Newsletter 17: Join Us in Doing Good--Support the UWC-Inspired Vietnam Campus Project
1 August, 2024
Dear Friends,
Four years ago, I faced a health scare that left me genuinely afraid for my life. During that uncertain month, I was deeply touched by the generosity and kindness of the Vietnamese people. My doctor took me to the hospital at 6 a.m. on her motorbike, my local bánh mì lady noticed my sullenness and offered a comforting gesture, and my colleagues and students buoyed me daily with their unwavering support. This outpouring of care gave me a new lease on life and ignited a desire to give back to this remarkable community.
My 3-year tenure at UWC Changshu China was equally transformative. I had the privilege of guiding over 150 students from nearly 80 nations, watching them grow into confident individuals ready to make a difference. The impact of the UWC experience on these young people was profound, and it inspired me to kickstart the UWC-Inspired Vietnam Campus Project.
If someone had told me then that my way of giving back to Vietnam would be through a project to establish a nonprofit boarding school inspired by the UWC movement, I would have never believed them. But somehow, all the dots connected for me.
Each year, around 900 students in Vietnam start the applications for UWC scholarships, around 350 manage to finish it, but only 10 scholars are selected. This number should be much more than just 10. Every student deserves the opportunity for such a transformative experience, and this belief inspired the birth of the UWC-Inspired Vietnam Campus Project. We aim to increase opportunities for students to make that choice, to be transformed, and to transform their communities in return.
Today, I’m reaching out with a heartfelt request: we need your support to continue this vital work. Your donations will help us expand our programs and offer more students the chance to experience the life-changing impact of UWC education.
I am incredibly proud that our recent UWC Short Course: Doing Good was a resounding success! Our students explored what it means to “Do Good” through service, visiting science museums, heritage performances, and learning from community leaders like Ms. Nga, who teaches disabled individuals essential skills. Their journey was an embodiment of “doing good” and living a good life, as well as a testament to the power of giving back and making a difference.
As we prepare to share our impact report with you at the end of August, I hope you will consider making a donation to the UWC-Inspired Vietnam Campus Project. Your support will help us continue empowering the next generation of changemakers. Every gift, no matter the size, will make a meaningful impact.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Your generosity truly makes a difference.
Warm regards,
Sam Jeong, on behalf of the UWC-Inspired Vietnam Campus Project team