping bamboo, building fences for saplings, watering the plants, teaching children, and visiting villagers’ houses. The project was a success in opening the students’ eyes to a world greater than what they previously saw.
Sustained by nature, sustained by talent
2.
Green Leaf
A group of students and teachers from Dunman High School and students from NTU Earthlink Club, supported by Vietnamese volunteers went to Gia Bac village to learn more about the community and the environmental situation. They planted saplings, taught English, played with the children, and interacted with the villagers. EVG also organized an ECO Forum and Exhibition for Vietnamese NGOs and Singaporean environmental clubs to build links and share perspectives.
3.
Project RiSe
EVG extended its outreach effort to another village, Phuong Thinh, Dong Thap province and brought a group of students for Regional Community Development Programmes, such as, road building, school refurbishing, English teaching, and tree planting. The team also had a chance to learn to identify the real needs of the local community.
4.
Project Youth This project was designed to focus more on improving education standard in Gia Bac and changing the mind-set of the local community about education. The hardworking team from Hwa Chong Institution, Singapore, persistently taught English to the children in the village.
5.
Project Edu
EVG was inspired by the movement “Enhancing to apply technology in teaching” and realized the importance of access to technology for the children to be better prepared for the future. With the help of a group of students from Saint Andrew’s Junior College, Singapore, EVG built a separate IT room for Gia Bac Secondary School with complete equipments.
Pass On
2011
House For Hope 6.
Step Up
New Discovery
English Teaching
Project R.E.A.D
House for Hope
Identifying the need to raise awareness about healthcare in Gia Bac, EVG collaborated with Dunman High School’s students from Singapore in arranging a project to build separate kitchen for poor households, teach English and healthcare, as well as raising environmental awareness. They also organized a cultural exchange activity on Children Day for Gia Bac kids.
7.
Pass on
Bringing the spirit of previous team in Gia Bac to Phuong Thinh, we organized similar activities such as, re-painting the school, teaching English
Sustained by nature, sustained by talent
to Junior School students, and held Children Day celebration with the help of Hwa Chong Instituiton students.
8.
New Discovery
This project was an eye-opener for both participants and organizers as we embarked on a learning journey to Loc Khanh commune, Binh Phuoc province with a group of Nanyang Girls High School’s teachers. We had agricultural, educational, and construction activities with the local people there.
9.
Step up
Continuing the success of previous project in Phuong Thinh, Step Up provided great opportunity for volunteers and local people to build road and educate young generation. It was also the start of ECO Love House Project, a project to build houses for poor people in rural areas in Vietnam.
10. Project R.E.A.D For the first time, Singapore Management University (SMU) and Saint Andrew’s Junior College (SAJC) partnered with EVG on a longterm project to improve educational standard in Gia Bac commune. It was the start of the first stage of development of Community Volunteering Centre (CVC) in Gia Bac - EVG Community Library.
11. English teaching This is a special project arranged by EVG and Singapore’s National Institute of Education (NIE) to teach English at Hoa Mau Don Open House, Tan Phu District, Ho Chi Minh city, Vietnam. It was an enriching experience for future educators and a privilege for Vietnamese students.
Home with a Heart
Fly up
Project up
2012
Bee Steady 2013
Project Shine
Fire up
Crayon
Books Flight
12. Home with a Heart This project is a continuation of project R.E.A.D to give more support for EVG Community Library in Gia Bac. EVG worked together with SAJC students who came in 2011 and decided to continue giving their support for the community. They learnt cementing and construction work as well as teaching English to the kids.
13. Project Shine This project is a start of a new collaboration between EVG and Paya Lebar Methodist High School from Singapore. They executed many educational and cultural activities in Phuong Thinh, Cao Lanh, Dong Thap. Through this project, a new cooperation is formed and EVG is able to extend its influence in Singapore.
Sustained by nature, sustained by talent
14. Fly up Passionate groups of students from SAJC and Dunman High School (DHS) came back to give their unending support for the Gia Bac community, especially to EVG-Gia Bac Community Library. They served the community by teaching English, doing construction work, and organizing International Children Day to bring happiness and laughter to the kids of Gia Bac.
