Day four in Vietnam began just like the others with a warm bowl of pho and fresh fruit for breakfast. After eating, we piled into the bus and headed out to what became my personal favorite site visit of the trip so far: VinaCapital Foundation.
As soon as we arrived, we were welcomed into their Heartbeat Vietnam head quarters. We had the opportunity to listen to Mr. Rad Kivette, who gave us an in-depth look into the foundation’s work across Vietnam. His talk was incredibly eye-opening. He touched on so many of the struggles that communities face, especially in rural parts of the country, things you don’t usually think about when you’re focused on the glimmering signs of development and modern infrastructure.
What struck me most was his insight into how economic growth and social change are deeply connected. We’ve spent a lot of time talking about Vietnam’s rising GDP and new technologies, but today reminded me that this progress is only meaningful if it reaches everyone. Mr. Kivette emphasized that through this growth, they now have the resources and platforms to begin solving the country’s deeper, longstanding issues—especially those related to poverty, health, and education.
One program that really stood out to me was Brighter Path, which supports ethnic minority girls in rural Vietnam by helping them stay in school and pursue higher education. It was inspiring to hear how the program not only offers educational opportunities but also empowers these young women to make choices about their own futures. Mr. Kivette’s passion for women’s rights and equality was clear—and the stories of resilience and success from these girls were honestly moving.
In terms of approach, I noticed that VinaCapital Foundation’s methods are both heartfelt and highly strategic. Compared to developed countries, where solutions are often more bureaucratic and slow-moving, VCF focuses on direct, community-based interventions that are built to scale. Their agility and local focus allow them to tailor programs to specific needs, which makes a big difference in places with diverse regional challenges like Vietnam.
One concern that came up was the issue with USAID funding. If U.S. programs like that were to withdraw or cut ties, it could severely impact VCF’s ability to operate smoothly. I think their biggest challenge moving forward will be ensuring consistent and sustainable funding so their programs don’t experience disruptions, especially when they’re supporting such critical work.
After our talk, I got the chance to personally introduce myself to Mr. Kivette, which felt really special. Then it was back on the bus and off to a massive lunch—one that ended with a giant bowl of pho and a refreshing taro popsicle.
In the afternoon, we returned to UEF for more Vietnamese language lessons. Today was especially fun because the UEF students taught us extra sentences and even simplified some of the trickier vocabulary for us. After class, we learned about the different regions of Vietnam and wrapped up with a creative session where we painted Non La hats. It was such a fun and lighthearted way to end the academic part of the day.
But the fun wasn’t over yet! We boarded the water bus just before sunset, and the views of Ho Chi Minh City from the river were absolutely stunning. We made a stop at Thanh Da station, where I got to try some Vietnamese street food for the first time—definitely a new favorite experience. We finished the ride under the stars and returned to the bus, tired but filled with a lot of heart from the day.
Each day here adds another layer to my understanding of this country. Today reminded me that behind every skyscraper and economic stat, there are people working hard to create real, lasting change.
