VFCD PROGRAM
The projects we offer can be undertaken on either a short or long term basis and focus on traditional education, environment education and community development. There are numerous projects for volunteers at VFCD both in urban and rural areas. Urban based volunteers have the option to travel to rural areas on the weekends to promote cultural exchange and live with local people. We also have tailor-made internship programs to suit the volunteer’s interests and skills.
LONG TERM PROGRAM

01.Conservation
A wide range of environmental projects are available to support this goal and they include: forest restoration by incorporating analog forestry methods into farms; sustainable collection of native forest seeds from community seed sources; sustainable collection of seeds and other products for the development of handicrafts; setting up a fair trade market and to sell products produced by local farms; assisting scientists and students with current conservation research projects; and maintenance work. There are also opportunities to initiate your own project.
Morever the aim of this wildlife refuge provides a fabulous location for school groups and independent researchers. An extensive trail system, a large protected bay and pristine beaches, and high densities of many groups of terrestrial and marine animals makes this an ideal setting for high school, college, and graduate students to conduct their class or thesis researchhis project is to promote sustainable management of natural resources among local community members through conservation efforts.
This project is extremely important in terms of preserving the biodiversity of the cloud forest and protecting local watersheds. The work focuses on protecting existing forests through reforestation, monitoring human activity and its impact, and environmental education. Volunteers can participate in the following activities: forestry program (restoring degraded areas and sustainable wood production), sustainable agriculture, community involvement, research, eco-construction (environmentally-friendly building practices), and environmental education. No particular skills are needed but prospective volunteers should have an interest in conservation.
This project is seeking volunteers for its ecological projects for periods of one to six months. It includes: the re-vegetation of hillsides using native plants to reduce erosion and create habitats; promoting the use of sustainable practices; renewable energy development; and environmental education. An interest in ecological sustainability and knowledge of regional plants is helpful but not necessary. Willing hands and a desire to help restore a damaged biosphere are the most important requirements.
02.Community Development
VFCD have many field-based positions working with community groups in low- income urban neighborhoods and rural areas. In which a hands-on approach to helping families meet basic needs in areas such as health, housing and education is emphasized. It is also an opportunity to become involved in community activities, including helping to establish women's groups, schools and small businesses. Volunteers must be outgoing and willing to learn the local language quickly. They must also have strong interpersonal and organizational skills. Experience in building trades, sewing, primary health care, animal husbandry, agriculture or small business development are especially helpful but an eagerness to help local communities is the only requirement.
02.02. Program Assistant
Work with a mentor or supervisor in an office-based position in education, health, food relief, refugees, human rights, and women's or environmental issues. This is an entry level position which offers the volunteer an opportunity to gain basic skills and general knowledge of development.
02.03. Researcher
Be a social science or natural science research assistant. Opportunities exist with nonprofit organizations, research institutes or with professors at local universities. Computer skills and strong writing ability are essential. Statistics and/or another relevant degree is helpful.
03. Education
VFCD have a variety of projects that educate both children and adults in various capacities. Access to education changes the life of Vietnamese children. It allows them to break the vicious poverty cycle that they would otherwise be destined for. Through education they can gain invaluable skills that can further assist in the development of the community and themselves.
03.01. Helping Disadvantaged Children
Local and international volunteers are needed provide orphaned and street children with a basic education. This will be done through educational games and activities created by the volunteer. This center works with children who are forced at a young age to earn a living by collecting rubbish, begging, polishing shoes, working in handicraft factories and other like activities. Currently the center houses seventy students are hold three classes- two in the morning and one in the afternoon. As a result, the students are not receiving a full curriculum and the staff are over worked. Volunteers are desperately needed to act as teachers assistants and organize educational games and activities for the students. This project needs local and international volunteers to work cooperatively to create educational programs which include both Vietnamese and English subjects. VFCD wish to improve their level of education and their access to knowledge in the hope that these students can lead better lives and be integrated into the community. The center is the only hope that they have for a better life.
03.02. Volunteer English Teacher and Assistant
Volunteers can choose to teach English to children either of kindergarten, primary or secondary age at a community based center. Volunteers will work at language training centers as phonetic teachers and assistants. The money raised in this project will be distributed in two ways. Part will go directly to a charity fund and distributed to victims of poisonous dioxin and other disadvantaged people. Part will be used to fund conservation projects. With this project the volunteer receives $ 400 per month pocket money.
We are also looking for volunteers who are able to teach foreign languages other than English such as French, Spanish, Korean, Japanese etc.

