CEF_Vietnam

18/08/2026

15/08/2026

Recently CEF had a relaxation day, and I enjoyed it so much. It was wonderful to have a day when Linda and all the staff could spend time together away from work, relax, and simply enjoy each other’s company.

Our day started at 7:30 a.m. and finished at 4:00 p.m. We had plenty of time to do different activities. We went swimming, enjoyed the sunshine, had massages, shared a lovely lunch, and watched a movie together. More importantly, we had time to talk to one another and share stories and experiences from our lives.

For me, it was not only a time to relax but also a chance to learn something from the day. This year, I realized that when we really want to enjoy something, we should not let unnecessary things get in the way or affect our feelings. Sometimes, we create barriers for ourselves that stop us from fully enjoying the moment.

For example, when we were ordering our food that day, we hesitated because we thought some of the dishes were a little expensive. However, Linda encouraged us to ignore the price and simply enjoy the meal. She reminded us that sometimes the price can become a barrier that prevents us from enjoying the experience. I thought that was a really good lesson for me. Of course, it does not mean that we should never think about money, but sometimes, when it is a special occasion and we have the opportunity to enjoy something, we should allow ourselves to relax and enjoy the moment without overthinking.

I really appreciate having these opportunities to step away from our daily work, spend time together, and create happy memories as a team.

Thank you, Linda, for always thinking about the staff and for arranging such a wonderful day for all of us. It was a day of relaxation, connection, and enjoyment.

(Day shared by CEF’s Ngoc Do)

14/08/2026

Congratulations to these three!

Thuy Dinh talks more about their accomplishment:
Three weeks ago, I wrote about three CEF students who were anxiously waiting for their university admission results. I ended my blog by saying, “I hope the next time I write, I’ll be sharing some wonderful news with all of you.”

And now, I am so happy to say that the wonderful news has arrived. In fact, it came three times! One after another, I received the news that all three students had been accepted into the universities they had hoped for.

I have known these students through their journey, visited their homes, listened to their dreams, and seen how hard they have worked to reach this important moment. So, when I heard their good news, I felt incredibly happy and proud. For them, getting into university is not simply about receiving an acceptance letter. It is a big step toward the future they have dreamed of and worked so hard for.

What made me even happier was knowing how excited their families were to hear the news. For some of them, university represents a precious opportunity to change their lives and build a better future. Seeing their dreams slowly become reality reminds me once again why I love the work I do at CEF.

Three students, three dreams, and three wonderful pieces of news. I am so proud of each of them, and I cannot wait to see where their new journeys will take them.

13/08/2026

Success!!! Thank you to everyone who made it possible to meet our goal of 125 calculators for a high school in the mountains of Phuoc Son. These high quality government approved calculators will be used in math classes and in national exams. The school is responsible for them making it possible for many hundreds of students to have the use of a calculator over the years, something the students can’t afford.

🎉Thanks to everyone who came along, donated, bought raffle tickets and supported our charity event.

Generous raffle prizes were donated, food was too as well as the great venue for the evening.

We would like to say a huge thank you to the following for their generous support:
🌟 **Wafaifo Resort Hoi An**
🌟 **Anantara Hoi An Resort**
🌟 **Mango Mango**
🌟 **Hill Station Dining**
🌟 **Sum Vây Vietnamese Kitchen**
🌟 **Phuoc Natural Spa**
🌟 **The Stage Dining & Show**
🌟 **Raven’s Wine Bar**
🌟 **Hoi An Gourmet** – for the delicious meats and cheeses
🌟 **J’s Rolling Pin** – for the wonderful baked goods

A special thank you to Mark at Raven’s Wine Bar for providing the venue and supporting the event.

And those behind the scenes must not be forgotten. WOHA are serious raffle ticket purchasers! Thank you! Chris and Jenny did most of the organization along with Milly’s help and Thuy Tran’s. Lien and Graeme cooked.

A fun and fruitful evening!❤️Thank you to all!
Linda,
Children’s Education Foundation (CEF)

13/08/2026

Our team enjoyed a special day that we call CEF’s Annual Relaxation Day. It was a chance to step away from our usual work, slow down, and spend time together. At the end of the day, we watched a movie that Linda had chosen for us.

The movie explored family, love, friendship, and the journey of following one’s dreams. As someone who works in career guidance, I found myself paying particular attention to the career journey of the main character, Jill.

What stayed with me most was not her success in the end, but the way her family stood by her through difficult times. They encouraged her, believed in her, and reminded her not to give up on something she truly loved. The movie also made me reflect on my own journey.

When I graduated from university, I never imagined that I would spend more than 13 years working for an NGO, or that career guidance would become such an important part of my life.

Looking back, I realise how fortunate I have been. Not only have I had the opportunity to do work that I find meaningful, but I have also been given trust, encouragement, and opportunities to grow. Much of that journey began because someone believed in me before I fully believed in myself. The movie reminded me that, in our careers and in life, we do not always need someone to tell us what to do. Sometimes, we simply need people who listen, believe in us, and remind us of what truly matters.

I am grateful to work for CEF and Linda who cares not only about professional growth but also about the wellbeing of its staff. Thank you, Linda, for a meaningful day of rest and for choosing a movie that left me with so many reflections.
Sometimes, the most meaningful lessons come from the simplest moments.

13/08/2026

When we interviewed her for a sponsorship she was a tiny little novice at a pagoda who chose to leave home for the life of a Buddhist nun. She’s a fully qualified nun now, happy and peaceful. It was a real treat to be visited by this beautiful being. Next week she’s off to a Buddhist university to further her knowledge and understanding.

10/08/2026

What a relief for granny that Bao is now sponsored, thanks to Kerre.

Granny is elderly with back issues which stop her from doing more than the basic domestic chores. She took on Bao’s care when the parents divorced and now she can’t earn Bao’s high school education was looking very uncertain. Now with this sponsorship she can continue her education.

Thank you Kerre!

09/08/2026

Autumn is officially here with more stormy skies, early morning and evening freshness in the air.

Today I wrapped myself in a shawl for the morning beach walk. I enjoyed a much longer walk and didn’t get hot at all.

Change is not just in the air temperature. There are large stretches of beach being worked on to create protection of the land behind it, of resorts, homes and cafes. The fisherfolk are struggling to find places they can untangle their nets and remove the fish and crabs they caught.

At CEF our summer activities are over except for a Budgeting session for our uni students and two zooms for students to talk with their sponsors.

Then our students are back in school or uni. The summer has come to an end.

08/08/2026

It wasn’t long after mum had a stroke that we met Han.

One side of her body was weak, but she was determined to continue doing everything she could to support her only child, Han.

Now mum is wiry, strong and the only sign of the strike is the slight roominess of one side of her face. Determination is a quiet power.

Han has this too. Although disadvantaged in many ways she didn’t let it stop her. She’s worked diligently and has had excellent results all the way through school. Now she’s waiting to see what interesting science related subject she’s been accepted to study at university.

We’re blessed to have James take in her university sponsorship. Understandably she’s thrilled.

07/08/2026

Lien and granny live where the soil is not soil but sand, everywhere around them. Almost nothing grows there.

We recently interviewed Lien and I’m thrilled to say she now has a sponsor. Thank you 🙏🏻 James. I see this sponsorship not just ensuring she can have a high school education but also sufficient food and medical care. They’ve not had enough food and they both have health issues.
This support is valuable in so many ways.