Overseas Volunteer Program

One of Hong Bang’s main activities and one which resonates in the hearts of our members is to connect enthusiastic persons who want to journey with the poor whom we serve. The Overseas Volunteer (OV) program has been in existence even before Hong Bang was conceived and continues to be our major activity. We have sent close to 100 OVs over the past decade to work in the Philippines and in Vietnam where they have taught English, computer skills, worked with unaccompanied minors, help with skills training, among other things.

In the OV program, our hope is to promote a true exchange between the OV and the community with whom the OV works and lives with. It is an opportunity to transfer knowledge and skills to help in the economic and social development of these communities and is also a chance for the OV to gain an understanding of the local culture, the perspective of the poor and to understand his/herself. Our OVs live within the community where they work and receive a modest stipend comparable to the local wage. Returning OVs profess to have gained much more than they were able to give and we are fortunate that many past OVs continue to work with HB in our mission.