I am an active member of Heartbeat Vietnam whose mission is to raise funds and donate so that children with heart surgeries are able to receive our aid. In Vietnam alone, there are 20,000 kids with heart surgeries are waiting to receive our help.
I am really honoured and lucky to be a part of this group. Although I am just a high school student, we can bring changes to lives of children. Currently, I hold my position as Vice President and Fanny is my boss whom we call, "President".
Last year, SSIS Heartbeat Vietnam members could raise $2000 and provided 2 heart surgeries for two children. This year, our goal is a bit higher than the previous year. In order to achieve our goal, we will be organising and planning events throughout the year. I am pretty sure there will obstacles and frustration on the way. However, we will feel really rewarded and thankful for those hardships we have gone through.
26/10/2013
One of the very first activities SSIS Heartbeat Vietnam members participated was "SSIS PTA Bazaar" Where there were a variety of fund raising groups trying to sell products to raise money as well.
We sold brownies, cup cakes, sodas, and others. Nam and I walked around the whole campus to sell as many as brownies we could. When we said, "It is for charity!", some parents paid a few more dollars than the price of the food. How grateful for their generosity.
Setting up and planing for this event seemed just very simple and direct in the beginning. However, I realized that there is much more than that. To begin with, we sold brownies, cupcakes, lemonade, milo, and bakes. Although seemingly simple, these items requires lots of labor. Therefore, we had to assign each person what to bring and responsibilities as well. Not only that, selling is not also easy. It takes lots of courage and patient to sell because some customers tend to complain about how they are so expensive and some customers take a very long time to buy. However, I had to treat them and greet them as nicely as possible because without them, we can't ever raise any money and they are the people we need.
At the end, the Bazaar was very successful. We approximately raised 5 million VND and which is approximately 10% of our goal! I am really looking forward again and I feel like we will get to the point where we want to be if we are going at this pace!
One of the very first activities SSIS Heartbeat Vietnam members participated was "SSIS PTA Bazaar" Where there were a variety of fund raising groups trying to sell products to raise money as well.
We sold brownies, cup cakes, sodas, and others. Nam and I walked around the whole campus to sell as many as brownies we could. When we said, "It is for charity!", some parents paid a few more dollars than the price of the food. How grateful for their generosity.
Setting up and planing for this event seemed just very simple and direct in the beginning. However, I realized that there is much more than that. To begin with, we sold brownies, cupcakes, lemonade, milo, and bakes. Although seemingly simple, these items requires lots of labor. Therefore, we had to assign each person what to bring and responsibilities as well. Not only that, selling is not also easy. It takes lots of courage and patient to sell because some customers tend to complain about how they are so expensive and some customers take a very long time to buy. However, I had to treat them and greet them as nicely as possible because without them, we can't ever raise any money and they are the people we need.
At the end, the Bazaar was very successful. We approximately raised 5 million VND and which is approximately 10% of our goal! I am really looking forward again and I feel like we will get to the point where we want to be if we are going at this pace!
14/01/2014
SSIS Idol!
Since the beginning of the year, we have diligently worked on this huge project called, "SSIS Idol".
What is "SSIS Idol"? This is a like a talent show where students from Saigon South International School compete each other by singing to become the "Idol" of SSIS. However, as I said earlier, anything related to events requires lots of planning behind.
To start off with, well, to be honest, there are so much things to write about it. Let me see... Well! Coming up with a date was even hard to decide because we had to make sure that there is no conflict with other events on that day and it should be on Friday because that's when students are able to participate the most. Also, we have a new principal, Mr.Kruk, we had to write a proposal to him so that he knows what SSIS Idol is and the purpose of Heartbeat Vietnam Club in SSIS.
But to be honest, these actions are baby steps. We had to really plan out. First of all, we had to decide on who was going to be our judges and we also had to create a poster as well as a ticket. There is a nice SSIS Idol poster, which is created by HaiVan. We also had to write a MC scrip for the show. My duty was to plan for the program. Therefore, I had to find out and volunteers for MCs. In the end, the finalised MCs were SooHan and Emily. We wrote scripts together.
