Journal by an awesome woman we know - Camella Binkley
One of the beauties of this trip to Vietnam and Cambodia has been the pace that
has allowed us the opportunity to not just observe the programs of GIBTK, but to spend time with some amazing kids who are part of the programs.
A visit to Legacy One helped me to grasp the impact this program is having upon kids from the local communities. For those reading this who don’t know - the Legacy programs of GIBTK are centers in local communities that provide tutoring, along with classes in English, Math, Computers and Emotional Health at no cost. Children from the most dire of circumstances can participate.
My heart leapt with joy as we saw with our own eyes kids learning!
The classes knew we were coming and with their teachers’ help had prepared questions to ask us in English! So delightful, so heartwarming, and so encouraging to see their eyes light up with pride as they asked their questions. You could literally feel their confidence growing as we answered, had some laughs together, and amused them with our very poor attempts at Vietnamese.
One young girl asked what the differences were between Vietnamese children and American children. I answered that there were many similarities but one difference I saw was the great respect Vietnamese children have for their elders. This young girl was so sweet in her response as she blessed this “elder” with a piece of candy she had brought for me. Even now my heart is warmed by the sacrifice of that piece of candy.
Not only did we “see” learning but we “felt” dreams coming alive! As these students master their studies, especially the English language, you see the confidence building that births dreams in their hearts.
We talked to the kids about what they want to be. Answers such as doctor, policeman, pilot, teacher, business owner were not uncommon. My heart swelled with gratitude for every donor who has contributed to this program.
The Legacy Programs are changing lives and Dreams are Coming Alive!
Camella Binkley
Gallery - Click Images
