Background: The Mid-Autumn festival is named "Tết Trung Thu" in Vietnamese. It is also known as Children's Festival because of the event's emphasis on children. In olden times, the Vietnamese believed that children, being innocent and pure, had the closest connection to the sacred and natural world. Being close to children was seen as a way to connect with animist spirits and deities.
One important event before and during the festival are lion dances. Dances are performed by both non-professional children's groups and trained professional groups. Lion dance groups perform on the streets, going to houses asking for permission to perform for them. If the host consents, the "lion" will come in and start dancing as a blessing of luck and fortune for the home. In return, the host gives lucky money to show their gratitude
Work: Volunteers will prepare performances and gifts for the disadvantaged children with different backgrounds from different projects of SJ Vietnam: street children living in the Fisher Village or the children patients in National hospital of Acupuncture, etc.
Accommodation and food: Volunteers will stay at the dormitory with basic conditions. Breakfast and dinner will be provided at accommodation, only lunch at local restaurant near project site.
Location: Ha Noi, Ho Chi Minh
Terminal: SJV1533: Noi Bai International Airport (HAN)
SJV1532: Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN)
Transportation: Public bus
Remarks: Sleeping bag, games, toys and activities materials for the children if you have. Mid-autumn festival is organized in the north and in the south, please informs us the one you choose.
(Participation fee need to be transferred at least 2 weeks for workcamp and 1 month for longterm project before projects start. If volunteers would love to pay on arrival, please add more 500,000VND)