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.

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.

Hope & Dignity: Vinh Loc Learning Support Program

“I’m happy to come to our class because I have time to play with my friends. I want to try to study reading and writing so that I can help my mum. My mum did not go to school, so she does not know how to read and write. My dream is to become a doctor because my mum works very hard, and she is not very well,” Kim said.

Ten-year-old Kim was among the first students to participate in the Vinh Loc Learning Support Program, an initiative launched by the Loreto Sisters in Vietnam in 2020. Now funded through the generosity of Mary Ward International’s donors, the program continues to provide children who missed out on school with access to basic education, personal development, and nutritional support.

Vinh Loc, located on the outskirts of Ho Chi Minh City, is home to many residents who migrated from rural areas in search of work. Education is not a priority for many families, as parents (like Kim’s mother) didn’t attend school themselves. Financial constraints and a lack of formal documentation also prevent children from enrolling. Some of the children have special developmental needs.

As of March 2025, 32 students aged 6 to 16 attend classes in the new two-story building, which offers more space with classrooms on both floors. Children are grouped according to their learning levels, and the added room gives them a safe area to play both indoors and outdoors.

The Vinh Loc Learning Support Program aims to improve the emotional well-being and nutrition of the children, particularly those who come from families facing challenges. In addition to their studies, students enjoy games, crafts, and celebrating birthdays and festivals together.

Each student receives two sets of uniforms with the school logo, which they proudly wear. “Now we have a uniform with a logo, just like students at big schools,” they say. This small change has greatly strengthened their sense of belonging.

The Vinh Loc project started as a pilot program providing children from marginalised backgrounds with basic literacy. Its impact has gone beyond this goal – children like Kim now have a safe place to learn, play and spend time with each other, creating opportunities to live their lives with dignity and hope.