By KATIE DE VERTEUIL
FOR the past 12 years, Noosa local Ian Bath has devoted time to help rebuild rural communities in Vietnam.
He is one of a group of Australians involved with Project Vietnam Inc (PVI).
PVI is a registered humanitarian aid organisation involved in the development of health care and education systems in Vietnam and Cambodia.
Celebrating 25 years this year, PVI has now extended into numerous medical and building programs with some projects including refurbishment of communal health stations in rural areas, renovation of living quarters at schools and selected kindergartens and orphanages in rural areas, the establishment of education programs in hospitals, and supply of medical equipment and textbooks.
Each year Project Vietnam sends 140 wheelchairs to Vietnam and Cambodia.
Ian has recently returned from his last project, where he and 29 volunteers from across the Sunshine Coast travelled to rural communities just outside Hanoi.
“We renovate, refurbish rural medical centres, kindergartens and orphanages, put on new roofs, ceilings, windows and doors, paint and fix electrical circuits,” Ian said.
“These people in the rural areas of Vietnam are living in conditions of 200 years ago.
“Their everyday lives are spent striving to feed themselves.
“Things are very, very basic. Here in Australia we are very lucky with what we have and it’s good to be able to give back.”
While there is a great sense of satisfaction after the completion of each project, Ian admits it is the social side that draws so many of the volunteers back.
“When the job is finished, there is a handover ceremony where the locals dress in national costume and it is a very important occasion,” Ian said.
“Despite the complete language barrier, their body language says it all – how grateful they are for our work.“
The bottom line though is that most of us do it for the fun of it – we really have a great time.”
Ian said that no special skills or age groups were required to participate, and new volunteers were always more than welcome.
“Anyone willing to pitch in and give a hand is welcome to come join our team,” Ian said.
“We are always looking for volunteers for annual March projects in Cambodia and Vietnam, so for a further insight to Project Vietnam please jump onto our site www.projectvietnam.com.”
PVI is based on the Sunshine Coast and meets in Mooloolaba on the second Wednesday of each month. For more information on upcoming projects with PVI, contact Ian Bath on 5403 7931 or visit wwww.projectvietnam.com.
