Background: Christmas is not listed as a Vietnamese official holiday but we still celebrate that day in Vietnam since Vietnam used to be part of the French Empire and there are still French influences in the Christmas traditions. Many Catholic churches have a big nativity crib scene or 'creche' with nearly life size statues of Mary, Joesph, baby Jesus, the shepherds and animals. In some areas of Ho Chi Minh City, usually in Catholic parishes, people have big crib scenes in front of their houses and decorate the whole street, turning it into a Christmas area! These are popular for people to visit and look at the scenes.
We - SJ Vietnam try our very best to “bring” Santa Clause, whose are our international volunteers to the disadvantage children (orphans, disabled, intellectual, hospital patients, the homeless and the poor) to share and to build up their dream. Children can be born in different situation but they need to live in an equal environment and we are here to create that environment.
Work: Volunteers will carry out performances, decoration, games, drawing, gifts and fundraising, etc...
Accommodation and food: Volunteers will stay at the volunteer’s house or guest house with basic living conditions. Meals are at local restaurant near project site.
Location: Ha Noi, Ho Chi Minh
Terminal: Noi Bai International airport (HAN) - SJV1536
Tan Son Nhat International airport (SGN) - SJV1537
Transportation: Public bus
Remarks: Sleeping bag, prove-water clothes, raincoat, info materials and pictures of your country, presents, toys and activities materials for the children if you have.
(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)