How a Classroom in Vietnam Changed My Life Link to heading

Vietnam Hearts Classroom

The First Day I Almost Quit Link to heading

When I first walked into that classroom in Vietnam, I barely knew a word of Vietnamese and had never taught before. My first lesson was a disaster—kids talking over me, no one paying attention, and me not understanding a thing.

I left that day seriously considering quitting.

But as I was packing up, one of the kids tugged at my sleeve and asked,

“Ngày mai thấy đi đạy không? (You’re coming tomorrow to teach, right?)”

I guess the next day I did.

Two Months Later Link to heading

Fast forward two months, and what started as me teaching eight kids by myself has grown into something much bigger. We now have a system that gives underprivileged kids access to education, food, supplies, and a positive environment for their future.

Along the way, I’ve made friends, learned more than I could have imagined, and discovered what a small group of people can achieve when they care enough to act.

Why I Started Link to heading

People often ask why I started this. The short answer: I believe it’s important to carry love forward—through ourselves and others.

This year, I’ve learned that the more you give, the more you receive. I’ve poured time, money, and effort into this project, and while there have been plenty of ups and downs, what I’ve gained in return is something I can’t put a price on. Vietnam Hearts is a project in honor for one who changed mine.

In Vietnamese, there’s a word: ‘ơn.’ Link to heading

It’s the invisible weight of kindness and grace given to you: your parents’ sleepless nights, supportive relationships, even someone simply listening to your worries. It isn’t an unpayable debt; it’s something you carry that helps guide your life. None of my biggest steps would’ve happened without others.

It truly is an honor to grow, learn, and work hard for yourself, and others.

How It All Happened Link to heading

At the start of 2025, I was traveling in Vietnam and wanted to give back, but found it surprisingly hard to find volunteer opportunities.

Then I stumbled upon a local school that desperately needed teachers and supplies. I realized I could do more than just teach; I could help build something that would last.

What We Did Link to heading

  • Launched a grassroots volunteer group – recruited and onboarded over 100 volunteers through meetups and online groups.
  • Developed a flexible curriculum – pieced together lessons using ESL resources, Google Translate, and AI tools.
  • Handled everything from teaching to operations – outreach, fundraising, daily logistics.
  • Bridged language and cultural gaps – leveraged tech and international networks to make it work.

I could not have done it without the incredible team. And I am incredibly grateful for such a community. Link to heading

The Results Link to heading

  • Daily English classes for 50+ underserved kids.
  • $5,000+ raised for school supplies and food.
  • Built a sustainable, no-cost volunteer system that anyone can join.

Lessons Learned Link to heading

  • Focus more on high-leverage activities like curriculum building, operations, and networking.
  • Start with a unified, scalable curriculum.
  • Automate volunteer onboarding and scheduling.
  • Find the right people, they will help more than you think.

How You Can Help Link to heading

Vietnam Hearts Classroom 1
Some of the cool people we have
Vietnam Hearts Classroom 2
My first class, nobody paid attention to me

This journey has been one of the most challenging and rewarding things I’ve ever done.
If you’d like to help, share your skills, or just learn more, we welcome anyone with a kind heart to join us at Vietnam Hearts .

We’re always looking for more hearts and hands. Send us a message :)