When Huyên from Thiên Chí Center, Mekong Plus’s partner in Bình Thuận Province, was selected for the YSEALI Professional Fellows Program in the United States, he saw it as more than a learning opportunity — it was a mission. His goal was clear: to bring back new ideas, skills, and connections that could strengthen rural development projects in Vietnam and Cambodia.
Over several weeks in Missoula, Montana, Huyên worked with the Montana Natural History Center, an environmental education nonprofit. The experience changed the way he viewed fundraising, community engagement, and education — and confirmed the power of connecting people across borders for a shared purpose.
Learning from the Heart of Montana
The main purpose of Huyên’s trip was to strengthen his skills in nonprofit management, fundraising, and community engagement. Through his placement in Missoula, he learned how U.S. organizations mobilize local support, tell powerful stories, and build sustainable partnerships.
“These experiences connect directly to what we do at Thiên Chí and Mekong Plus,” he explained. “Our mission in Vietnam is to empower poor rural communities through participation, education, and women’s economic empowerment. Now I’m applying what I learned to improve our fundraising, train our staff, and expand our education and microcredit programs.”
His fellowship, funded by the American Councils for International Education, was part of the U.S. government’s broader effort to encourage leadership and innovation among young professionals in Southeast Asia.
Discovering New Models of Fundraising and Community Engagement
One of the most eye-opening moments for Huyên was attending the annual fundraising auction at the Montana Natural History Center. The event — organized entirely by volunteers — raised between 10 and 20% of the NGO’s annual income. “It showed me how powerful a community can be when people feel connected to a cause,” he said.
He also drew inspiration from the Kiwanis Club, where local retirees and volunteers regularly raise funds for social initiatives. These models, he believes, could inspire similar small-scale, community-led fundraising efforts in Vietnam.
“The U.S. approach is very professional and transparent,” he noted. “They engage people personally, make fundraising joyful, and show clearly where every dollar goes. That builds trust.”
Bringing New Ideas Home to Vietnam
Back home, Huyên is already adapting what he learned to Mekong Plus’s context. One of his first initiatives will be to organize outdoor education programs for rural students — field trips that help children learn directly from nature, similar to the programs he joined in Montana.
“I saw how American teachers encouraged children to learn by doing, not just by reading,” he said. “We can adapt that in Vietnam to help students connect with the environment and develop curiosity.”
He also plans to host small community events and auctions to raise local funds and strengthen relationships with Vietnamese donors, while training Mekong Plus teams to use storytelling and community engagement to inspire trust and participation.
Cross-Cultural Lessons and Inspiration
Beyond professional lessons, Huyên’s time in the U.S. was deeply human. Staying in an Airbnb with fellows from Timor-Leste and Cambodia and sharing meals with American families reminded him that community spirit transcends borders.
“Development work is not only about projects,” he reflected. “It’s about people, empathy, and the connections we build across cultures.”
His experiences also highlighted key differences between community work in the two countries. While U.S. NGOs often raise nearly all their funds domestically, Vietnamese organizations like Thiên Chí and Mekong Plus rely heavily on international donors and community contributions in kind or labor. Learning about income-generating activities — such as paid educational programs and workshops — helped him see new paths for long-term sustainability in Vietnam.
A Vision for the Future
Returning from the U.S., Huyên carries both new tools and renewed motivation. His goal is to inspire confidence among rural youth, particularly in learning English and exploring global perspectives. He believes this will open doors for young people in the Mekong Delta and beyond.
“I want to help students see that they can learn, connect, and contribute beyond their villages,” he said. “That’s how we empower the next generation.”
For Mekong Plus and Thiên Chí, Huyên’s journey is a reminder that even local work can have global roots — and that learning, collaboration, and compassion remain the most powerful engines of change.
More Ways to Get Involved
Here’s how you can get involved:
- Sponsor a child with a scholarship: https://mekongplus.org/en/sponsor-a-child/
- Finance a microcredit: https://mekongplus.org/en/finance-a-microcredit/
- Join our eco-tours: https://mekongplus.org/en/mekong-bikes/
- Make a donation to our programmes: https://mekongplus.org/en/donate/
- Follow us on Facebook: Mekong Plus & Mekong Quilts
