But last month, she went to a different orphanage that is run by some Buddist monks at Dieu Phap Pagoda, about an hour out of Saigon. Since it is a temple, it receives no government funding and relies on donations and help from the community. It is also not a registered orphanage so no adoptions are organised. Old people, disabled, teenagers, children and babies live here, in very basic conditions, but are safe and do go to school if they are able to.
Through fundraising by Brighton Grammer in Victoria, and local groups here, a playground has recently been built in the dusty, but shaded yard. Plans are in progress to pave the dining area, extend the babies room, put ceiling fans in the concrete dormitories, extend and revamp the kitchen and do some outdoor paving.
Children with special needs, such as a deaf teenage girl who had never talked or been to school, are now receiving funding to go to special schools. This is just a drop in the ocean - but everything helps a little.
Now, being an art teacher, Hillary offered to do some painting with the kids. This went pretty well - up to a point!
There are endless charities in Vietnam all worthwhile and very neccessary.
Tonight we are going along to a big concert which is being run to raise money for a small NGO called Loretto. Trish, an Aussie lady who has lived here for years, and has given so much to under-privileged children, is being unofficially supported by the Australian Embassy and AusCham to organise what will be a great out-door bash. But we'll report on that soon!
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