Guest Blog by Beverley Short about Ngoc Do

Along with Kim Chi, Ngoc Do is one of the founder staff members of CEF Vietnam, working with Linda Burn, the founder, for nearly 6 years. Not only did she find her future career with CEF, she also found love, and Ngoc is married to a former CEF staff member with whom she has a 6 month old baby boy.

All the women who work for CEF have 6 months maternity leave but are never replaced during that time.  Each of the 5 other women share that person’s workload as they do whenever anyone is sick, has exams, or needs to be away from work for any period of time.  I experienced a very happy work atmosphere with young women who are close, and are kind and supportive of one another.

Ngoc was studying English Language full time at University when she applied for a volunteer position with CEF which, she believed, would help improve her English for her desired career as a Tour Guide. Unbeknownst to Ngoc, Linda saw her as a potential employee and offered her a part-time paid position within the organisation.  Although she knew that this would have an impact on her study, she took the position and went on to successfully complete her degree whilst working part-time - supported by her co-workers during exam time, and motivated by the inspiring work of the organisation. 

Although Ngoc comes from a poor family, she grew up with supportive parents and, along with her brother and sister, was encouraged to complete High School and go on to University. Her father completed High School and went on to College, but her mother, although a gifted student, was forced to leave school at an early age which led to hardship.  She didn’t want the same life for her children so she and her husband funded them, and encouraged them to educate themselves.

As well as admin and accounts work, Ngoc covers sponsorships in Dien Ban district around 30 km from Hoi An and mentors 11 students and works on several support programs.

In her own words: “My favourite part of this job is visiting the children.  I love to get close to them so that they can share what they need with us so we can help them. I also always love the Water Safety Day.  The children work hard all year and many of them live in remote, mountainous areas and they haven’t had the chance to see the beach or come to Hoi An. I also like the soft skills workshops where we have taught things such as time management, communication skills and how to interview well.  These things are so important.”