Friends of Hue Foundation
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In International Planning circles there are many debates raging on how to develop a region economically and what civil societal mechanisms need to be established to promote sustainable growth. In this case we examine a charitable organization's impact in a microcosmic way. This is a work in progress that needs to be constantly contributed to.
The Friends of Hue Foundation (www.friendsofhue.org) is a case study to document a growing organization's achievements and tribulations
Background info:
The primary mission of the Friends of Hue Foundation is to provide assistance to impoverished people and victims of natural disasters in Thua Thien- Hue province of Central Vietnam. All staff and Board members of the Friends of Hue Foundation in the United States serve as unpaid volunteers. With the hope to be able to hire a full time staff person in the US one day. This is actually a common trap that NGOs fall into. Volunteer-based orgs, cannot grow further if they cannot and donot have the right staffing1
Mission Statement:
To provide long-term assistance in economic self-sufficiency, health care, education and emergency relief for victims of natural disasters in Thua Thien Hue and nearby areas in Central Vietnam. The assistance projects are diverse, efficient and flexible to accommodate changing needs over time. FHF hopes to later expand services to other neighboring provinces as funding allows.2
Why Hue? Hue is Vietnam’s de facto “third capital” due to its historical linkages and geographical location. However, due to its rugged terrain and inhospitable climate, Hue has not been seen as an ideal place for large scale manufacturing and aggressive economic development. This results in less economic opportunities to its inhabitants producing more than its fair share of people living in poverty. Hanoi to the north and Saigon to the south are both political and economic capitals, respectively, and have also received the bulk of attention from NGOs/INGOs. Hue also falls short in this respect. Currently, FHF is the only officially registered, US-based INGO providing services in Thua Thien Hue Province.3
Current Projects:
+ Children:
Children's Shelter - Built and operate a children's shelter for orphans, children in poverty and victims of natural disasters
Cattle Raising Program - giving incentives to poor children to stay and do well in school
+ Health:
Mobile Health Clinic program - medical team visits remote rural areas monthly to provide free health care
Corrective Surgery Program - provides reconstructive surgery (in co-operation with Hue Central Hospital) for children w/ cleft palates, need of artificial anus, severe burns, club foot and other deformities
+ Education:
Near complete construction of a Vocational Center (12/29/06)
Scholarship, assistance for payment of school fees, books, clothing and vocational training
+ Microfinance loans:
Small short term interest-free and lower interest loans to vendors without collaterals to support animal husbandry, fishing, small farming activities and other entrepreneurial programs.
This is an introduction. More will be added later to this wiki. If you have any question please contact us at info@friendsofhue.org or you can visit our website at http://www.friendsofhue.org
Sources:
1 Friends of Hue Foundation: www.friendsofhue.org
2 www.VolunteerMatch.org
3 www.vietnet.blog.com
