Dear Supporters of Hearing and Beyond in Vietnam,
We are thrilled to announce that we have finally moved into our new school! What began as a distant dream quickly transformed into reality, even though the journey was far from easy. As anticipated, the fundraising process presented significant challenges. While it’s disheartening to acknowledge that securing funds for a permanent school for Deaf children in Vietnam may not have garnered as much attention as other causes, we persevered.
There were moments when I considered coming out of retirement to work full-time just to ensure this project’s success. However, thanks to the incredible generosity of three dedicated donors, we made it through. Words cannot express how deeply grateful we are for their unwavering support.
Today, we stand proud in our beautiful, resilient, and waterproof “Forever School.” We were truly blessed to work with a builder and an architect who poured their hearts into this project. Their commitment exceeded all expectations, and we know they’ve personally sacrificed to bring this vision to life.
Thank you for believing in our mission and for standing by us every step of the way. Our new school is a testament to the power of community and compassion.
In November, I will be traveling to Melbourne with our Manager, Lien, with a mission close to our hearts. We hope to connect with social clubs, churches, and community groups to share our story, raise awareness, and, hopefully, secure additional donors to support our cause. If you know of any groups that might be interested in hosting a guest speaker, we would be incredibly grateful if you could connect us. We would love to share our journey and the impactful work we’re doing.
Since opening our new school just three days ago, we’ve been overwhelmed with requests from parents eager to enroll their children. However, to meet this growing demand, we urgently need to train more teachers—a critical need that requires funding beyond our current resources.
During our stay in Melbourne (5th – 19th November), we’re also seeking accommodation options. I’ve explored Airbnb, but the costs have been unexpectedly high. If you know anyone who might need a house sitter or has a vacant granny flat, we’d be immensely thankful for the connection. We have our own transport (a huge thanks to Ro!) and are flexible with staying in different locations.
I have attached some recent photos for your enjoyment. This is where 100% of your donation goes to.
With heartfelt gratitude, Mái
Mái McCann
Founding Director Hearing and Beyond in Vietnam
