Meet the Team: Vo Thi Hien, Program Director, Vietnam
Behind the success of OneSky’s Vietnam programs and our commitment to support the development of early childhood care and education in the country, is an incredibly hardworking team of passionate individuals, led by Hien Vo.
Hien first learned about OneSky in 2015, when Founder Jenny Bowen visited Vietnam to research and explore the need and options for expanding OneSky’s work beyond China.
She later read Jenny’s book Wish You Happy Forever: What China’s Children Taught Me About Moving Mountains and was impressed with OneSky’s pioneering work in China on behalf of vulnerable young children.
A year later, when OneSky entered Vietnam and was searching for a program director with a strong commitment to young children, Hien knew instantly that this would be her dream position. She applied for the role and became the first employee of OneSky in Vietnam.
Hien came to OneSky with over 23 years of experience working for international NGOs in the areas of relief, development, and education supporting poor, at-risk children in the mountainous, remote areas of Vietnam.
Having been raised by a widowed mom, Hien and her siblings experienced adversity growing up and she understands how vulnerable children can thrive when given the right care and opportunities. Hien’s mother worked hard to give her and her siblings a good education, which has inspired her to “return something back to life,” by helping disadvantaged children and families overcome their challenges.
In just five years, Hien and her team have established OneSky as a leading training organization working with the government and NGOs to advance early childhood care and education across Vietnam.
Looking back on the last five years, Hien said she is “proud to witness what OneSky has done for thousands of vulnerable children and their factory-worker parents.”
She noted that all the achievements wouldn’t have happened without the highly competent and dedicated staff who work at the OneSky Early Learning Center in Da Nang and train home-based childcare providers in industrial zones across four provinces.
Hien is also leading a cooperative effort with the Ministry of Education and Training in Vietnam to establish national guidelines for home-based child care. And, if all goes to plan, Hien will ensure that OneSky’s training is incorporated into a national curriculum and effort to train every home-based childcare provider in the country.
Hien is a tireless advocate for the underserved communities of Vietnam. How fortunate we are she crossed Jenny’s path.
