Vietnam has one of the highest education rates in the region from primary to secondary school, but faces a cultural divide in post-secondary education between wealthy and well connected families, and those with neither. While wealthy families’ connections in business provide a means of employment for their children, students without means need to cut through the noise of the competition through extraordinary effort in academia. The goal of this initiative is to give students the financial stability to obtain post-secondary education and open doors to careers that change the trajectory of their families for generations to come. Without support, these students have little chance of increasing their financial standing in the community. Students who receive ICO Vietnam Education Initiative’s scholarships will also have access to safe housing, practical life skills & emotional support, and opportunities to connect with peers, volunteers, and mentors within and outside of Vietnam. Although our priority is to provide academic support, we believe in a holistic approach to education. We believe in nurturing compassionate, responsible, caring world citizens. Your donations and sponsorships will assist students with tuition, school supplies, gifts and awards, tutoring, field trips, leadership camps, and so much more. Best regards from Toronto, Canada Harald Seemann

1. A NOTE FROM THANH...
A NOTE FROM THANH...
ICO VIETNAM EDUCATION INITIATIVE
ICO VIETNAM EDUCATION INITIATIVE
J U N E 2 0 2 3 N E W S L E T T E R
READY!
GET SET!
GO!
I am ecstatic about our upcoming trip to Vietnam. Mark and I have
already filled a suitcase full of gifts for students; cool summer shirts for
the guys, swimwear, sunscreen, lip balm, and perfume for the gals, as
well as a few grad gifts. We will pick up chocolate and other goodies
for volunteers and parents closer to our departure.
We usually have 2 suitcases filled with gifts, including extra candies
and toys for little ones we may meet along the way. It is part of my
culture; when someone comes from afar it is customary to bring a
small gift from that place to show that you thought about them as you
prepared for your visit. Nowadays most people opt to give money, but
I’m a bit of a traditionalist. I will never forget the day I received my first
doll, when my cousin came home from Saigon.
That was 46 years ago and I can still remember the feelings I felt in
that moment. Now, the excitement and joy that I experience comes
from finding and choosing just the right gift for each student.
Once again we are busy with our spring roll production to raise funds
for some of our activities with students in Vietnam this summer. This
year we welcomed 15 new students to the initiative, and we are
thrilled that we (Mark & Thanh) will have the opportunity to get to
know them while we are in Vietnam. The additional funds from the
spring rolls will help pay for gifts, and subsidize in-country
transportation for volunteers and students, coffee, meals, and activities
with individual students.
PLACES WE WILL VISIT!
PLACES WE WILL VISIT!
The 31 students ICO sponsors and
The 31 students ICO sponsors and
donors support come from 10
donors support come from 10
different cities and provinces,
different cities and provinces,
although most students are
although most students are
going to colleges and universities
going to colleges and universities
in 4 major cities: Ha Noi, Saigon,
in 4 major cities: Ha Noi, Saigon,
Da Lat, and Ca Mau. This summer
Da Lat, and Ca Mau. This summer
we will spend a significant
we will spend a significant
amount of time in Ha Noi, Saigon,
amount of time in Ha Noi, Saigon,
Ca Mau, and Phu Yen.
Ca Mau, and Phu Yen.
This past year we received a significant increase in the number of requests for scholarships, partly due to an increase in
students' awareness of the Vietnam Education Initiative, and adding a new volunteer field lead to the team. Last year
(2021/2022) we supported 20 students. After 4 students graduated last summer we were at 16 students. However, by the
beginning of the school year of 2022/2023 we were able to add 15 new students, bringing the total number to 31 students.
QUICK UPDATE!

2. J U N E 2 0 2 3 N E W S L E T T E R
Students come from 10 different provinces from across the country, with most coming from Bac Ninh, Phu Yen, and Ca
Mau. In this newsletter we will introduce you to Ca Mau, which is one of the two new provinces added to our list this year.
Watch for Facebook posts from Thanh and Mark this summer when they travel to Ca Mau and Phu Yen.
https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=vietnam%20education%20initiative
ENTERING NEW TERRITORIES...
ENTERING NEW TERRITORIES...
CA MAU
CA MAU
Nestled in the southernmost part of Vietnam, Ca Mau
is a vibrant and culturally rich region situated in the
Mekong Delta. It forms a triangular-shaped peninsula,
extending into the Gulf of Thailand. Although widely
known as the southernmost province, its potential
extends beyond geography, boasting breathtaking
natural beauty with lush mangrove forests,
picturesque waterways, and a diverse ecosystem.
Despite its abundant natural resources and resilient
communities, accessing post-secondary education has
been a challenge for some students in Ca Mau. This
past year ICO’s Vietnam Education Initiative provided
post-secondary scholarships for five talented students
from this region, to pursue their dreams and unlock a
brighter future.
CA MAU'S UNIQUE CHARM
CA MAU'S UNIQUE CHARM
With a population of approximately 315,270 people, the region's unique cultural heritage runs deep; rooted in the
traditions of the Khmer, Kinh, and other ethnic groups. Each group contributes to the vibrant tapestry of the region, where
locals are known for their warmth, hospitality, and strong community spirit.
As the largest exporter of prawns and shrimp in Vietnam, Ca Mau is renowned for its access to shorelines and a plethora of
fresh seafood. Fish, crabs, prawns, and other delicacies contribute to dishes like banh cong, a fried rice flour cake with
shrimp and mung bean, or cha ca, grilled fish cakes. The local cuisine reflects the cultural values surrounding coastal
resources and the flavors available locally.
Ca Mau has several industries that set it apart from the rest of Vietnam, partly due to its location and natural resources. As
mentioned, the thriving aquaculture industry focuses on prawn and shrimp farming, utilizing its network of channels and
forests. The coastal areas provide opportunities for high-quality and sustainable salt production due to the abundance of
seawater. This industry supports the local economy and caters to domestic consumption as well as industrial and
commercial purposes. Rice cultivation in Ca Mau is also known for producing high-quality rice varieties and other crops,
which not only provide resources but also support the livelihoods of many locals. Additionally, the region is a significant
energy hub in Vietnam, home to the Ca Mau Gas-Power-Fertilizer Complex.
Map created by Darcy Demerse

3. J U N E 2 0 2 3 N E W S L E T T E R
Thanh Tazumi
Vietnam Education Initiative Lead
Operations Group
InnovativeCommunities.Org Foundation
"...above all, well are friends working together..."
OUR VISION
ICO is founded on the premise that friends working together can harness the power of innovative ideas:
Through the common goals of communities and volunteers around the world, ICO develops processes and
community-led initiatives to advance education and alleviate poverty.
ICO - A Six-Minute Story: http://ICOStory.info
EMPOWERING THE FUTURE OF CA MAU
EMPOWERING THE FUTURE OF CA MAU
Similar to the challenges faced by many
rural communities in Vietnam, Ca Mau
faces limitations in terms of resources,
infrastructure, and opportunities. These
barriers impede academic growth, hinder
career prospects, and dampen the hopes
of local students. However, ICO has taken a
step in supporting students in need,
recognizing the pivotal role of education
as a catalyst for social and economic
change. Empowering students to pursue
their higher education dreams, acquire the
necessary skills, and make meaningful
contributions to their communities upon
graduation.
Ca Mau article written by Rebecca Tazumi
H E R E ' S I C O V I E T N A M E D U C A T I O N I N I T I A T I V E :
H T T P S : / / W W W . I N N O V A T I V E C O M M U N I T I E S . O R G / C O M M U N I T I E S / V I E T N A M / E D U C A T I O N -
I N I T I A T I V E /