Hué Partnership
Hué Partnership
When Dry Creek founder Dr. Thomas Rosenberg was invited to Hué in 2005 to introduce surgical procedures, he saw an opportunity to give back to a country that the US had completely devastated during the Vietnam War. He asked surgical chief Pham Dang Nhat to put him in contact with a local humanitarian leader.
Upon arrival, he met Nguyen Van Thinh, a retired math professor and fervent humanitarian who became the leader of Dry Creek’s projects in Vietnam. "Mr. Thinh" has inspired us ever since and continues to lead our work in Vietnam.
Kindergarten Construction
In the low-lying river delta regions of Central Vietnam, kindergartens have deteriorated, been ravaged by floods or simply outgrown by a young population. No government funding is available. Dating back to 2005, the forerunners of Dry Creek Charity have built 10 schools, fences and playgrounds for villages in Vietnam.
Kindergartens serve as the cultural, as well as educational, springboard/center of each community. Because the kindergartens are built as two-level structures, they also serve as a flood relief center for the surrounding community during heavy rains.
After 10 years of kindergarten construction, we have decided to continue our partnership pursuing other avenues under the leadership of Mr. Thinh.
Youth Soccer and Chess
Dry Creek has committed to support the advancement of youth chess and soccer in the Hué region from 2019-2023.
Due to the development of digital technology, most of today’s Vietnamese youth are drawn into video games and disregard mental and physical exercise.
To combat this, Mr. Thinh chose soccer and chess, sports with a long tradition that foster community spirit, help juveniles exercise both physically and mentally, and create many opportunities for them to make friends with others in the world through tournaments.
In collaboration with the Thua Thien Hue Chess Federation, Thinh has organized the following annual action plan to be implemented over the next 5 years:
Training activities for elementary school teachers to be Chess and Traditional Chess Instructors.
Chess Tournaments for three types of beneficiaries: elementary students, elementary school teachers and parents of juveniles participating in chess tournaments.
“HUONG GIANG WHITE LOTUS” Chess and Soccer tournament for boys and girls, and attendance at international tournaments.
Organize grass-roots level clubs, strengthen and developing district-level Chess Federation, and host one national or regional chess tournament.
2020 Flood Relief
In October and November 2020, Central Vietnam was struck by a series of tropical storms that exacerbated the seasonal monsoons, causing major flooding and landslides. As of November 17th 2020, 324 lives have been lost and 66 are reported missing. So far, the Hué Region has suffered over $90 million in damages. Our collaborator Mr. Thinh has been actively involved in flood relief efforts, especially outreach to ethnic minorities in the region.
Making a Difference in 2024
Mr. Thinh continues to lead out, in support of community wellness on behalf of Dry Creek Charity.
Recent message from Thinh: "Our joy was not complete because Typhoon Yagi hit the northern provinces of Vietnam and the capital Hanoi. Many roads, bridges, houses and trees were destroyed. Thousands of young people from Hue city volunteered to go to the provinces affected by the storm and flood to provide relief. We are praying for everyone's safety."
Location:
Northern Vietnam
Date:
10/03/2024