03.03.Long Term Volunteer Teacher
The project requires an 11 month commitment. Volunteers must be native English speakers, have a bachelor's degree, be flexible, mature, and have a genuine interest in teaching and cross-cultural experiences
This project provides the opportunity for individuals to make a meaningful contribution to international education by living and working as a volunteer teacher. Volunteers teach in public high schools in a variety of subject areas; science, geography, physical education and English.

04. Volunteers for Office & Projects coordinator
The volunteer coordinator, under the supervision of the Senior Manager, Programs and Voluntary Sector Relations, will assist with the creation, implementation and sustainability of Volunteer Vietnam’s internal volunteer program.
1. Essential Responsibilities:
• Develop and maintain policies and systems for effective volunteer management
• Liaise with Senior Manager, Programs and Voluntary Sector Relations in the development of volunteer position descriptions as required to meet Volunteer Vietnam’s requirements
• Promote the involvement of volunteers among Volunteer Vietnam staff
• Respond to requests with regard to volunteerism
• In combination with the Senior Manager and other staff, develop and execute a volunteer recruitment and retention strategy (including the development of a volunteer recognition program)
• Establish and conduct screening interviews with potential volunteers and their supervisor
• Provide basic orientation and on-going support to all volunteers
• Communicate with volunteers to ensure a positive experience for both volunteer and Volunteer Vietnam
• Assist supervisors in establishing and conducting regular volunteer performance reviews including exit interviews
2.Skills/Experience/Qualifications:
• Experience with coordination of volunteer services
• Direct experience with volunteer programs
• Strong interpersonal, communication, teamwork and organizational skills (bilingualism an asset)
• 3.Personal Traits Needed/Desired:
• Ability to initiate and follow through on assignments with attention to detail
• Ability to analyze and organize and present information
• Ability to read and write well in English (bilingual an asset)
• Ability to motivate and enjoy working with people as a team player

05. Internships
The internship and volunteer program is designed for foreign students who wish to put their theoretical knowledge into practice, or for people who would like to volunteer in the wide variety of projects (customized programs from 30 to 360 days). Internship areas include social sciences, social work, development, economy, management, marketing, education, political sciences, human resources, international relations, journalism and more. Volunteers may work in fields such as project writing, marketing, environment, human resources, development, administration, photography, graphic design, translation and project management, and many more
.Volunteers also have the opportunity to work on a variety of projects such as reforestation, organic gardening, trail maintenance, or native plant rescue. The only requirements are a willingness to work hard and learn about the special nature and environment in Vietnam
Based on the information given on the application form, a tailored made program is prepared for each candidate, based on his or her interests, expectations and possibilities. Accommodation and meal is free. Approximately $500 for one month, $450 (per month) for two months, and $400 (per month) for four months. The fee includes a custom made volunteer position, pre-trip services, airport pick-up, home-stay, participants receive Vietnamese classes, free passes to parks and reserves, email access, local phone calls, and bus transportation accommodation and more.

SHORT TERM PROGRAM

01.Research trips for future conservation projects
In this program volunteers travel to areas that will be the site for future projects. This project is a lot of fun and you travel for free. Volunteers have an especially important role as they investigate international forests and conservation areas that are being destroyed because of both mankind and natural erosion. Volunteers will also gain invaluable knowledge about how to protect our world. After the trip you will also help to find ways to prevent for destruction and finding funding for restoration. Volunteers will give constructive ideas as to future work camps for the International volunteer network. So you must have initiative! With this project you will be contributing so much for our organization development and our nation.
02. Volunteering program for The World Biosphere reserve in The Red River Delta
This special program is an opportunity for volunteers to share difficulties with local communites and environment reserves in Xuan Thuy national park. We hope to bring members a meaningful volunteer program which will combine ecological tourism, refreshment and cultural exchange.
During the work camp volunteers will have as many chances as possible to have contact with local people, discover their cultures as well as help the community mantain their unique living environment and ecosystem in Xuan Thuy national park. A “culture-exchange day” will be held to promote the understanding within different groups of people and between international volunteers and Vietnamese people.
Throughout the year various trips are arranged for volunteers. The objectives of the excursions are to be fun but more importantly to protect the ecosystem in Xuan Thuy National Park. The trips include water parks, walks and beach trips or tree planting in the small islands. Volunteers will go with a local Young Union by boat to gather waste in water parks and see the beauty of a natural ecosystem with variety of plants and bird species in the National Park.
A biosphere reserve is an international conservation designation given by UNESCO under its Program on Man and the Biosphere (MAB). The World Network of Biosphere Reserves is the collection of all 531 biosphere reserves in 105 countries (as of May, 2008).
According to “The Statutory Framework of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves,” biosphere reserves are created “to promote and demonstrate a balanced relationship between humans and the biosphere.” Under article 4, biosphere reserves must “encompass a mosaic of ecological systems,” and thus consist of combinations of terrestrial, coastal, or marine ecosystems.
Through appropriate zoning and management, the conservation of these ecosystems and their biodiversity is sought to be maintained.
The design of the reserve must include a legally protected core area, a buffer area where non-conservation activities are prohibited, and a transition zone where approved practices are permitted. This is done with regard for the sustainable use of natural resources for the benefit of local communities. This effort requires relevant research, monitoring, education and training.
All the above are tools for implementing Agenda 21, the Convention on Biological Diversity and other international

