Founded in 1991, VNhelp is a project-oriented, non- profit, tax-exempt, non- governmental organization (NGO). VNhelp's Mission is to assist children, families, and communities in Viet Nam in the areas of education and health care, and to promote cultural exchanges between Viet Nam and the United States. VNhelp is operated by a non-paid staff and volunteers. Fundings are donated from individuals, and raised from fund- raising events. 5232 Claremont Ave. Oakland, CA 94618 Tel: (510) 658-8634 FAX: (510) 658-8354 Board of Directors: Do Anh Thu, Chair Tran Thuy Linh, Secretary Nguyen Quang Tuong, Treasurer Nguyen Thieu Mai Nguyen Nam Robert Henderson Nguyen Hung Manh Tran Kim Anh, Executive Director Avisory Board: Chung Hoang Chuong Nguyen Qui Duc Nguyen Do Van Hanh Christopher Jenkins Judith Ladinsky Ying Lee Nguyen Thanh Nguyen

Milestone Since VNHELP's inception in 1991 to the present, several VNHELP's volunteers have visited VNHELP-supported projects on separate occasions to evaluate their progress and successes and to share ideas and knowledge with people working in the medical and educational fields. We have come to understand more deeply the tremendous difficulties facing people in Viet Nam. At the same time, we have witnessed that VNHELP, through our supporters' contributions, has made a tremendous impact on the lives of children and disadvantaged communities in Viet Nam. VNHELP has brought food, clothing, and school supplies to the children in Viet Nam. VNHELP has donated much needed medical supplies to rural hospitals, improving the health care provision of underserved populations. Most of all, VNHELP's contributions have brought hope and encouragement to a people facing tremendous hardship. And these projects have not been realized without the generous supports from supporters like you.

A Brief History

1989 - Several humanitarian projects in Viet Nam had been started through isolated efforts by different individuals. These early projects included university scholarships and various types of assistance to health education projects and children. To effectively coordinate these efforts, these individuals decided to pool their meager resources together to form VNHELP.

1991 - VNHELP was incorporated as a nonprofit organization in July. There were four Directors, six Advisory Board members, six Project Coordinators, and about 40 supporters. During the first three months, $3,000 was raised.

1992 - VNHELP developed two new projects in education-- Educational Radio Program, Assistance to Rurals Schools.

1993 - More than 200 Nguyen Truong To College scholarships had been awarded to students throughout Viet Nam in the third year of the scholarship program.

1994 - Expanded efforts in outreach and fundraising: VNHELP Third Anniversary Celebration in Oakland, May 1994. Dang Thai Son Piano Concert in November 1994.

1995 - VNHELP acquired a base office in Oakland, California. There are currently 7 active projects in Viet Nam, two of which were started this year. Begun support the Street Children Program in Can Tho. Published Personal Health Care Manual. VNHELP Fourth Anniversary Celebration, November 1995. VNHELP's Viet Nam Health Project Coordinator visited Bay Area, December 95.

1996 - The first five disabled students in Da Nang received VNHELP scholarships. 488 Scholarships had been awarded to college students throughout Viet Nam in the fifth year of the Nguyen TruongTo Scholarship Program. Efforts in outreach and fundraising: "Mu`a Thu Cho Em" Musical Concert in Santa Clara, September 1996. Theme "Volunteers Appreciation"--VNHELP celebrated its fifth year, November 1996. Published VNHELP 1997 Calendar.