Vietnam Friendship Village Project USA Inc.

The Vietnam Friendship Village Project USA Inc. is a charitable nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering reconciliation and healing the wounds of the Vietnam War. Founded as part of an international effort, the organization supports the Vietnam Friendship Village in Hanoi, Vietnam, which provides essential services for individuals affected by conditions believed to be linked to Agent Orange exposure.

Mission

The mission of the Vietnam Friendship Village Project USA Inc. is to promote peace, reconciliation, and cross-cultural understanding by supporting the Vietnam Friendship Village. This village serves as a symbol of international cooperation, offering medical care, education, vocational training, and therapy to children and young adults with various disabilities. It also supports Vietnamese veterans by providing them with health and education services.

History

The Vietnam Friendship Village was initiated in 1988 by George Mizo, an American Vietnam War veteran, who sought to address the aftermath of the war and its impacts on the Vietnamese people. The project has evolved over the years with support from international committees in the USA, Vietnam, Germany, France, and Japan. The village officially opened in 1998 and has since expanded to accommodate more residents and provide a wider range of services.

Services

The Vietnam Friendship Village provides comprehensive services, including:

• Medical Care: Offering physical therapy and treatment for individuals with mental and physical conditions.
• Education: Providing special education and vocational training to empower residents with skills for reintegration into the workforce.
• Community Support: In addition to residential services, the village offers support to the surrounding community.

International Collaboration

The organization is part of a global network that includes committees in multiple countries. This international collaboration underscores the commitment to fostering dialogue and mutual respect between nations affected by the Vietnam War.

Funding and Governance

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Vietnam Friendship Village Project USA Inc. relies on donations from individual supporters and conducts various fundraising activities. The organization is governed by a board of directors composed of volunteers dedicated to promoting peace and reconciliation.

Impact

The Vietnam Friendship Village has been recognized through documentaries and media features for its role in fostering peace and addressing the ongoing challenges caused by Agent Orange. It serves as a model for cross-cultural cooperation and healing, connecting veterans from different countries in a shared mission of peace and recovery.

[1] https://www.vietnamfriendship.org [2] https://www.vietnamfriendship.org/projectbackground [3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vietnam_Friendship_Village [4] https://www.guidestar.org/profile/77-0400821 [5] https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/770400821