A New Approach to Life in Vietnam

Colin Scott, COCOA Program Manager, recently visited Vietnam to see first-hand the work of Bright Solutions and the COCOA-S-E-Asia programs in action. He shares his impressions from the time spent there. “Vietnam is busy. Busy, busy, BUSY! Motorbikes and people are everywhere. It would be very easy to get lost in the crowd and indeed many people do feel lost amongst the crowd. Fiona Briers, Bright Solutions Program Director, says that family connections are breaking down as young people move to the city and because the state tells people that they belong to it.

 

“Healthy family structures are rare. Unfaithfulness is common and multiple wives are tolerated by many women. The sex trade is vigorous with women traded overseas for marriage, as girlfriends and as prostitutes. Fiona recently received a note handed out in the street. It advertised 20-30 year old men available for sexual pleasure. HIV is a growing problem, currently dealt with primarily in ignorance and fear.

 

“But God made us unique individuals designed for healthy relationships with one another. That’s why Fiona is not just teaching women sewing and work skills, but creating a community where they relate to others with dignity, trust and care. This is a whole new experience for many of them.

 

“Bright Solutions operates as a company in Vietnam, making exquisite hand sewn craft such as interactive cloth books, pencil cases and Christmas decorations. With the help of talented Australians, the company also plans to offer management consultancy in soft skills such as negotiation, presentation and time management. This will support the other components of the business. A third arm will offer underprivileged women the opportunity to start their own business.

 

“In a society which has very few anchor points, Vietnam needs living, breathing Jesus followers to model his way of truth, reconciliation and grace. There a many ways you can be a part of Bright Solutions. Attached is a fact sheet: Bright Solutions – Ways You can be Involved.”