VIETNAM Background Vietnam is a densely-populated, developing country that in the last 30 years has had to recover from the ravages of war, the loss of financial support from the old Soviet Bloc, and the rigidities of a centrally-planned economy [...] Vietnam joined the World Trade Organization in January 2007, following over a decade long negotiation process. This should provide an important boost to the economy and should help ensure the continuation of liberalizing reforms. From the CIA World Factbook Needs We are slowly building momentum in Vietnam as we continue to assess needs and develop relationships with people. Many face daunting challenges every day just to meet basic needs. As a whole the country seems to be improving, but there are always those vulnerable segments of a society that are overlooked. We have been focusing on children’s needs and have provided financial assistance for children to continue their education. We are also working with the Peace Village in Hanoi to make facility improvements and provide much needed equipment. This school is doing a tremendous job in assisting children with disabilities. We have also provided funding to those working with the elderly. In most cases local Buddhists do what they can to help the elderly, but tend to lack sufficient funds to purchase what they need. WWHA is in contact with physicians in the southern region to help provide basic assistance to small clinics. We have provided medical equipment as well as patient beds. We are also looking to do some minor construction for facility improvements at these clinics. Furthermore, we have funded construction of five small concrete foot bridges to assist villagers in crossing small streams with greater ease. These bridges have been very beneficial to those accessing the villages, especially the elderly. Belarus Ghana Kosovo Myanmar Vietnam