Engaging Globally, Welcoming Locally

In March of 2024, a delegation of YMCA board members, local leaders, and volunteers returned to support the YMCA in Vietnam. As part of the YMCA’s Diversity, Inclusion, and Global Engagement initiative, this type of experience allows trip participants from the greater Arlington and Mansfield community to gain a better understanding of one segment of the populace that we seek to serve locally. This learning is crucial to our mission of being an organization, “FOR ALL.”

The unique experience also allowed those passionate about our work to see another YMCA serving critical community needs in an area of a country that oftentimes struggles with financial resources. During this trip, volunteers helped in the funding and construction of a new school facility at the Tan Phu Tay Primary School in Bến Tre Province and lead school activities with students. Time was also be spent at the Dieu Giac Charity Home where volunteers worked directly with orphans and special needs adults.

Volunteers also participated in cultural immersion activities that focused on the rich history, natural attractions, and cuisine of an amazing country with remarkable people. This year, the trip featured several stops in the south, including Saigon (HCMC), Phú Quốc Island, and the Mekong River Delta.

A special thank you to our partners at the YMCA of Greater Houston and the Vietnam YMCA for making this experience possible.

We have returned from our adventure equipped to build even more meaningful bridges with the local Vietnamese population and amongst the larger Asian community as well.  If you would like to donate to support our efforts in Global Engagement, please click here.

To see a video from last year’s trip, please click here.

To get involved or to learn more about our YMCA’s commitment to Diversity, Inclusion and Global Engagement in Vietnam, please read a feature article in Arlington Today Magazine.