The Return of Project White Dove: Bridging Hearts from Singapore to Vietnam

Project White Dove II in Son Tra is built upon a successful initiative by Singapore Management University (SMU), in partnership with World Vision Singapore. In July 2024, a group of 20 SMU students travelled to Danang, Vietnam, with a unified goal: to inspire local children to pursue higher education.  

Through these two weeks of lessons, Vietnamese students are equipped with essential sets of skills, such as self-development discovery, job orientation, cultural exchange activities, and they are also boosted their confidence in English communication. 

Project White Dove II Team

English Children Clubs

Our first focus was having met with four different child clubs in the Son Tra District communities to enhance their confidence in using English. Our aim was to encourage them to feel more self-reliant when speaking a second language. To make learning engaging, we incorporated interactive activities like Charades, which not only expanded their vocabulary but also raised greater interest in learning new words. The game required them to actively speak out and practise these new terms, helping them to enhance their communication skills.  

Project White Dove II Team with WV Vietnam Child Clubs

Although there were language barriers between us and the children, we found creative ways to bridge the gap and form effective communication. Through activities like drawing, playing word games, playing badminton, and even performing magic tricks during the "Show and Tell" sessions, we were able to engage with the children and communicate beyond words. These shared experiences helped us build strong bonds and made the learning process both fun and memorable. 

Project White Dove II Team Interacting with Children

Educational Lessons in Secondary Schools

The next focus was to reinforce the secondary students’ communication skills by encouraging them to share what they had learned during our programmes. We engaged them in conversations on various topics, broadening their understanding of Singaporean culture and university life. Through these discussions, we would like to inspire them to work hard toward their dreams and highlight the importance of acquiring higher education as well as relevant skills that can open doors to a world of new opportunities. 

Students Sharing about how to Keep Track of their Goals

Class Discussion about Favourite Singaporean Dishes

Library Refurbishment

During this activity, we embraced the meaningful moment to paint and refurbish the library walls, even though many of us had never done wall painting before. Together, we transformed the space, creating vibrant decorations with the hope of providing the children with a bright and inspiring environment for their reading activities. Our designs were meant to spark their imagination, encouraging them to dream big and soar toward positivity, like doves flying freely in a blue sky. 

Project White Dove II Team in Furnished Library

Youth Impact

Our interactions with the people of Vietnam were a powerful reminder that empathy, compassion, and shared experiences can bring people closer together, regardless of cultural or regional differences. 

We strongly believe that creating meaningful impact not only warms the hearts of those we help but also fills our own hearts with fulfilment and purpose. Whether it was assisting food stall owners, helping students overcome their fears, or simply offering a kind gesture, we are committed to spreading love and goodwill through even the smallest acts of kindness, knowing they can make a lasting impact. 

Poject White Dove II Team with Community Food Stall Owner

Poject White Dove II Team with Students

Thank You

On behalf of the Project White Dove II Team, we would like to extend our gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success and impact of this initiative. From our dedicated team members to our supportive partners, your involvement made a tangible difference on the ground.  

Project White Dove II aspires to maintain the friendships, and connections we’ve built alive, and to sustain the positive impact we’ve collectively created. We also hope that these relationships will continue to flourish, long after the project’s conclusion, as we remain united in our mission to inspire and uplift local and global communities. 

Project White Dove II Team Signing Off