Another job we needed to do was finding our sponsors for the show. Fanny and I deliberately visited many restaurants and shops. We wrote a proposal both in English and Vietnamese so that when we walk into a random store, we are able to introduce our club and explain what we need. Soon, we got to ask sponsors from major food businesses such as Dunkin Donut, Popeyes, Carl’s Jr., Texas Chicken, and 13 others. I personally found asking sponsors both intimidating and exciting. At first, we were scared by the fact that we have to talk to managers and ask for what we want. However, now I feel very proud knowing that these managers also realized the need to contribute to the community, and I was gladly given the opportunity to assist them.
However, we got only two responses from two shops. The first shop was "Kiet Stationery" where SSIS students often visit to buy school related goods. They provided us with 1,000,000 VND and we bought trophies with that money. The second sponsor was Dunkin Donut. The shop provided us with 200 Heart shaped donuts which we sold them $1 each. However, the number of donuts was too many. We had about 5 boxes filled donuts inside. Since we had no other ways to sell them, we decided to give all these donuts to school workers who spend their effort and time for us students. We gave out those donuts to cleaning ladies, guards, and maintenance people.
The event was really successful. Altogether about 200 to 250 people came to watch the show. We sold each ticket 50,000 for studetns and 100,000 for adults. The final winner of the show was Jackie Bai. She was just a great singer.
Thinking about the event, I think I have learned so many things throughout the planning stage. To begin with, I have learned to develop confidence while I had to talk to authorities to get sponsors. Also, I have learned to interact with others especially within the group members. Even though sometimes there were disagreements while making decisions, we could overcome having arguments through voting and following the democratic procedure. I am really glad that we have organised this event successfully with so many other people included.
SSIS Idol!
Since the beginning of the year, we have diligently worked on this huge project called, "SSIS Idol".
What is "SSIS Idol"? This is a like a talent show where students from Saigon South International School compete each other by singing to become the "Idol" of SSIS. However, as I said earlier, anything related to events requires lots of planning behind.
To start off with, well, to be honest, there are so much things to write about it. Let me see... Well! Coming up with a date was even hard to decide because we had to make sure that there is no conflict with other events on that day and it should be on Friday because that's when students are able to participate the most. Also, we have a new principal, Mr.Kruk, we had to write a proposal to him so that he knows what SSIS Idol is and the purpose of Heartbeat Vietnam Club in SSIS.
But to be honest, these actions are baby steps. We had to really plan out. First of all, we had to decide on who was going to be our judges and we also had to create a poster as well as a ticket. There is a nice SSIS Idol poster, which is created by HaiVan. We also had to write a MC scrip for the show. My duty was to plan for the program. Therefore, I had to find out and volunteers for MCs. In the end, the finalised MCs were SooHan and Emily. We wrote scripts together.
Another job we needed to do was finding our sponsors for the show. Fanny and I deliberately visited many restaurants and shops. We wrote a proposal both in English and Vietnamese so that when we walk into a random store, we are able to introduce our club and explain what we need. Soon, we got to ask sponsors from major food businesses such as Dunkin Donut, Popeyes, Carl’s Jr., Texas Chicken, and 13 others. I personally found asking sponsors both intimidating and exciting. At first, we were scared by the fact that we have to talk to managers and ask for what we want. However, now I feel very proud knowing that these managers also realized the need to contribute to the community, and I was gladly given the opportunity to assist them.
However, we got only two responses from two shops. The first shop was "Kiet Stationery" where SSIS students often visit to buy school related goods. They provided us with 1,000,000 VND and we bought trophies with that money. The second sponsor was Dunkin Donut. The shop provided us with 200 Heart shaped donuts which we sold them $1 each. However, the number of donuts was too many. We had about 5 boxes filled donuts inside. Since we had no other ways to sell them, we decided to give all these donuts to school workers who spend their effort and time for us students. We gave out those donuts to cleaning ladies, guards, and maintenance people.
