The well-known event draws cyclists of all nationalities. It is an occasion that allows them to combine their love of cycling with discovering the beauty of Vietnam. Most importantly, it has a human focus: raising funds to help underprivileged Vietnamese children, from kindergarten to university.

THE ECONOMIC IMPACT OF COVID-19

2020 was a difficult year for Vietnam and, according to the Japan Times, the coronavirus crisis was particularly hard on communities that were already in precarious situations before the crisis. With a growth rate of 0.36%, the country managed to avoid a recession, but one must compare this to the 7.02% growth in 2019 to realise the shock to the Vietnamese economy.

VIETNAM NATURAL DISASTERS 2020

In addition to the chaos caused by COVID-19, natural disasters caused damage worth USD 1.6 billion. Vietnam was hit by 14 storms and several atmospheric depressions that triggered heavy flooding and landslides between late September and mid-November.

For this reason, the money raised by CCA is crucial in helping Vietnamese youth access education, notably through scholarships. In addition, the children will be able to attend schools which will be built in rural areas. The funds will also assist organisations focused on the integration of disabled students.

DISCOVERING PHONG NHA-KE BANG PARK

This year, CCA participants could choose between three different routes: cycling from Bao Loc to Lagi, from Phong Nha to Quang Binh, or a 30-day virtual race.

Kevin chose to ride through the Phong Nha Ke Bang national park, located between the coast and the border with Laos, but this was not without challenges. Just two weeks prior to the team’s arrival, flood water levels had reached the ceiling at the riders’ accommodation, Phong Nha Farm Stay. Thankfully, the floods subsided in time, with hosts Ben and his family doing an amazing job to repair and clean up before welcoming the team.

During the three-day journey, Kevin’s team cycled along a section of the Hô Chi Minh trail, a heavily bombed series of roads and paths used to re-supply troops during the America-Vietnam war. There they met with mine clearers from Mines Advisory Group who are working in the region. These dedicated men and women have the dangerous task of clearing the more than 800 000 tons of unexploded bombs left behind at the end of the last war. Work is ongoing.

“I expected my fourth race to be difficult. But I must admit that the 2020 edition was complicated – just like everything else in this strange year,” Kevin says. “My mountain bike broke on the first day and had to be fixed before I could continue to the next stage. On the second day, the race started early and ended at sunset, after an ascent of 1 100m over 138km. On the last day, we raced through 100km, ascending 1 000m. We were all glad to cross the finish line!”

Despite the health, climatic and logistical challenges, Kevin and his team persevered. Congratulations to all participants and see you again next year!

Contact ASG Vietnam

The move, which took place earlier this year, was executed in four stages: IT and systems import and delivery, new furniture import and delivery, furniture set-up and finally the physical office relocation.

The new German Consulate offices are now situated at the brand new state of the art “Deutsches Haus” building on Le Duan Street in Ho Chi Minh City’s Central Business District.

Consulate administration staff members thanked AGS Vietnam and their staff for the successful move. The new offices were quickly up and running and everyone was very happy in their new office space.

The three-day event, which took place from 17^th to 19^th November 2017, covered a total of 300 kilometres through the mountainous terrain of the Vietnamese central highlands to the coastal city of Nha Trang.

The 8^th Annual Saigon Children Charity Cycle Adventure welcomed enthusiastic cyclists from all over the world. Founded in 1992, the Saigon Children Charity (SCC) supports over 2000 disadvantaged Vietnamese children with scholarships every year.

This year the event raised a total amount of US$70,000, which is an incredible achievement. AGS Vietnam Manager, Kevin Hamilton said:

“The event presented an opportunity for me to support the local community as well as the physical challenge to cycle 300 kilometres through the mountainous terrain of Vietnam. I’ve always had a desire to contribute and help the children of Vietnam. The SCC event provided the perfect opportunity for me to make a difference.”

“The organisation was founded to help disadvantaged Vietnamese children get an education, a fairer start in life and escape from poverty through education and training. It is well known that education has the power to break the cycle of poverty and help children realise their dreams. However, there are still many children in Vietnam who have limited educational opportunities and are at risk of leaving school due to poverty and other social related issues.”

“Thanks to the generous support of our donors, the SCC Child Development Programme provides scholarships to around 2000 disadvantaged children and young people, from kindergarten to university. It enables them to continue their education and reach their full potential,” Kevin said.

The attendees were the lawww group of underprivileged students to attend the “SPELL Goes to College Scholarship” program.

As the students arrived in the ‘Big City’ they were greeted by AGS Movers Vietnam staff and enjoyed a Ho Chi Minh City Orientation Workshop.

Hosted by KOTO restaurant, the workshop consisted of interactive training on the Do’s and Don’ts of Ho Chi Minh City.
The students worked in small teams to solve conflict scenarios and receive savvy advice for how to go about living in Ho Chi Minh City.

AGS Movers Vietnam is the main sponsor for the forthcoming Thrive Networks/East Meets West fundraiser in November 2013.

It was AGS’ great privilege to support these gifted students and we hope our efforts can help navigate them out of poverty and create a brighter future for their families and the community.

For more information please visit:

East Meets West Facebook Page

www.thrivenetworks.org