This January, the Children of Peace International (COPI) team embarked on its annual Administrative Trip to Vietnam—a journey filled with purpose and hope. During this visit, we connected with COPI-supported orphanages, charity houses, and schools to advance our mission of transforming lives.
Over two and a half weeks, coinciding with the Vietnamese New Year (Tet), we set out to inspect facilities, engage with government officials, and express heartfelt gratitude to the caretakers, teachers, and volunteers who tirelessly work to improve the futures of Vietnam’s children.
Here’s a recap of this week’s activities, from groundbreaking projects to touching moments with the communities we serve.
Monday: Returning to Vietnam to Kick Off Our Mission
The COPI team—comprised of our in-country representative Pham Phu Nhuyen, Board members Raina Zeeh and Mike Kirchner, and Tim Fluetsch—arrived in Vietnam to begin our work.
Our first steps included planning visits to COPI-supported facilities, meeting with officials, and attending a groundbreaking ceremony for a new kindergarten in Sa Pa, which was funded 80% by the Key Clubs of New England.
Tuesday: Preparing Tet Gifts and a New Office in Ho Chi Minh City
In keeping with Tet traditions, we prepared money-filled red envelopes (Li Xi) for the caretakers at the orphanages and charity houses we visited. These gifts, equivalent to one month’s wages, express our gratitude for their exceptional care and dedication.
We also visited our new representative office location in Ho Chi Minh City. Pending government approval, this office will help us better support communities across Vietnam.
Wednesday: Advancing COPI’s Mission with PACCOM in Hanoi
Flying to Hanoi, we met with PACCOM, the national government agency overseeing foreign organizations like COPI.
Key Highlights from the meeting:
- License Renewal: PACCOM confirmed that our application to operate in six provinces is on track. They encouraged us to submit our final application before leaving Vietnam.
- Expanded Operations: We’re planning to add Khanh Hoa province to our licensed areas and formally designate Mr. Nhuyen as our in-country representative.
- Banking Support: PACCOM will provide a letter of recommendation to help COPI establish a Vietnamese bank account.
- Anniversary Events: PACCOM shared plans for the 30th anniversary of normalized relations between Vietnam and the U.S., including an international conference and a U.S. NGO tour.
Thursday: A Heartfelt Visit to Viet Tri Orphanage and School
Our visit to the Viet Tri orphanage and school was a poignant reminder of COPI’s impact. This is one of only three facilities in Vietnam specializing in the care of children with disabilities.
Key Facts About the Viet Tri Orphanage and School:
Students: 125 students, including 65 boarders and seven infants.
Staff: 38 dedicated team members.
COPI’s Contributions: Over three decades, COPI has funded construction and expansion, provided financial support, and delivered Tet gifts for staff.
The orphanage is preparing to move to a newly refurbished facility in 2026, doubling its capacity to serve children. The Director shared plans to resume sewing skills classes, which provide students with valuable vocational training.
Afterward, we toured the new facility under construction and traveled to Sa Pa.
Friday: Sa Pa School Visits and Future Goals
Sa Pa, a picturesque mountain region, is home to several COPI-supported schools that inspire hope and opportunity for children.
Sa Pa School Expansion:
Current capacity: 2 classrooms, 1 kitchen, serving 58 children.
New construction (to be completed in 2025): Adding 2 classrooms, 3 restrooms, and 1 teachers’ room.
We joined local officials for the groundbreaking ceremony, marking the start of this important project.
San Sa Ho II Kindergarten:
At San Sa Ho II, we distributed knitted hats and scarves to the children and discussed future needs with school leaders. This kindergarten will soon relocate to a larger complex, which includes primary and secondary schools, a community center, and land for a future medical clinic.
San Sa Ho I:
Serving 254 students (121 of whom board at the school), San Sa Ho I was quiet due to a teacher training day. We left hats and scarves for the children and encouraged staff to share their recommendations for additional support.
What’s next on our annual journey to support Vietnam’s children
This week has been a powerful reminder of the impact we can create through partnership and perseverance. From celebrating Tet traditions to launching school expansion projects, COPI remains deeply committed to supporting Vietnam’s most vulnerable children.
Stay tuned for more updates as we meet with volunteers in Hanoi and wrap up our annual Administrative Trip. Together, we’re making a lasting difference.
Join us in making a difference. Your support fuels our mission to bring education, healthcare, and opportunity to children across Vietnam.
