During the first two weeks of July, the sight of several US students riding bicycles was a common site in central Quang Ngai Province.

A team of 32 youth volunteers from 10 states in the US helped construct three charity houses for the poor in Son Tinh District and a community house at Binh Son District.

Sponsored by the US Madison Quakers Inc., the team also helped teach English to hundreds of local students and took part in cultural exchange activities with Vietnamese youth.

The program, established by Madison Quakers Inc. in 2006, aims to build 15 charity houses in central Quang Ngai Province by 2010.

Beneficiaries of the charity houses this year were three underprivileged households in Tinh Hoa Commune.

Diligent workers

Each of the volunteer students were equipped with a bicycle to ride to the construction sites each day, which were located some five kilometers from where they were staying.

Nguyen Van Thai, a Vietnamese mason helping to construct the houses, said the students followed a strict discipline each day.

“They were very punctual,” another mason said, adding that if a student arrived late onsite – usually no more than a few minutes – they would always stay to make up the time.

“I really appreciate their devotion and diligence in work,” said Xi, a recipient of one of the homes.

“With a new house, I don’t have to worry any more in rainy seasons.”

Xi said she was learning to pronounce “Thank you very much!” in English to thank the students for their help.

One of the students, Andrew Kitchell, replied: “It’s not important to say the words correctly. We could see your thankfulness in your eyes and that makes us more than happy.”

Generous hearts

The US students have also contributed their own money to purchase floor tiles and build a kitchen for Xi’s house.

Originally, VND20 million (US$1,200) had been raised to cover the cost of each charity house – just enough to construct a basic 24-square-meter home with two rooms.

However, due to the soaring cost of construction materials in Vietnam, the original amount was not sufficient.

“I didn’t have money to add to the sponsored amount,” Xi said.

US student Lindsay Sott said: “I feel my trip was meaningful because we helped to build a house for [someone like] Mrs. Xi.”

“It was hard work but I feel happy to help the poor. The people here were very friendly and treated us as if we were their relatives.”

Source: Thanh Nien