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A commitment of the whole Australian Province has been to initiate an ongoing venture in Vietnam: the Loreto Vietnam-Australia Program (LVAP). As an Order, we take responsibility for this outreach, in partnership with local groups in Vietnam and with Australian Volunteers International.

Above: Trish Franklin with students

The Program has won world-wide acclaim for its well targeted projects to help young Vietnamese students in rural and inner city areas, providing endless educational opportunities; safe housing; supporting vision-impaired children; and launching a highly resourced school for children with intellectual disabilities. Added to the support of the children is LVAP's strong focus on the professional development of staff in all projects.

Thanks to ongoing support from the Australian community, the LVAP program currently has 11 projects underway involving 6000 children. Some initiatives include:

LVAP celebrates opening of new school (Nov 2009)

In November 2009 LVAP celebrated a major milestone with the opening of the second campus of the Sunrise Special school - Vocational Training Centre. Over 150 guests attended the celebration, including Liz Hepburn ibvm, Principal of St Mary’s College, Melbourne University and member of the Loreto Sisters Provincial Council.

The second campus has been designed primarily for young people in their mid to late teens with intellectual disabilities, who have completed their schooling at the first campus. In time it is hoped the school will partner with local companies to help young people integrate into work. 

Above: Students celebrating the opening of the new school

Above: Liz Hepburn with students

More information; http://www.loreto.org.au/works/overseas.html