Category Archives: News & Events

Lets meet again at Asilomar May 30, 2015

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Dear Colleagues,

Eleven years ago, I walked into the first gathering of the VANGO Network without knowing much about many of you or your organizations. Today I am proud to continue to be part of this Network and still working tirelessly on behalf of many members and non-members alike to engage in collaboration, sharing resources and networking. 

I invite you to come back to Asilomar this May 30, 2015 to discuss:

  • The effectiveness and impact of your work in Vietnam
  • The type of collaboration or partnership that has worked for your organization
  • Your expectation for the roles and services of VANGO Network to your organization

Other topics for discussion:

  • Rethinking Scholarship – Beyond the traditional impoverished family and good grade pre-requisite
  • Innovative ways for Social Enterprise – Beyond non profit and bottom line for a sustainable economy and environment
  • From Mobile Medical Mission to Public Health – Training a new kind of workforce of healthcare professionals, school/institution personnel and caretakers/parents 

We will have an update on the work of the late James Do Ba Phuoc with the Vietnamese Nôm Preservation Foundation (VNPF). He is the co-founder of VNPF, VNHELP, Pacific Links Foundation, and the VANGO Network. Their books theNôm dictionnary printed in true type will be available for purchase. 

Please save the date!
Saturday, May 30, 2015
11:00 AM – 06:00 PM
Asilomar Conference Grounds
800 Asilomar Avenue, Pacific Grove, CA 93950

Registration here – Members $25, Non-Members $50 

For hotel lodging reservation, please book directly with Asilomar.
Join us in the planning committee. Send us your concerns.  
Are you interested in sponsoring the BBQ lunch? 

Be a Member – General Membership $100. Academia and Student Association $50 

Detailed agenda will be posted later

Saturday, May 30, 2015
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM  Registration, Meet & Greet and Food Prep
12:00 PM – 02:00 PM  BBQ Picnic
02:00 PM – 06:00 PM  General Members and Non-Members Meeting
Sunday, May 31, 2105
08:00 AM – 03:00 PM  Board of Directors Meeting

Find out more about the details of the historical event of the first conference in 2014

I am looking forward to meet you at this beautiful coastal resort and conference ground.

Best,
Cathy Lam
Secretary
Program Director
HIPE Co-Director
VA NGO Network
714 330 3589

In Memoriam – Do Ba Phuoc

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Dear VA-NGO Network Members & Friends,

It is with deep sorrow that the board of VA NGO Network announces the passing away of James Do Ba Phuoc, one of our leading lights.  Anh Phuoc was a pioneer in many fields and bravely blazed new trails:

  • In humanitarian work in Vietnam after 1975 by bringing IT boot camps to train Vietnam youth into a skilled workforce for economic development of the country,
  • As founding member of VN-Help, Pacific Links Foundation, VA-NGO Network and of the Nom Foundation.

In keeping with the family tradition of cultural contribution, he spearheaded the digital translation of Nom characters, the ancient Vietnam writing, into unicode and was one of the founders of the NOM Foundation, publishing a Nom dictionary on the internet.

His lifelong passion led him to continue the cultural endeavors while fully engaged with IT development in Vietnam.

I will always remember anh Phuoc as a gentle man with a dry sense of humor, but a determination of iron. His support allowed chi Kim-Anh Tran, his lifelong partner, to lead the longterm Capacity-Building Workshops to enhance Early Childhood Development Program for the VA-NGO Network and promote life-saving skills in Pediatric First Aid for caregivers.  He was at all time the wind beneath her wings.

His sudden death was a tragic shock for us all, a small network of professionals working closely in humanitarian assistance, and a reminder of lost opportunities in enjoying family and friends as a priority.

  • To anh Phuoc: we thank you for leading the way in contributing professional talents wherever life places us, you will be remembered as a guding beacon of selfless dedication.
  • To chi Anh: we pledge to stand by for you and continue the work that both of you started together.
  • To Minh: your father inspired us all, please consider us as family-at-large.

Cathy Lam flew to Vietnam to represent the US non-profit partners he has worked with, and to give support to the grieving family.  Farewell anh Phuoc, until we meet again…

With sadness in our hearts, and hope in anh Phuoc’s everlasting spirits,

Quynh Kieu, MD
VA NGO Network Chairperson