15. Fire up This project has been a great blessing for the Phuong Thinh community and the participants as they managed to refurbishing 3 classrooms and an ECO Love House. This project cannot be completed without the hard-work of youth from Hall 14 Nanyang Technological University Singapore and students from ECO Vietnam Group.
16. Project UP Another expansion of EVG Projects to collaborate with OVE, Welfare Service Club in NTU in a new village, Tan Quoi, Thanh Binh, Dong Thap, Vietnam. They put their best effort in building 900 m2 school yard and teaching English to the kids in the village. They had certainly been a blessing to the village.
17.
Crayon
This was a meaningful project for Nanyang Girls’ High School students as they teach English and hygiene, repair road, and build ECO Love House for the unfortunates in Phuong Thinh. The students completed the project feeling impacted and learn so much from these experiences.
18.
Bee Steady A lively group of students from SAJC devoted half of their school break to serve the Gia Bac community by building ECO Love House for poor people, teach English and hygiene to the children in primary school, and repair the community library. Their dedication to support Gia Bac community has touched the hearts of many people.
19.
Books Flight
This project was organized by SAJC Alumni and EVG to deepen their learning and spread the spirit of Service Learning to young people. They built water drainage system in the library, teach English and hygiene to the children, make a map of Gia Bac, and interviewed many local people. It was an enriching trip.
Sustained by nature, sustained by talent
YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS Service Learning: A method under which students or participants learn and develop through active participation in thoughtfully organized service that is conducted in and meets the needs of a community. EVG is the first non-governmental organization (NGO) that embraced the values of service learning and introduced its concept in Ho Chi Minh City. EVG believes that every community service has to be accompanied by learning about understanding the community’s needs and our talents to further enhance the quality of future services. Many young people in Ho Chi Minh served the community for wrong motivations, such as, good resume and simply looking for interesting activities. EVG aims to change their mind-sets by imparting an understanding of the benefits of Service Learning Projects for their personal development and the community as well. With the never-ending supports from counterparts in Singapore, EVG has managed to slowly, but surely; bring the concept of Service Learning to other NGOs, clubs, and some universities in Ho Chi Minh City.
1. Youth For Causes (YFC) EVG organized the very first conference about Service Learning on June 2011. The theme for this conference is “What are community service and youths’ roles and responsibilities in it?”. Based on this theme, EVG invited many representatives from various clubs and NGOs in Ho Chi Minh City to share their
stories in serving the community and how they have learnt from those experiences. Also, EVG invited some students and teachers from Singapore to share about how Service Learning Project is strongly enforced in Singapore education system and how it has benefited the participants tremendously. The first Youth For Causes opened up door of opportunities for these young leaders to build connections and better understand the values of service they are doing.
2.
Youth For Causes II
The success of the first YFC has encouraged EVG to make YFC an annual event for young people in Ho Chi Minh. On June 2012, EVG arranged YFC II with the theme “Building Leadership Through Community Service�. Similar to the first YFC, EVG again invited many NGOs and clubs from Vietnam and Singapore to share about deeper issues, such as, their motivation in doing community service and how it has changed their lives. Through these sharing sessions, the youth are able to understand that community service encompasses two main components of Service and Learning about ourselves and things around us. Service Leaning Projects move beyond simple act of service, they empower future generations to be leaders in doing community works through the learning process as well.
3.
Service Learning Workshop
After introducing the concept of Service Learning (SL), EVG desires to deepen the understanding of young Vietnamese on how to apply this concept into various community projects. In August 2012, around 70 Vietnamese students attended this one-week workshop and learn from schools in Singapore and America as their case studies. This workshop was very beneficial for the participants as they learn about the benefits of SL Projects in developing their talents to serve the community more effectively. It also allows EVG to build stronger connection with Hoa Sen University and start discussions about bringing SL into academic curriculum.