The event was really successful. Altogether about 200 to 250 people came to watch the show. We sold each ticket 50,000 for studetns and 100,000 for adults. The final winner of the show was Jackie Bai. She was just a great singer.
Thinking about the event, I think I have learned so many things throughout the planning stage. To begin with, I have learned to develop confidence while I had to talk to authorities to get sponsors. Also, I have learned to interact with others especially within the group members. Even though sometimes there were disagreements while making decisions, we could overcome having arguments through voting and following the democratic procedure. I am really glad that we have organised this event successfully with so many other people included.
02/05/2014
Wow... Time just flies by.
Unbelievably, it has been almost a year since I have joined this amazing club. Today, however, is the last day for seniors who have been enthusiastically involved for Heartbeat Vietnam as well because they need to prepare for their final exams.
I am so thankful for the seniors because they have organised this club thoroughly and created such a strong bond between members. While seniors are gone, however, there is still one more event coming up! It's called "High School Silent Auction". Although I do not know much about it at this stage, I am pretty sure we can make it successful through our dedication and effort.
Bye Seniors, and thank you to all of you.
Wow... Time just flies by.
Unbelievably, it has been almost a year since I have joined this amazing club. Today, however, is the last day for seniors who have been enthusiastically involved for Heartbeat Vietnam as well because they need to prepare for their final exams.
I am so thankful for the seniors because they have organised this club thoroughly and created such a strong bond between members. While seniors are gone, however, there is still one more event coming up! It's called "High School Silent Auction". Although I do not know much about it at this stage, I am pretty sure we can make it successful through our dedication and effort.
Bye Seniors, and thank you to all of you.
05/05/2014
After deliberately working on the "Silient Auction", the Heartbeat Vietnam members have finally initiated the event!
This is how the event works:
During the art exhibition in the auditorium, donated pictures are labeled with blue ribbons and price tags. After looking around the auditorium, teachers/parents/students bid money on some of the art pieces. This is call a "Slient Auction" because people only bid online on the Heart Beat Vietnam blog. We estimate about raising 14 million VND which is about $700 that can almost provide wings for one child by providing a heart surgery.
Yes, there were hardships while preparing for this event in terms of receiving donated art pieces from the students since they want to keep their pieces. Therefore, we had to contact parents and art teachers for help. Due to their generosity and comprehensive minds, they provided enough art pieces to start the art auction. Thank you teachers, parents, and students for involving and donating art pieces. Your effort and love will directly save the lives of children.
Here is the link: http://blog.ssis.edu.vn/103429/
After deliberately working on the "Silient Auction", the Heartbeat Vietnam members have finally initiated the event!
This is how the event works:
During the art exhibition in the auditorium, donated pictures are labeled with blue ribbons and price tags. After looking around the auditorium, teachers/parents/students bid money on some of the art pieces. This is call a "Slient Auction" because people only bid online on the Heart Beat Vietnam blog. We estimate about raising 14 million VND which is about $700 that can almost provide wings for one child by providing a heart surgery.
Yes, there were hardships while preparing for this event in terms of receiving donated art pieces from the students since they want to keep their pieces. Therefore, we had to contact parents and art teachers for help. Due to their generosity and comprehensive minds, they provided enough art pieces to start the art auction. Thank you teachers, parents, and students for involving and donating art pieces. Your effort and love will directly save the lives of children.
Here is the link: http://blog.ssis.edu.vn/103429/
12/06/2014
What an amazing day!
Today, we visited our headquarter of HeartBeat Vietnam and donated our $2500 which we raised through one year! We got two stick two heart shaped stickers on the wall. Each sticker represents one heart surgery that is equivalent to $1000 worth. I am thankful and honored to be a part of Heartbeat Vietnam for accomplishing something that can truly benefit children who will receive our love. Although I am just a high school student, the experiment was empowering for me because I began to see the world a full of hope and there are so many opportunities for me to contribute to the society. Of course, some people might call it this is something little compared to other big contribution. However, I still believe in myself that we all need to start from the very beginning regardless of how small it is. I mean, we, Heartbeat Vietnam crews, have thoroughly worked on this project for a year now. There were hardships and trouble on the way through and sometimes we just felt like it's not working and wanted to give up on organising an event such as Art Auction. However, when I stepped onto the Heartbeat Vietnam Foundation building, everything else just paid off. It's just a wonderful feeling which I have never felt before. I felt so empowered. Thank you Fanny for going along with me and it was just a great year to be with you.
