Beyond Our Imagination

This past year has brought exciting milestones for the Learning Support Program in Vinh Loc, Vietnam. During the summer break, which can last up to three months, 45 children attended the program, including many from the government system, eager to keep up with their learning.

“I thought the children would want a break,” says Sr Aithien, “but they all insisted on attending because of the pride they felt in learning. That determination has been one of the most rewarding parts of the program this year.”

Even more inspiring was the transition of six students into formal schooling. The children, aged six to seven, not only caught up academically but also obtained the identification documents needed to enrol locally,  enabling their move into mainstream classes.

A Place to Belong & Grow

Launched in 2020 by the Loreto Sisters, the program supports children who have missed out on formal schooling, helping them develop literacy, numeracy, confidence, and friendships. Vinh Loc, on Ho Chi Minh City’s outskirts, is home to families who migrated from rural areas for work, often in informal jobs, such as street vending, recycling, or factory work, making school enrolment a challenge.

Focused Learning

This year, new afternoon classes allow for smaller groups and more individual attention. Previously, the program offered only Class 1 and Class 2 levels, but some children have advanced into Class 3 for the first time, an exciting milestone in their learning journey. The program is now supported by three qualified teachers and two assistant teachers, ensuring every child receives the guidance and care they need to thrive.

Expanding Opportunities

Encouraged by success in Vinh Loc, the Loreto Sisters plan to support 15 more children and their  families in a second location near Ho Chi Minh City.

“Formal school children love coming to our school. It gives them something meaningful to do during breaks and shows them there’s no difference between formal and informal learners,” Sr Aithien reflects.

In a community often overlooked, the Vinh Loc Learning Support Program is creating opportunities for children to learn, grow, and flourish, turning barriers into educational pathways.

A Snapshot: The Difference You've Made in 2025

Peru

Child Rights in Huaycán 

In Huaycán, community commitment to children’s rights is growing. This year, 37 primary and secondary teachers participated in child protection workshops, up from just three the year before. Teachers say the program has helped them better recognise risks and changed the way they advocate for children’s wellbeing in schools. 

South Sudan

Early Childhood Health and Nutrition 

At the Mary Ward Health Clinic, 150 malnourished babies and 140 mothers received baby kits, essential medicines, and practical health education. Caregivers are now reporting fewer childhood illnesses, improved energy, and stronger school readiness. Described as life-changing, this program brings families and clinic staff together to nurture healthy, hopeful futures. 

Zambia

Baby Milk

Over the past year, 56 undernourished babies received essential nutritional support, while their mothers and caregivers took part in health education sessions. Volunteers monitor the babies’ growth and provide intervention when needed. Some caregivers walk up to nine hours to access the service, showing extraordinary commitment to their children’s health and wellbeing. 

Kenya

Combatting Human Trafficking 

In Kangemi, an informal settlement in Nairobi, poverty creates conditions for exploitation. In 2025, over 26,000 people, including students, police, local leaders, and motorbike taxi drivers, took part in human trafficking awareness sessions. The community is now better equipped to prevent exploitation, with 35 people rescued and now accessing wraparound support services. 

India

Collective Voices 

In Darjeeling, where opportunities beyond working on a tea estate are limited, career guidance sessions are helping young people consider new directions. So far in 2025, over 50 students have explored pathways for further study and employment. Many are now pursuing courses in geography, political science, and tailoring, taking steps toward futures they once thought were out of reach. 

Vietnam

Vinh Loc Learning Support Program

The Vinh Loc Learning Support Program is helping families build brighter futures through literacy. In 2025, 51 out-of-school children and three parents or grandparents joined classes to improve their reading, writing, and numeracy. These skills are helping families manage daily life, run small businesses more effectively, and inspire children to continue learning. 

Timor-Leste

Mary Ward Sewing Centre 

In Ostico, the Mary Ward Sewing Centre is helping women develop income-generating skills in sewing and tailoring. Participants are now learning how to produce clothes, bags, and uniforms - skills they can use to earn an income, support their families, and take an active role in shaping their community’s future. 

Australia

Women’s Supported Accommodation

The Women’s Supported Accommodation project is helping vulnerable women regain control over their lives. In 2025, ten women and two single-parent families accessed safe housing, case management, and pathways to employment. Tailored support is helping them build confidence, develop independence, and take steps toward long-term stability. 

In the Footsteps of Mary Ward: Learning in Vinh Loc

Year 12 students, Loreto College Marryatville

“Being there made me realise that the heart of Mary Ward’s legacy is not in words but in actions, in how we uplift, connect, and stand beside one another. It was there, in that classroom, that I truly understood what it means to live out her mission.”

Before arriving at Vinh Loc, I expected a large school complex. Instead, the building blended seamlessly into its surroundings, resembling a modest two-story house. The first floor was for the older students, while the younger children occupied the second floor. We were warmly welcomed as soon as we arrived with lively singing and dancing, creating a joyful and celebratory atmosphere. It was clear that the students were excited to meet us, and their energy was infectious. Sr Ai Thien and Yen, both qualified educators, were incredibly kind and played a crucial role in helping us communicate with the children. Ai Thien’s guidance allowed us to connect with the students beyond language barriers. The children’s enthusiasm and eagerness to learn were evident from the moment we arrived, and their joy in receiving the small gifts we brought was truly heartwarming. The experience was humbling and inspiring, reinforcing the importance of access to education.

One of the most profound aspects of my visit to Vinh Loc was realising the beauty of human connection despite language barriers. While teaching the children English, they, in turn, taught me how to pronounce Vietnamese words. I formed a special bond with one girl who went out of her way to share her world with me. She created drawings of her toys, taught me how to say her name correctly, and even introduced me to different colour names in Vietnamese. This experience opened my eyes to the immense potential that each child possesses. My new friend’s curiosity and enthusiasm reaffirmed my belief that when given the right environment to thrive, every child can achieve excellence and transform their future.

During our visit, I met a 16-year-old boy. He was one of the two oldest students at Vinh Loc, and we instantly connected. Being close in age, personality, and interests, our similarities overshadowed our differences, making me forget they ever existed. However, after flipping through a few Vietnamese flashcards, there was a sharp, sudden contrast between us. Though we were only a few months apart in age, he struggled to read the Vietnamese words for animals – words I could have written in English with my eyes closed. The distance between us instantly felt larger, as if our worlds were suddenly miles apart. The distance was bridged again as we drew in a notebook. While I was more experienced with language, my new friend was significantly more learned than I in artistic ability. The bonds we formed at Vinh Loc were not about providing or teaching; they were about connection, humility, and the willingness to share in each other’s strengths and struggles.

In Vietnam, I was not only embraced with love and warmth but also given a sense of clarity about my path in life. More than just a journey; it was a defining moment that deepened my understanding of the world and my place within it. I now know that I want to dedicate my future to working with communities like the one at Vinh Loc, building relationships, fostering education, and creating opportunities for meaningful change. My experience at Vinh Loc was more than just a visit; it was a living reflection of the values I had spent the last 12 years learning through the teachings of Mary Ward.

While everyone we met on our trip was incredibly welcoming, at Vinh Loc, we were embraced with a profound sense of belonging. Perhaps this could be attributed to the unmistakable picture of Mary Ward watching over the classroom – though I think the spirit of the Loreto values and teachings were even more visible in the children’s faces. The spirit of these values is deeply entrenched in Loreto College Marryatville, visibly adorning our school and education. Yet, despite having far fewer material possessions than we have, the educators and children at Vinh Loc seemed to embody these values with a depth of understanding that was truly humbling. It was both inspiring and a powerful reminder of the work we can always continue within our own school.