Bridging Smiles and Building Bonds: SIS Students' Transformative Service Trip to Vietnam Fall 2024

During their service trip to Saigon, Vietnam, SIS students engaged in various culturally immersive and community-building activities to foster personal growth and cross-cultural understanding. Beginning each day with nutritious breakfasts, including Sr Chi’s homemade marmalade, students bonded with peers from the Love School and participated in collaborative morning exercises at Minh Duc Church. Engaging in academic activities focused on Maths and English, SIS students worked alongside local Grade 4 students at the Ai Linh Love School, providing support and practicing communication and numeracy skills.

Recess allowed for creative expression through card-making with Grade 3 students. SIS students also interviewed their local counterparts, discussing the aspirations and challenges faced by Love School students. This experience deepened empathy and awareness through hearing individuals' stories and sharing each other's dreams to foster genuine connections.

Afternoon excursions were not just sightseeing but opportunities for the students to gain a deeper understanding of Vietnam’s complex history and vibrant culture. The daily reflections, such as on the theme “Personal Growth and Bringing It Back Home,” were not just exercises but catalysts for the students to consider how their experiences could inspire positive actions upon returning home. This journey was not just a trip but a transformative experience that cultivated both service-oriented learning and lasting friendships, emphasising the value of intercultural understanding and ongoing community engagement.

Many students echoed these sentiments, sharing how their experience in Vietnam left a long-lasting impact through developing relations with children at Ai Linh Love School. As one student put it,

“Although I was initially worried that I would not be able to connect with the children as deeply enough due to the language barrier, one quick exchange of smiles was all it took to bridge the gap and create a special bond. They now hold a special place in my heart.”