What an amazing day!
Today, we visited our headquarter of HeartBeat Vietnam and donated our $2500 which we raised through one year! We got two stick two heart shaped stickers on the wall. Each sticker represents one heart surgery that is equivalent to $1000 worth. I am thankful and honored to be a part of Heartbeat Vietnam for accomplishing something that can truly benefit children who will receive our love. Although I am just a high school student, the experiment was empowering for me because I began to see the world a full of hope and there are so many opportunities for me to contribute to the society. Of course, some people might call it this is something little compared to other big contribution. However, I still believe in myself that we all need to start from the very beginning regardless of how small it is. I mean, we, Heartbeat Vietnam crews, have thoroughly worked on this project for a year now. There were hardships and trouble on the way through and sometimes we just felt like it's not working and wanted to give up on organising an event such as Art Auction. However, when I stepped onto the Heartbeat Vietnam Foundation building, everything else just paid off. It's just a wonderful feeling which I have never felt before. I felt so empowered. Thank you Fanny for going along with me and it was just a great year to be with you.
I really enjoy working and devoting my time for the club because it makes me realize that we students can bring changes to lives of the children. As shown in the picture on the right, Tho is one of the children who received our help.
Raising $2500 was not an easy task. We had to come up with special and captivating events to raise funds. To me, the most fun and exciting part of this club was to organize school events. One of our major school events is a high school singing contest, called “SSIS Idol”. We plan this event for about 3 months. During the time, we get to ask sponsors from major food businesses such as Dunkin Donut, Popeyes, Carl’s Jr., Texas Chicken, and 13 others. I personally found asking sponsors both intimidating and exciting. At first, we were scared by the fact that we have to talk to managers and ask for what we want. However, now I feel very proud knowing that these managers also realized the need to contribute to the community, and I was gladly given the opportunity to assist them. Not only that, I simply love playing with children. I found every child really adorable and cute. I just can’t wait to have my next hospital visit to see children recover from their heart surgeries. I truly enjoy the moment of sharing love with the children.
Raising $2500 was not an easy task. We had to come up with special and captivating events to raise funds. To me, the most fun and exciting part of this club was to organize school events. One of our major school events is a high school singing contest, called “SSIS Idol”. We plan this event for about 3 months. During the time, we get to ask sponsors from major food businesses such as Dunkin Donut, Popeyes, Carl’s Jr., Texas Chicken, and 13 others. I personally found asking sponsors both intimidating and exciting. At first, we were scared by the fact that we have to talk to managers and ask for what we want. However, now I feel very proud knowing that these managers also realized the need to contribute to the community, and I was gladly given the opportunity to assist them. Not only that, I simply love playing with children. I found every child really adorable and cute. I just can’t wait to have my next hospital visit to see children recover from their heart surgeries. I truly enjoy the moment of sharing love with the children.
SSIS Idol
02/02/2015
Finally, it has come to the point where we all want to see! This year, Heartbeat Vietnam has organised another annual event called, "SSIS Idol". We have planned this event for close to 3 months and there were many obstacles and issues that we faced on the way through. However, they were not as bad as those of last year because since it is an annual event, we kind of expect to know problems and issues ahead of time.
