Vietnam:

Join our Vietnam Trips Soon!

Mission Dates are on the horizon!

Since 2004 Suzanne Sigona has been aware of the unique challenges to providing assistance in Vietnam.  Her trip to Vietnam for the spring 2008 was designed to expand options on worksites for future missions.  With the dedication and support of AAI member Kelly Neal the duo took off for Vietnam with about 150 pounds of donated items. 

What a successful trip it was! 

We now have several options for our next Vietnam mission.  We have now affiliated with programs assisting children and handicapped adults near Tuy Hoa and Nha Trang.  Individual priests and nuns have been the champions of these initiatives without support of an umbrella organization. 

We have also recently bridged the opportunity to work with a US based group building libraries throughout the Vietnam. 

While Kelly Neal and Suzanne Sigona traveled to Vietnam in April, they were able to donate items to several facilities.  The vast array of donated goods were distributed among 4 facilities who are serving the needy in two provinces. 

During their visit to the Mang Lang Orphanage outside of Tuy Hoa, they were able to determine some special needs and make those purchases.  The Holy Cross Sister in charge had asked for small tables and chairs so the children to do their homework.  These were purchased in the community and delivered. 

She had also hoped the facility could get a new

washing machine and a large rice cooker.  With donations provided by supporters, they were able to have those items purchased and delivered within two weeks.

Stay tuned for the posting on the next Vietnam trip. 

In the meantime, if you have questions about future trips, please contact Suzanne Sigona at suzanne2wall@msn.com .

Suzanne Sigona, Airline Ambassadors' Coordinator,

Shares Her History of Work in Vietnam

At-A-Glance

2005:

• AAI visited a number of facilities in Vietnam - providing aid for

       an orphanage in Saigon that is home for children who are HIV positive.

• Built a library at the community center in HoiAn.
• Worked on property improvements for the community center. 

2006:

• AAI provided support to the boat building project in Cam Kim.
• The apprenticeship program that educates the young men on traditional boat building was supported so that 4 disadvantaged families could receive new boats. 
• One of the dorm rooms at the Hoi An orphanage was painted and renovated through the work and donations of AAI participants. 
• The Red Cross orphanage in DaNang was the beneficiary of supplies purchased in the community and delivered to the facility. 

2007:

• AAI participants visited orphanages and facilities housing children with special needs in Ben Tre - near the Mekong. 
• Labor and funds were provided to paint the outside of the Ben Tre Orpahanage.
• and the group also hosted an art session with the disabled children who live in another facility nearby. 

2008:

• AAI leaders explored new areas for need were able to assist 4

       facilities in Nha Trang and near Tuy Hoa.

     Stories From the Field