In early November Volunteer House Vietnam launched free online English classes for members who have been active and have made a big contribution to Volunteer House Vietnam. The online classes connect VHV volunteers with foreigners for direct exchanges in English.

One foreigner, Roger, has 30 years’ experience as a reporter and editor and has worked at the largest newspaper in Canada. He shares this thought: “Through this project, I hope the foreign volunteers and the volunteers of Volunteer House Vietnam have the opportunity to interact, share, become friends and learn from each other. The regular exchange and sharing of work will help us understand more about your culture and country thereby improving the ability to speak English “.

Nguyen Ngoc Yen is the coordinator and a teacher Unit 3, Hanoi VHV. She said: “I just talked to Roger in two sessions but I feel very strongly the enthusiastic help of the teacher. Teacher and pupils built the class their own way. Teachers are willing to help with everything from the adjustment of school time, duration of study and the class content. As well we had direct conversation for nearly 2 hours on Skype to practice speaking abilities and hone vocabulary. He also spent time fixing articles to help students improve their writing skills. “

Bui Thi Thuy is currently a teaching team member and part of the logistics group. She said: “I had an opportunity to study with Roger. In the meeting I called Roger ‘papa’ because he taught with the enthusiasm and dedication of a father. Sometimes a weak wifi connection made sound difficult to hear but he persevered and listened to correct me.”

These online courses are a way for VHV to increase communication between members so members can connect with each other and with VHV. Moreover, the courses will also help consolidate the knowledge of English for teachers and teaching assistants at the facility, which will help create even better lessons for students.

“I believe this course is invaluable and rewarding for the members of VHV. The organization of the course is a way for Volunteer House Vietnam to acknowledge the contributions of volunteers and will help volunteers to be even more enthusiastic in their dedication to the organization. As well it will encourage other students to participate in this voluntary organization,” said You Loan former Leader of Teaching Team.

Learning English online with foreigners is one of a series of free classroom skills offered by Volunteer House Vietnam and organized with the message “Let go of good things, you’ll get better ones.” Volunteer House Vietnam is not only free English classes for poor children but also the opportunity for volunteers to exchange learning and connect with new friends at home and abroad. It gives volunteers a chance to take free training classes and talk to foreigners to improve their English.

VHV Translating Team