Those who are wondering, the title is a quote from one of my favourite Oasis songs. This phrase to me talks about someone who goes through life unnoticed. This phrase is what I thought of when thinking about orphans and orphanages. I felt that the majority of them would go unnoticed, would have no opportunity, would not receive the love and/or affection they need. Reality unfortunately is that this is true in many cases.
While flying back from Vietnam, I took some time to think about my experience working with Orphan Impact and Team4Tech on behalf of the VMware Foundation. I guess it is fair to say that I did not expect what an impact something like providing computer classes can have on these orphans. As I mentioned in my previous blog post: Love / affection, appreciation, acknowledgement, a chance… this is what truly matters. This is ultimately what these kids get from the awesome team from Orphan Impact, yes they provide computer classes but the social aspects are far more important if you ask me.
Someone once said that helping out in these orphanages was short term thinking, would not make a difference in the long run, that the government has to change and give more to the unfortunate. Maybe he was right, at least to the point where the government should invest more. I don’t think however we should wait for that to happen by itself, it only happens when you raise awareness of the situation. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t think we changed the world by going on a 12 day trip to Vietnam. However, if these 12 days gave only one of those kids in the 4 orphanages we visited the feeling he or she matters ,and therefor has a better chance of surviving, than it was more than worth it!
In the end, we can not control someones journey, but we can do your best to help them navigate and give them the confidence needed to determine which direction they take.
Thanks VMware, Team4Tech and Orphan Impact for allowing me to be part of this great and eye opening experience.
so touched !!! this is the final of your post but I think its not the end
Thanks Anh!
you’re welcome! thanks for coming and helping the kids
Admire your work with OrphanImpact. I would love to help in any way that I can!
All donations will help Orphan Impact, every dollar counts for them. Also, all help is welcome and maybe as an organization Cloud Physics can work with Team4Tech to see what the opportunities are out there.
These are important causes – thanks for inspiring the IT, engineering folks how they can also give back.
Drs without borders, Orphan Impact, Habitat for Humanity, Clean water – give where your can.
I admire you for doing this, and I am sure the kids will never forget the experience and what you gave them
Thanks, it was very much a team effort… but what we did in those 12 days is nothing compared to what the Orphan Impact folks do daily. Much respect for them!
That’s really beautiful, mate. What you’ve done is not only given hope to these kids, but also inspired others to go out and give their time to make another feel special.
You’ve done an awesome job – looking forward to seeing the next generation of VCDXs come out of Vietnam. 🙂
Very well said, Duncan. What an honor you were given to be a part of this effort.
Makes me think of my favorite Phil Collins’ song. 🙂 No seriously, you were an amazing part of the team. Thank you so much for everything you gave and for your beautiful words.
Right on Duncan… good cause. Education makes a ton of difference for orhpans in countries like Vietnam. My family supports an orphange in Cambodia that can only support a few doze orphans right now but the funding for the orphanage also supports a school that is open to all kids in the surrounding villages. Without education a lot of the kids are sold into slavery (of a horrible nature) but with just a basic education, good reading and writing skills, and some basic computer skills these kids can get jobs where they can support their families instead of being sold.
Education brings hope to children in countries like this… support them and give them hope!
I am Julie Clugage’s mother. I love reading all of your posts. I think you are a wonderful person. Thank you. You make a difference in the world.