THE HISTORY OF THE ASSOCIATION
More than twenty years of continuous commitment to guaranteeing disadvantaged children and families access to education, care and a dignified life.
The birth of a dream
In 2004, in Wavre, Belgium, the association Les Enfants du Vietnam asbl was founded. Founded by Thanh Binh Nguyên, it was born from a simple but immense dream: to offer orphaned children, destitute children, and vulnerable families in Vietnam a dignified future.
The first orphanages
From the outset, the association focused on welcoming children.
2005: construction of the first orphanage in Củ Chi.
2007: opening of a second orphanage in Chợ Lách, transformed into a nursery school in 2010.
The first distributions of food, school supplies and the first scholarships also saw the light of day, laying the foundations for social action.
Grow and take root
2010: construction of the third orphanage, Mái Ấm Thanh Bình, in Chợ Lách.
2015: construction of the fourth orphanage, Mai Bình, in Châu Thành.
During these years, the association also developed its programs of educational support, free medical care and support for poor families in the countryside.
Diversification and sustainable projects
Aware that the future depends on education and sustainable development, the association is multiplying its initiatives:
• “The Door to Knowledge” Program: university scholarships for deserving students.
• Social actions: charity houses, food distribution, medical care, bicycles and computers for children.
• Ecological projects: first steps towards compost, plastic reduction and organic orchards.
Towards a holistic vision
Despite the pandemic, solidarity continues unabated. Activities are adapting, and aid continues to arrive in Vietnam. The association's 20th anniversary is being eagerly prepared.
The flagship project is taking shape: the Butterfly Village (Làng Bướm).
The Butterfly Village
In 2024, on the occasion of its 20th anniversary, the association is launching the most ambitious project in its history:
The Butterfly Village, a place of healing and rebirth, including:
• solidarity houses for single mothers,
• a Restaurant of the Heart,
• scholarships and educational spaces,
• community ecological projects (compost, orchards, plastic reduction),
• Reception areas for sponsors and volunteers.
Today, the association has hundreds of sponsors, volunteers and loyal donors in Belgium, Europe and Vietnam.
Since 2004, thousands of children and families have benefited from its support.
In 20 years, Les Enfants du Vietnam asbl has gone from a dream to a supportive and sustainable reality.
And the story continues…