Day 5: Scholarship Program at Duc Hue Elementary School in Long An

As one of our programs, the scholarship program demonstrates the importance of education. In order to help people raise out of poverty, an education is needed to build the necessary foundation. This program helps children and their families by giving them monetary relief for a year's worth of tuition. It keeps students off the streets and in the classroom. It only takes $60 to keep a child in school for the whole year. Working with the Red Cross, we were able to make this happen at the Due Hue Elementary School in Long An. In addition, under Dr. Timothy Bui's leadership, we also provided free dental check-ups for the children for the first time with the help of the university dentists.

The day started by a new mode of transportation. The elementary school is currently located in a rural area that can only be accessed by three different ways: small car, motorcycle, or riverboat. We decided to take the third option. Once the bus took us as far as we could have possibly went on the road, we had to unload the dental supplies onto small cars and walked to an awaited riverboat. With all of us on the boat, we sailed down the river to the school. With low hanging branches and bridges, we had to duck often to avoid being hit by them. Everyone made it safe and sound.

The 7G team made their way to the river, where a riverboat awaited for them.

All aboard! 

The 7G team on a riverboat. All 45 members! They had to be careful not to rock the boat or else they would tip over.

Along the river, 7G goers had to avoid being hit by the branches and low-hanging plants.

Watch out, Dr. Bui!

In addition to the low-hanging plants, they had to avoid the low-bridges, ducking their head as necessary.

Watch out for the bridge! Watch out for the kid on the bike!

Once they arrived at the school, dental team had to set everything up for the free dental check-ups for the scholarship students. The medical team got ready for the ceremony, as they waited with the rest of the students. During the ceremony, speakers came to the front and presented the school and the program, stressing the importance of keeping up in school and continuing their education. In a rural area, it is often difficult to have the time or money to stay in school. Students often find themselves having to help their families with work. With the scholarships, it provided a means for students to not worry about working and instead focus on their education.

During the ceremony, 7G goers hand out backpacks to children who have been selected by their teachers based on merit.

With 70 scholarship students, each one has worked hard and dedicated themselves to a higher education.

After the ceremony, the scholarship students were able to receive free health and dental check-ups. Alex and Ben (UCI) served as the triage team, taking the blood pressure of each child before going off to dental check-up. Kieu, Anh Vi, and Trang also served as the dental education team. For the dental team itself, they provided different services for the students: general check-up, extraction, and filling. 

Alex and Ben (UCI) act as part of the medical triage team to take the blood pressure of the students under the supervision of Dr. Phung (not pictured).

Alex reads the pulse of the scholarship student, making sure not to skip a beat.

While the waiting in line for the dental check-up, the students were entertained by the medical team. Christina, part of the medical team, talks with them, while Tiffany and Minh, part of the dental team, get them in for their dental check-up.

Led by Dr. Bui, the dental team provides free check-ups for the students.

The medical team also played a role of making sure the line flowed by entertaining the students while they waited in line. Both teams did their best to make sure that the students receive the dental care that they have worked for.

Even though with the language barrier, Johnson plays a drawing game with one of the students.

Knowing how to work hard, the students also know how to have fun.

With all of the students, the wait for the dental check-up was quite long.

Katrina and the scholarship students as they wait in line.

Phoebe and her scholarship student buddies.

Amanda and Phoebe give piggy back rides for the scholarship students.

In addition to the free dental check-up, the scholarship students also learned about dental hygiene.

Trang is a part of the dental education team, educating students about importance of taking care of their teeth.

Anh Vi is also a part of the dental education team, teaching students how to brush their teeth properly.

Two of the scholarship students waiting for the dental check-up.

Once the students were done with their dental check-up, they made their way to class.

Dr. Bui talks with one of the school officials about the dental program and how it is important for the scholarship students.

Offered free lunches by the locals, Ben (UCLA), Jason, Mai Anh, and Lindy wait for an empty table before eating lunch.

By the end of the day, we provided free dental check-ups for all 70 scholarship students and one elderly woman who needed dental care. We are truly grateful for the local villagers for providing us free lunch and having us as their guests. Thank you as well to the Red Cross for making this possible for the scholarship program. Major props to the dental team for their dedication and hard work. They definitely demonstrated the excellence of what M.E.M.O. has to offer. The scholarship students can not only smile because of their year's tuition paid but also because of the hard work of the dental team. 

We used small cars to go back to the bus, as the rainfall caused the river to overflow, giving the possibility of a flash flood. Riverboat was not an option unfortunately. Once we were all packed and ready to go, we took the bus to lunch and then to the hotel back in Saigon. Our next stop: the hospital program at the University Medical Center.

Written by Johnson. All photos were taken by David.