To start off with the poster, HanSunWoo, who is in charge of taking photos of our school, has created such a beautiful poster on the left. I am just thankful for him for contribution his skill and effort for the great purpose. We also worked on finding our sponsors for the show so that we are able to give prizes for the winner of the show. This year, we have created an English version of a proposal as well as Vietnamese one and visited approximately 20 stores around Phu My Hung, a compound where I live. Walking into an unknown place and the fact that I need to explain what we need is just a challenging experience because we did not know how would managers would react to our proposal. The first place we went was Domino Pizza. To be honest, I was really scared and worried for the challenge. However, along with Fanny, who is a fluent Vietnamese speaker, we could explain the show and give out our Heartbeat Vietnam brochures to the managers. After rising about 20 stores in a course of a week, we patiently waited for them to reply back. However, no store replied and met the deadline. We felt a bit disappointed and frustrated for not being able to receive any help from outside sources although we have tried. However, approximately 2 weeks before the show, Dunkin Donut volunteered to donated 200 donuts, specially for heart shaped ones. So that we could sell the donuts during the interval of the show. Not only that, Kiet has volunteered to provide 1,000,000 VND and we used the money to buy trophies for the winner of the show.
Once we've got all the plans ready, the show began as our two MCs, James and Lynn led the show. The show followed just a simple and clear partner. The show started off with a professional band whose name is "F-Band" who has received the 2nd place for X-Factor Vietnam. They were just amazing and we were so thankful for them because they were willing to visit and play songs for us with no change. The band members knew that the show was for the charity. I would like to specifically thank Mary for successfully contacting them and inviting them to the show. The show went really well as KyuWon became the idol of our school for 2015. Congratulation to KyuWon!!!
After the show, I just felt relaxed and satisfied for having such a great opportunity to run this show and invite more than 200 students and teachers. When I think about it, I could have done possibly nothing without all the members including, Mary, Hoy, Fanny, Hansun, and all other members who have participated in the club. I am just thankful for them and looking forward to our last event, "HS Art Auction".
02/02/2015
Finally, it has come to the point where we all want to see! This year, Heartbeat Vietnam has organised another annual event called, "SSIS Idol". We have planned this event for close to 3 months and there were many obstacles and issues that we faced on the way through. However, they were not as bad as those of last year because since it is an annual event, we kind of expect to know problems and issues ahead of time.
To start off with the poster, HanSunWoo, who is in charge of taking photos of our school, has created such a beautiful poster on the left. I am just thankful for him for contribution his skill and effort for the great purpose. We also worked on finding our sponsors for the show so that we are able to give prizes for the winner of the show. This year, we have created an English version of a proposal as well as Vietnamese one and visited approximately 20 stores around Phu My Hung, a compound where I live. Walking into an unknown place and the fact that I need to explain what we need is just a challenging experience because we did not know how would managers would react to our proposal. The first place we went was Domino Pizza. To be honest, I was really scared and worried for the challenge. However, along with Fanny, who is a fluent Vietnamese speaker, we could explain the show and give out our Heartbeat Vietnam brochures to the managers. After rising about 20 stores in a course of a week, we patiently waited for them to reply back. However, no store replied and met the deadline. We felt a bit disappointed and frustrated for not being able to receive any help from outside sources although we have tried. However, approximately 2 weeks before the show, Dunkin Donut volunteered to donated 200 donuts, specially for heart shaped ones. So that we could sell the donuts during the interval of the show. Not only that, Kiet has volunteered to provide 1,000,000 VND and we used the money to buy trophies for the winner of the show.
Once we've got all the plans ready, the show began as our two MCs, James and Lynn led the show. The show followed just a simple and clear partner. The show started off with a professional band whose name is "F-Band" who has received the 2nd place for X-Factor Vietnam. They were just amazing and we were so thankful for them because they were willing to visit and play songs for us with no change. The band members knew that the show was for the charity. I would like to specifically thank Mary for successfully contacting them and inviting them to the show. The show went really well as KyuWon became the idol of our school for 2015. Congratulation to KyuWon!!!
After the show, I just felt relaxed and satisfied for having such a great opportunity to run this show and invite more than 200 students and teachers. When I think about it, I could have done possibly nothing without all the members including, Mary, Hoy, Fanny, Hansun, and all other members who have participated in the club. I am just thankful for them and looking forward to our last event, "HS Art Auction".
Self Evaluation
Q.1Would you propose this project to your fellow students as a valuable CAS experience? Why or why not?
Q2. How does this project fit into the "Spirit of CAS?"
Q2. How does this project fit into the "Spirit of CAS?"