I care a lot about the communities around me. For me, volunteering isn’t just about giving time — it’s about showing support, sharing moments, and learning from others. Alongside being staff at fundraising events and visiting orphanages to play and learn with children, I also started Seed2Speed, a project where I taught kids to build their own DIY RC cars using recycled materials and motors.
Most of these opportunities were made possible through ILA Vietnam, who connected me with organizations and supported me in joining impactful projects.
Below are short reflections from six of my volunteer experiences, with “Learn More” buttons for those who want to read the full stories.
I founded Seed2Speed to turn one child’s wish for an RC car into a hands-on STEM project. Instead of buying toys, I taught kids at an orphanage to build their own cars from recycled materials and motors. They built, raced, and laughed together—and it showed me how even simple projects can spark curiosity in engineering.
With SouLoop, I joined a visit to an orphanage where we combined fun games with a creative environmental project. We taught the kids how to make handmade paper from recycled scraps, even adding seeds so their wishes could “grow” into flowers or trees. I also helped prepare planting cups, carried soil, and guided the children step by step. Beyond the activities, sitting beside them in class, laughing together, and sharing small gifts made the day unforgettable. It reminded me how kindness and teamwork can plant seeds of hope that keep growing.
The Rạng Project (“dawn” in Vietnamese) brought the magic of cinema to visually impaired children, allowing them to “see” through narration, sound, and imagination. Beyond just a movie screening, it was about breaking barriers, spreading hope, and reminding them that they shine just like everyone else. From preparing gifts and decorations to learning Braille and even wearing blindfolds ourselves, I gained a new perspective on resilience, compassion, and the power of shared experiences.
Through SOS Vietnam, I joined a program that brought joy, care, and support to children in need. We prepared gifts like books, notebooks, pens, and teddy bears, and even organized circle games such as Simon Says and riddles. Before the event, I helped line up chairs and clean the field — dragging around a huge trash bag! It was a powerful and emotional experience, seeing both fun and kindness come together.
At TEDxFTU, I volunteered as staff, helping with guest check-in, guiding people to their seats, and setting up during the tea break. Even though I was behind the scenes, I realized how important small roles are in making a big event run smoothly. From using walkie-talkie apps to serving trays of snacks, every task mattered. The theme, “De Rubik Code,” reminded me that sometimes slowing down and reflecting leads to clarity — something I carried with me even outside the event.
I volunteered at a fundraising concert to support children in Đắk Nông province with school supplies and local infrastructure. My tasks ranged from setting up chairs and decorating the venue to helping with the art auction. Even though they were small jobs, I realized how teamwork and adaptability could turn a simple event into something powerful. The night showed me how music, art, and community can come together to create real change.