Help Child Victims of Agent Orange

Volunteer abroad Vietnam

  • The Project

    Volunteer in Vietnam and learn how three generations on, the impact of the dioxin, Agent Orange, used in chemical warfare during the US-Vietnam war, continues to affect the Vietnamese population. Victims are born with physical and/or mental disabilities which range from severe to mild and the centre that we send volunteers too is home to over 130 children aged 2-23 yrs. The centre was established in 1991 to provide the specialist care and attention that these children require and gives access to therapies that can improve their conditions or at least raise their current standard of living.

    This project in incredibly well structured and boasts a wonderful physical rehabilitation centre where they can administer techniques such as electrical pulse therapy, electrolysis, short wave therapy, ultra sound treatment, laser, acupuncture and hydrotherapy amongst others. They also have a competent nursing structure to help with recovery nutrition for children with disabilities and also give out simple skills training including sewing, embroidery, knitting and fine handicrafts.

  • Why the project needs you

    Funded by overseas aid, the centre has seen their tight budgets become even tighter during the global recession, and skilled and unskilled volunteers form an important support to the small staff looking after so many highly-dependant children.

    Project Location

    The centre is located in the western part of Hanoi city. As the capital of Vietnam for almost a thousand years, Hanoi is considered to be the cultural centre of Vietnam, where every dynasty has left behind their imprint with Chinese influence and French colonial design. Now becoming a major
    city in South East Asia it has internationally recognised universities, many cultural museums, theatres, fantastic restaurants and some superb inner city parks. For adventure lovers too Hanoi has something on offer. The tourism of Hanoi has taken measures to develop adventure sports like kayaking, rock climbing and trekking. The colourful festivals of Hanoi are yet another reason to attract tourists to this South East Asian country. The festivals are a great time to learn about the local customs and beliefs. The nearby guesthouse has comfortable en-suite rooms with a TV and is conveniently located for all the amenities of the city.

  • Project Facts

    •Duration: 2 - 26 weeks
    • Cost: £945 (1654) for 2 weeks and £195 ($341) for each week thereafter
    • Requirements: Age 17+
    • Location: Hanoi, Vietnam
    • Project activities: Helping in classrooms and at feeding times,Physio activity for skilled volunteers
    • Working hours: 5 days a week between Mon-Sun on rotation. Min. 4 hours per day. Volunteers can do both morning and afternoon shifts
    • Project Availability: Project start every Monday.

  • What is included

    • Accommodation: Shared room in a guesthouse
    • Airport pick up and drop off
    • Training: Pre-departure packs, on-site orientation, a basic language class and a local phrase book for the remainder of your stay
    • Support: 24 hour support including a local guide for the first 3 days.
    • Excursions: Staff will help plan cultural visits to temples and archeological sites, local hikes, and cultural outings. (activity prices may be extra)
    • Vietnamese phrase book
    • CRB- Criminal background check for UK residents. Other nationalities will need to supply police check forms

  • What is not included

    • Flights
    • Insurance
    • Visas
    • Meals: Volunteers must buy their own food
    • Transport between your project and guesthouse each day - some bicycles are available to ride to and from your project
    • Airport drop-off

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