Sustained by nature, sustained by talent
4. Servant Leader Training Course In December 2012, EVG closed this significant year by inviting a professional trainer and inspiring teacher from Saint Andrew’s Junior College, Singapore, Mr. Louis Ho, to held a three days training course for Hoa Sen University’s lecturers and 40 young Vietnamese leaders. This interactive and meaningful training is modelled from Youth Expedition Project (YEP) in Singapore. Participants in this course were prepared to be agents that will advocate the concept of Service Learning in Vietnam. From Mr. Louis Ho’s wisdom and passion, these youth were set on fire to arrange and lead SL Projects with deep understanding of the benefits to the society.
5. On-going Projects EVG is working closely with Hoa Sen University’s Faculty of Languages and Cultural Studies to infuse SL into the academic curriculum. Lecturers in Hoa Sen University are extremely interested in the concept of SL and understand the importance of emphasizing SL Projects in developing a holistic education for their students. EVG also desires that more universities and schools in Vietnam can understand the importance of SL and work together with EVG to introduce SL into academic curriculum to nurture holistic future generations.
“Self-sustainability is achieved when we develop our talents and use natural resources wisely. It is when man and nature live in harmony then we can ensure the selfsustainability of our future generation.�
Sustained by nature, sustained by talent
GIA BAC COMMUNITY LIBRARY
“ It was a painful, yet proud, journey to build this library …” Starting from December 2011, EVG partnered with the Singapore Management University (SMU), Saint Andrew’s Junior College (SAJC), and Dunman High School (DHS) to start developing the first part of Community and Volunteering Center (CVC) Project, EVG Community Library. Through different smaller projects like R.E.A.D Project, Home With a Heart, and Fly Up Project; students from these schools came to Gia Bac to help build the library using their own hands, from digging dirt, laying the very first bricks, to finishing the last details of the construction. At first, EVG seek help from professional constructors to build the library. However, halfway the process, the constructors decided to stop the project and left as they did not find the project interesting or profitable.
Left with a half-done library, EVG turned to our volunteers to finish building it. Around 20 Vietnamese volunteers made a commitment to stay in Gia Bac until the library is completed. Their passion to serve and their spirit of volunteerism overcame the heat and exhaustion during the day as well as the uncomfortable lifestyle they needed to bear for almost a month. As a result, in April 2012, EVG was able to proudly inaugurate and bring the Community Library into operation in Gia Bac. This event lays a very important foundation for the CVC Project to develop in the future. This library will not be possible without the enthusiasm and devotion of the students, partners, and volunteers. All of our pains and hardships were paid off when we saw a group of children came to the library, picked up books, and read enthusiastically. The expression of joy of children in the library and the laughter when they play with their friends are worth everything that we need to go through. When almost a hundred of children came to EVG Book Fair, we know that we have made the right decision in sacrificing so much to build this library. We are convinced that this library will open opportunities for these children to a better feature if we do not give up.
Sustained by nature, sustained by talent
THE VOICES
THAT BELIEVE
Lily Chua (Head of Humanities and History Department of Nanyang Girls’ High School): "ECO Vietnam Group has provided strong logistical support for the three community Service-Learning projects at Phuong Thinh, Vietnam for my students. It also provided the teachers with logistical support for our recce trips to Vietnam for other projects. The volunteers of EVG who had come along on our projects were responsible, responsive to the needs of the team and ever willing to go all out to ensure that we have a meaningful time during our stay in Vietnam. These youths are testimony to Harry's effort in changing the mind-set of the youths so that they would serve the less privileged whole-heartedly. Having these volunteers work alongside us has encouraged and inspired us to want to serve more communities in need. We have also learnt a lot from the interactions with these Vietnamese volunteers and grown to admire many of them for their commitment and determination to continue their work in their community.” Lim Hui Ching (Teacher of St. Andrew’s Junior College): “From the moment we arrived in Ho Chi Minh City, I could feel the warm welcome from the friendly EVG volunteers as they made sure we were well taken care of during our stay. Everything was well-planned and the programme always went quite smoothly. If there were some changes to the itinerary, we would always be informed in advance and asked for our opinions. This was one thing that earned my trust and confidence in the partnership because we were actually working together to help the community. My students also enjoyed interacting with the volunteers and the friendships forged during the short period of time still continue even until today on Facebook. I often tell my students to learn from the volunteers’ positive spirit and resilient outlook as the volunteers whole-heartedly put in their best effort to serve the people of Gia Bac.
