Building on the success of English for rural kids in Vietnam, after one year of practicing English speaking with retired native Australian English speakers, the first two students (years 12: Hau and 11: Kiet) from Vung Liem district, Vinh Long province, Mekong Delta have just arrived in Australia on 5th July 2024. They will stay in Mallacoota, a remote town in Victoria for seven weeks. Two students participated in the Mango English Group, mentored by two Australian (Kate and Phil) from Mallacoota and one graduate Vietnamese (Khang). Finally, their dream of visiting Australia came true. They were welcomed by Dr Kien (Director of Mekong Organics) and Dr Tai at the Sydney Airport on 5th July. They spent two days in Canberra, where they met Ms Fiona Hamer, the Rotary Club of Hall sponsor in Canberra. The visited the Capital Region Farmers market, the Australian National University, National Museum of Australia, Parliament House, and the Vietnamese communities in Canberra on 6th July. Then, they were driven by Dr Kien and Dr Tai to Mallacoota on the 7th of July and stay there until departure to Vietnam on the 25th of August.
During their stay in Mallacoota, they practice English with Kate and Phil at home and communicate with the wilder community members, over 1000 residents in a small town. They will participate in the sports program, operated by the Reclink of Australia, creative arts mentored by Mrs Yodanda Oakley, ICT skills mentored by Wilderness Collective social enterprise, creative writing mentored by the Open Page and participate in the P12 school every morning.
The program was co-hosted by Mrs Kate and Mr Phil, supported by NGOs, Social Enterprises, and Community Group members, and partly financially funded by the Rotary Club of Hall, Mekong Organics, and Kate and Phil’s family.
You may visit the weekly report from Phil and Kate on this website
Week 01: Welcoming and introduction
Activity Photos Progress
Project website – English for rural kids in Vietnam