Day 4 was another action-filled day! We started off with a company site visit to VinaCapital Foundation, learned more Vietnamese language and culture, and ended our group activities with a peaceful water boat tour that offered a much-needed reset from all the walking. The scenery was stunning, and the conversations I had with the UEF students were more meaningful than ever.

VinaCapital is an incredible NGO filled with compassionate and humble employees. This third company visit truly blew me away, especially thanks to Mr. Rad Kivette, who was such a thoughtful and inspiring speaker. He made a lasting impression when he politely declined to share much about his personal life because he wanted to focus entirely on the foundation’s work. It was the first time I’ve encountered a representative who prioritized the mission of their organization over personal recognition. It’s moving to see someone from another country, Mr. Kivette is American, care so deeply about providing resources and support to Vietnam.

The program that interested me most was Brighter Path, which focuses on educating young girls and providing them with scholarships to ease financial burdens. I strongly believe knowledge is power, and giving girls the opportunity to enrich their minds is one of the most impactful ways to invest in a country’s future. In terms of how VinaCapital’s methods differ from programs in the U.S., one major difference is government involvement. The Vietnamese government works closely with VinaCapital to support these life-changing programs, while in the U.S., that level of collaboration and impact isn’t always as visible or as unified.

Looking ahead, one challenge the foundation could help address is mental health, especially among students in rural and urban communities. Introducing support systems for diagnosis and treatment could allow more students to focus on their education and well-being. Any effort that reduces stress among Vietnam’s youth helps strengthen the country as a whole.