03. Work Camp in Sapa
(About Sa Pa http://www.sapatravel.com )
This unique program is an opportunity for volunteers to share experiences with the local community, bringing participants a meaningful volunteer program combined with ecological tourism and unique cultural exchange.
Project Background :The hill-tribe groups of Vietnam are a collection of diverse, exotic communities. Despite the natural beauty of their environment they have some of the lowest standards of living, health and education in the country. Many young people from these communities do not attend school and begin working at a very young age.
Project Goals:Work with local ethnic minority groups to develop English language skills, improve environmental awareness, assist with natural conservation and help improve the interactions of local communities with the tourists on whom they depend.
Project Duration: VFCD will organize two workcamps each month from February to December each year. Each workcamp will run for 2 weeks duration.

05. Summer work camp in The North of Vietnam
Bung village is a mountainous, isolated area inhabited by Tay ethnic minority community. This community leads a subsistence existence. They have a backward economy, a low level of education and live without electricity and other basic commodities. For most of the children it is difficult to go to and from school as they either have to walk or go by horse for countless kilometers. As a result, most children only have elementary education. For generations, the people have mainly survived on exploiting available natural resources. The continual and relentless destruction of the area coupled with the forest’s rare and large biological diversity has seen it recognized as a need-to-protect nature reserve. This has had an adverse affect on the people’s lives as their farming area has diminished as a result. VFCD and the local Youth Union will coordinate a summer camp in order to share knowledge about agricultural production, medical care, education and forest preservation with this Tay community. Volunteers will live with the local community and gain a valuable insight into and share the daily hardships that these people face.

Conditions and Costs

For all programs we require that volunteers have:
- Basic English language skills
- Resume and application form completed
- Two photos 2x3
- A photocopy of the passport
- Documents are to be sent to vfcd.org@gmail.com

Volunteers are required to pay a participation fee of $450-$500 per month or $300 for two week intensive program and $450 for one work-camp. This is used to cover the volunteers living costs as well as organizational and project costs. Part of the participation fee is also given to a charity fund for disadvantaged people. Volunteers will live either in the VFCD house for volunteers, conservation stations or with a local family. VFCD will pay for all of the volunteer’s meals and travel expenses. The working hours of the volunteer will differ depending on the project being undertaken and is often determined upon arrival.
*Prices are charged in USD.

How do I get involved ?
To join a project overseas you need to choose one from our latest project list or our website, http://www.vfcd.org. the website will contain the most up-to-date information about project availability, but if you would like to receive a paper copy please contact us. once you have chosen which projects you are interested in, send us an application form, accompanied by the appropriate fee and we will start the placement process.
step 1- Choose a project from our latest project list on our website.
step 2- Send us the completed volunteer CV form -colour photo must be inserted in résumé and submitted electronically
step 3- When we receive your application, we will notify you immediately. Please give us 1-3 weeks to process your application and match your placement. We will send you a notify of preliminary acceptance and a pre-departure booklet within 1-3 weeks
step 4 -Once you receive your project from VFCD, you should begin preparing for travel by obtaining all necessary documents (passport, visa) and meeting immunization requirements
step 5- Make your travel arrangements and other practical arrangements.
step 6- Go and enjoy your project our staff will pick you up at the airport and take you to Volunteers house of us and your beginning

Chương trình tình nguyện này có vẻ lớn đấy, nhưng phải đóng 1 khoản phí. Đây là cơ hội đi du lịch, làm quen với các văn hóa khác và các bạn mới, cùng cơ hội làm được 1 vài việc có ý nghĩa