By Arita Yoshino DBVG

Tokyo, Japan, 12 September 2024 -- From August 25 to September 8, 2024, we, DBVG (Don Bosco Volunteer Group), volunteered in Việt Nam with a total of 10 people, including two Salesians, one seminarian, and seven students. This time, we set the goal of deepening bonds, knowing oneself, and growing through Don Bosco’s love; We left Tokyo, Japan, and visited the seminary and the provincial residence in Sàigòn. We also interacted with the novices at the Ba Thôn Community. We were able to connect with each other through cultural introductions of each other's countries, games, dance, prayer, and more.

After that, on August 27, we moved to Tắc Vân, Cà Mau Province, the southernmost part of Việt Nam, and began our volunteer work. We mainly painted and cleaned the student dormitory in the church. The young people at the church also helped us with the work. During breaks, we played sports with the young people, gave them Japanese lessons, and had them teach us Vietnamese dance, deepening our friendship. We also attended mass with the local people every night. We also participated in Sunday school activities, introducing Japanese origami, games, and dance. During our stay, the opening ceremony for the new school term was also held, and we were able to interact with the children through Japanese games and dance. We also served Japanese food. DBVG also donated rice and food to the families of the children attending the school. We also participated in school classes and folded Japanese origami together. On the last day, we picked up trash around the church with the children.

The activities we did this time may not have a big impact on underprivileged children and young people. However, looking back at the photos, we can see a world where young Vietnamese and Japanese young people accept each other, are full of kindness and compassion, and there is love, order, and prayer. I think this volunteer work was a good opportunity for the young people of Tắc Vân and us, DBVG members, to learn about a wider world and dreams.

On September 6, we returned to Saigon again and visited the Cầu Bông Community. Here, we played games with the pre-novitiate students and learned about this year's Strenna together. We also attended mass together. During these two weeks, I strongly felt that the people of Japan and Việt Nam, far away from each other, are deeply connected by the commonality of children who received Don Bosco’s love. I believe that each experience in Vietnam will help us to look at ourselves, recognize our weaknesses and talents, and become a source of growth.

I am grateful that we were able to complete the two weeks without any serious injuries or illnesses. I am also grateful to the people in Japan who prayed for us, the people of Saigon, including the Provincial Superior, who welcomed us so warmly, and the people of Tắc Vân, including Father Dat and Father Manh, who supported our activities. Please continue to support DBVGs activities and pray for us.

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