Vietnam - we're ready to go!

In case you missed it (I’ve made several passive Facebook posts already), Intel has a wonderful philanthropic effort to help non-profit organizations in under developed countries.   The program is called IESC and rather than go through the details, there is a short youtube video found here.  I simply say “I work for an amazing company that has an amazing program that allows some very lucky employees an opportunity to help”.

The team I am on will be going to Viet Nam, visiting orphanages in Ho Chi Minh City and Can Tho province.  For those who are too lazy to look up the locations online – we will be working in the Mekong Delta area around Southern Vietnam.  Except for 2 VN based members of the team, I have met the 3 other State side members and am proud to work with such intelligent and dedicated individuals.  I have no doubt our team will do a terrific job.

And what “job” might that be?  We have been tasked to help the NGO “Orphan Impact” perform three distinct activities:

1)      Set up and establish network functionality for new classmate PCs in 2 additional orphanages.

2)      Repair damaged classmates PCs already in use.

3)      Conduct a series of Train the trainer sessions for the Teachers which will work in additional orphanages.

In preparation for the trip, we have had several preparatory meetings to ensure that our time is maximized, we are set up for success to achieve our goals, and (in true Intel fashion), exceed our customer’s needs.  We have also played with Legos and received too many shots to count.  Read as 2 nurses giving simultaneous shots in each of my arms.

We all get on airplanes and head West to the far East (that’s just weird to think about) early WW19; more to come…

Author’s note: I admit, this blog entry is probably not the most entertaining.  But trust me: as we start to work in country, we will have an abundance of opportunities to provide you all with entertaining stories with plenty of pictures of really cool people, places, and things.

-Erin