So what exactly am I doing here? Well, it took me a little while to figure that out since my work plan changed once I arrived in Vietnam. I am primarily working on a project that aims to provide training in handicraft production to disabled young adults. The workshop is located just outside of Can Tho and provides training in wood carving, knitting and embroidery.
On my first day of work, however, I accompanied my supervisor to a meeting for another project to explore the possibility of a partnership with a local import/export company that would potentially provide training to girls in villages where Heifer works. When we sat down with the general manager, an assistant carried in a large plate of fruit and a coconut with a straw in it for each of us. My supervisor and the general manager then entered into what I perceived to be a very serious negotiation. After about 10 minutes, they paused to translate for me. “We are discussing how fruit production is very good here in Vinh Long. Fruit is of very good quality,” my supervisor informed me.
Ah, yes. Of course, I thought to myself…Agenda item one: Discuss fruit production. Check.
I smiled and nodded.
My supervisor then hit the table with both hands, “Now we begin.” and we then moved into another meeting room for the actual discussion to take place.
Upon returning to the office that afternoon, my supervisor pointed to my desk. “You work here,” he instructed. He then disappeared into his office and left for Ho Chi Minh City shortly thereafter.
Now, please understand that I have no problem getting straight to work. In fact, I very much wanted to since I only have two months here. The problem was, I had yet to discuss what my responsibilities would be. However, I sat down at my desk and, based on what I did know and some brainstorming, tried to develop a new work plan.
I now have a better understanding of the project in general and my related duties. I have interviewed all of the trainees and trainers to learn about their backgrounds and expectations for the program. I am hoping to use this information to develop a mission and vision statement for the project with the participants. I’ve also researched and contacted international fair trade organizations to learn more about best practices, guidelines and marketing opportunities. I’ve been collaborating with Heifer staff to develop objectives and strategies for the training center. They told me that, in general, the Vietnamese aren’t very good at planning and even less successful at writing down what plans do exist, so they seem to like my charts with expected outcomes, deadlines, etc. I just pray we can actually reach some of those goals!
I’ve still been struggling a bit because not much previous planning has been done on the project and several holes seem to exist. However, one day I asked my supervisor why he decided to start the center. He replied that he knew that disabled community is often overlooked in Vietnam and those trying to empower them have few resources to do so. “The idea came from my heart,” he said.
That made me smile. Ideas that come from the heart are usually the best ideas because the people behind them have the commitment and drive to see them through. If paired with the right amount of planning and analysis, then, over time, success just might be possible.
On my first day of work, however, I accompanied my supervisor to a meeting for another project to explore the possibility of a partnership with a local import/export company that would potentially provide training to girls in villages where Heifer works. When we sat down with the general manager, an assistant carried in a large plate of fruit and a coconut with a straw in it for each of us. My supervisor and the general manager then entered into what I perceived to be a very serious negotiation. After about 10 minutes, they paused to translate for me. “We are discussing how fruit production is very good here in Vinh Long. Fruit is of very good quality,” my supervisor informed me.
Ah, yes. Of course, I thought to myself…Agenda item one: Discuss fruit production. Check.
I smiled and nodded.
My supervisor then hit the table with both hands, “Now we begin.” and we then moved into another meeting room for the actual discussion to take place.
Upon returning to the office that afternoon, my supervisor pointed to my desk. “You work here,” he instructed. He then disappeared into his office and left for Ho Chi Minh City shortly thereafter.
Now, please understand that I have no problem getting straight to work. In fact, I very much wanted to since I only have two months here. The problem was, I had yet to discuss what my responsibilities would be. However, I sat down at my desk and, based on what I did know and some brainstorming, tried to develop a new work plan.
I now have a better understanding of the project in general and my related duties. I have interviewed all of the trainees and trainers to learn about their backgrounds and expectations for the program. I am hoping to use this information to develop a mission and vision statement for the project with the participants. I’ve also researched and contacted international fair trade organizations to learn more about best practices, guidelines and marketing opportunities. I’ve been collaborating with Heifer staff to develop objectives and strategies for the training center. They told me that, in general, the Vietnamese aren’t very good at planning and even less successful at writing down what plans do exist, so they seem to like my charts with expected outcomes, deadlines, etc. I just pray we can actually reach some of those goals!
I’ve still been struggling a bit because not much previous planning has been done on the project and several holes seem to exist. However, one day I asked my supervisor why he decided to start the center. He replied that he knew that disabled community is often overlooked in Vietnam and those trying to empower them have few resources to do so. “The idea came from my heart,” he said.
That made me smile. Ideas that come from the heart are usually the best ideas because the people behind them have the commitment and drive to see them through. If paired with the right amount of planning and analysis, then, over time, success just might be possible.
The project is not perfect, but that is because I am working in the field of development. Everything, including myself, is a work in progress. There are plenty of miscommunications and circumstances are constantly changing and unclear, but I think also that a huge amount of potential exists in the midst of all the fog. It’s not going to be easy, but I am going to use my head and my heart to work with the staff and trainees here and hope that I’m of some use!
Picture 1: Path to the training center.
Picture 2: Wood carving training.
Picture 3: At the market purchasing wood for the center.
3 comments:
Christin, is that you on the bike?
Should I send over any of my CD's? I doubt your trainees would be too interested.
Love, Dad
Christin,
It was very nice to see you in Fayetteville a few weeks back. That's a funny story about your duties over in Nam. I have a friend who has been working for Heifer for some time out of Little Rock, and he seems to like it. I just happened to get your blog link off of Megan's site. I have a blog also at xanga.com/logdog2020 if you have time to read it. Anyway, looking forward to the next time we cross paths.
- Logan LeMaster
hey, I tried to post a few days ago, but for some reason the internet is against me leaving comments on your blog. I completely understand the language barrier thing. It's so much harder with different letters. I went to a 4 hour presentation on the world day against child labor. My "interpreter" would respond after a 20 minute speech with, "she was talking about child rights" Oh, thanks, I can write a newsletter article on the speech now. I also feel like a crazy workaholic american. I keep asking what to do b/c I finish everything too soon. So long Asia buddy.
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