Education for a Brighter Future

October 19, 2007
Gwen Vu and Paul Tamura | Viet Nam Scholarship Foundation

Many students from developing countries dream about working for a place like Microsoft. Unfortunately, even basic education can be hard to attain when families are in poverty. Vietnam is one place where families must pay fees for elementary and secondary education. Families in rural areas often subsist on 2 or 3 dollars per day, which makes it difficult for them to afford schooling for their children. The Viet Nam Scholarship Foundation was established to provide ongoing support to these students so that they can graduate from college and help their families escape from poverty. VNSF’s presentation will include the mission of the organization, facts about the costs of schooling in Vietnam, details about current programs, and simple and effective ways you can help so that children can attain an education and have a brighter future.

Speaker Details

Gwen Vu, ChairGwen left Viet Nam by boat with her family at age 12. After about a year of living in various refugee camps, she and her family came to settle in Landsing, Michigan. Gwen graduated from college with a degree in Physical Therapy. She is very thankful for all the opportunities and experiences she has had as the result of being able to have an education. When Gwen stumbled upon VNSF a short time after coming to Seattle, she enthusiastically joined the Board of VNSF because she strongly supports its mission and philosophy. She feels that education and knowledge are key to empowerment and to help break the cycle of poverty. She hopes to help the students VNSF funded to have better opportunities than her best childhood friend from Viet Nam, who had to quit school during the 9th grade to sell pho to help support her family.

Paul Tamura, Vice Chair and TreasurerPaul’s grandparents emigrated from Japan as farmers. He is grateful that the education enjoyed by his parents allowed him to lead a comfortable life. He feels that there are many in the world who, simply by chance, have not had the same opportunities. Since graduating the University of California at Berkeley with a degree in Electrical Engineering, he has always dedicated a portion of his earnings to social and environmental causes and has always set aside time to volunteer as a tutor, clerical assistant and community organizer. Paul was persuaded in 2003 to become treasurer of the VNSF. He hopes that through the VNSF he can have a lasting impact on the future of the children of Vietnam.