Hoa Sen Home
Working with numerous families in the area, Jean and Thuy realized that some children needed more than oversight and sponsorship. They decided to build a foster home for children in particularly dire conditions: loss or severe illness of a parent or both, abandonment, abuse.
Hoa Sen House opened in 2013 and houses about 40 children today. The children are cared for by two foster mothers and consider themselves like a family, but most also remain in contact with some relatives.
The children are provided for, their education funded, and they can remain in the house until they are financially secure. The family and support that the House provides is lifesaving for these children, and many of them have gone on to graduate from university or become skilled professionals.
Education
The main focus of Thuy and Jean's actions in the area is education: ensuring that children and teenagers attend school, do well, pursue their studies as long as possible, and widen their horizons. Aided by volunteers, non-profits and private donations, they:
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Built 3 pre-Ks and 1 primary school
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Oversee the schooling of around 500 children in the area (attendance, results)
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Pay tuition, school fees for those who need it
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Provide school supplies and a means of transportation if needed
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Fund and supervise construction to improve school facilities
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Organize free English, French and Spanish classes during the summer
Health
Health is also a pillar of Jean and Thuy's actions in the area: many children and adults suffer from a variety of ailments because of their living conditions, jobs or lack of access to care. Some initiatives include:
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Paying, in part or in whole, for medical interventions – major and minor surgeries
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Paying, in part, in whole or with the help of sponsors, for continuous medical treatment of conditions like diabetes, HIV, and other illnesses.
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Organizing regular check-ups
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Raising awareness about hygiene and other daily concerns
Other Projects
To improve the lives of those around them, Thuy and Jean tackle a variety of projects:
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Construction of a village to house boat-dwelling people (now with about160 houses)
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A children's sponsorship program to help cover the cost of care, education and medical treatment
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Microfinancing for families in need
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Natural disaster relief – reconstruction, basic necessities and funding after destructive floods
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Swimming lessons (there are about 6000 deaths by drowning in the area every year) and construction of a pool
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Activities for the children – martial arts, music, outings...
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Apprenticeship opportunities for adolescents who cannot or have not finished their schooling