What moved me the most was Mr. Harry’s concern for my students’ learning. He shared many issues and ideas with them and it has made a big impact on my students’ lives as they ponder over his words. He helped to make some of the facilitation sessions more meaningful for the students. It was such a wonderful experience that we decided to work with EVG again in 2012. As our overseas host for our OCIP project, EVG really goes the extra mile for us and this is a major contributing factor to the success of our trip. Thank you for the many wonderful memories and I look forward to working together again in 2013 and beyond!” Mr. Louis Ho (Principle Trainer at International Volunteerism Association): “I always feel blessed to work with EVG because their staff and volunteers have a genuine heart for the community and the people around them. They are keen to make a difference. I like the way they look into sustainability and feasibility issues when implementing projects. Since I knew EVG in 2010, I have learned a lot from their volunteers. May EVG continue to make a difference in the community. Happy anniversary!” Efrata Puji Harsono (ex-student of Saint Andrew’s Junior College): “ Harry is a man of vision. Throughout the two years of partnering him, he has been a great inspiration for my friends and me. He is a lovable and responsible leader with great passion to serve the unfortunates. As an organization, EVG has arranged many projects for my school which are unforgettable, meaningful, and beneficial for us. The learning process I had when I partnered EVG is priceless and it has changed the course of my life. EVG opened my eyes to see my roles and responsibilities as a young girl in serving the community. It has also taught me the value of simple act of kindness that every great change starts with a small action. I believe EVG will grow to be a great organization because what it offers is exactly what the community needs.”
Sustained by nature, sustained by talent
OUR VALUABLE PARTNERS
ACHIEVEMENTS
After three years of service and hard works, EVG received a lot of awards from the communes. This award means so much for every member of EVG because it symbolizes the trust and belief that government has developed in EVG. It is impossible for EVG to attain this recognition without the sweat and tears of our loyal staff, partners and volunteers. These letters of appreciation have been great motivation for EVG members to work harder in developing the youth and the community because we know that our hard works are appreciated and people are blessed by our efforts. This marks the journey of EVG to greater heights for us to develop more talents and help more unfortunate people.
Sustained by nature, sustained by talent
CLOSING WORDS “EVG would like to express our deepest gratitude to our partners that allow us to achieve so much in 3 years. Without their loyal support and trust, EVG will not stand where it is right now. Our partners have been our source of motivation and inspiration to persevere in our efforts to develop young talents and the community. Also, EVG would like to thank the cooperative communities we are serving and various government institution that give us the permission to do so. We sincerely hope that EVG can maintain this good relationship with various counterparts and continue to do even more beneficial things for the community and serve them more effectively. Lastly, we would also like to appreciate the great efforts and sacrifice of our volunteers who spent so much time and worked hard for our projects. We believe in their talents and many of them have exceeded our expectations through their commitments and dedication to community services. In the next few years, all of EVG members/volunteers will work harder to provide more support for the community. We also will continue to follow Service Learning model to achieve two main objectives: Giving back to society and engage young generation in Community Service.”
Harry Pham Van Anh – Founder and Advisor of ECO Vietnam Group
CONTACT US: Vietnam 86/11/13 Nguyen Trung Nguyet, phường BìnhTrưng Đông, Quận 2, TPHCM.
Email ecovietnamgroup@gmail.com Mr. Harry Van Anh harry.vananh@gmail.com
Website: www.ecovietnamgroup.org
Tel:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ECOVietn amgroup
Mr. Harry Van Anh: +84 945 063 062 +84 167 658 4983
Sustained by nature, sustained by talent
Sustained by nature, sustained by talent