On the journey alongside communities, SCDI is proud to have the presence of young people who are not only talented and creative but also full of passion and steadfast in their commitment to work with communities, for communities.

They are vibrant pieces of a diverse puzzle, each bringing their own experiences and perspectives, yet sharing the same desire to contribute so that SCDI’s work becomes more effective, more connected, and closer to the people we serve.

This International Youth Day (12 August), SCDI sat down to listen to the stories of our young members. These are journeys filled with passion, effort, and aspiration. They are stories written from a deep belief in positive values and a desire to create change, day by day.

Tran Thi Phuong Quy - Volunteer, SCDI Ho Chi Minh City Office

I first learned about SCDI during my final year studying Social Work at university. I often joke that I joined SCDI because Ms. Thuy “lured” me into the field. Ms. Thuy is the Regional Manager, and Mr. Phuc is a Program Officer at the SCDI Ho Chi Minh City Office.

I helped them visit families in the project, organize children’s activities, arrange paperwork, deliver gifts, and learned how to work with both children and their families. That’s how my journey as a volunteer at SCDI began.

The knowledge I gained from university gave me a solid foundation, like a compass guiding me in the right direction. But real-life work is always different, and I learned how to balance theory with the reality of each situation, so I could support the community in the most relevant and effective way.

One memory that stands out was when I went with Mr. Phúc to deliver gifts to families in District 6. The moment they saw him, everyone lit up and welcomed him warmly: “Mr. Phuc! You’re here!” One person even told me proudly, “Thanks to him, my family now has enough to live on.” Because they cherished him so much, their warmth extended to me too, even though it was the first time we met.

That experience stayed with me. It made me realize that the value of our work at SCDI is not just in gifts or direct support; it’s in the trust, connection, and sense of security between our project staff and the community.

Working at SCDI has not only given me valuable professional experience, but also broadened my perspective, making me more understanding, more grounded. What keeps me here is the joy I find in this work and the inspiring colleagues like Ms. Thúy and Mr. Phúc, who lead not just through words but by example. To me, SCDI is more than a workplace; it’s where I’ve grown alongside the community.

Ha Huong Giang – Intern, Health and Social Protection Program

As a graduate in International Studies, I have always cared deeply about social issues and the barriers faced by vulnerable communities. When I learned about SCDI, I felt strongly aligned with its values and mission, and wanted to contribute, no matter how small, to this journey of community support.

As an intern, I’ve been fortunate to receive trust and guidance from my colleagues, allowing me to learn and participate deeply in the work. My role involves supporting program implementation, preparing for trainings and events, and having the opportunity to work directly with communities.

The knowledge I gained in university shaped my thinking and long-term goals, but SCDI taught me how to walk that path. In other words, if university gave me the map, SCDI taught me how to read it and move forward with confidence in the real world.

At SCDI, learning never stops. Beyond formal trainings and events, I’ve received practical lessons from my colleagues that no book could teach. This has not only strengthened my skills, but also helped me grow as a person every day.

For me, staying with SCDI is not only because of the people and work environment, but also because of my belief in its mission. I feel grateful to work alongside people who are not only highly skilled, but also deeply dedicated and always ready to share. Their passion is a constant source of inspiration, reinforcing my belief in the values and positive changes we are building together with the community.

Truong Viet Hoa – Program Officer, Children and Youth Program

Before officially joining SCDI, I was a volunteer for the “Breaking the Cycle” project, where I worked with and supported many children in difficult circumstances. Those experiences made me realize the joy of connecting with and accompanying children through challenges.

After graduating, instead of applying for internships at lawfirms, I chose to stay with SCDI - a place where I could contribute to positive change in the community. Now, as a Program Officer in the Children and Youth Program, I mainly work with children in hardship under the “Breaking the Cycle” project, helping them stay in school and develop essential life skills.

Every day at SCDI is a journey of constant learning, not just improving my expertise, but also expanding my perspective on life, deepening my empathy and appreciation for the people around me.

In the beginning, I wasn’t confident that I could truly help others. I made mistakes and felt unsure. But over time, as colleagues and families placed their trust in me, reaching out during their hardest moments, I found the motivation to keep going and to grow in this work.

Working with children, I’ve seen firsthand their potential and their incredible capacity for love, even in the face of hardship. That’s what makes me believe even more in the value of what we do: building an environment where they can thrive and look toward a brighter future.