Vietnam Information handbook

Habitat for Humanity International In Viet Nam Orientation Handbook

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0 COUNTRY INFORMATION
1.01 History
1.02 Economy
1.03 Climate and weather
1.04 Time Zones
1.05 Languages
1.06 Religion
1.07 Electrics
1.08 Entertainment
1.09 Food & Drink
1.10 Communication
1.11 Greetings & Gestures
1.12 Do’s and Don’ts
1.13 Tourist Information
1.14 Currency

2.0 HFHI-VN PROGRAM INFORMATION
2.0 What is Habitat for Humanity International
2.01 About us
2.02 National organization background
2.03 Current build projects

3.0 GLOBAL VILLAGE PROGRAM INFORMATION
3.01 Volunteer teams
3.02 Policies
3.03 Construction & Safety Reminders
3.04 Health Reminders

1.0 Country Information
Vietnam (Vietnamese: Việt Nam), officially the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, is a socialist republic in Southeast Asia. Situated in eastern Indochina—bordering China, Laos, Cambodia, as well as the South China Sea—it is the most populous country among the mainland Southeast Asian countries.
The name of the country comes from the Vietnamese Việt Nam, which is in turn a reordering of Nam Việt—the name of an ancient kingdom from the ancestral Vietnamese that covered much of today's northern Vietnam and southern China. Its Chinese cognate, Yue/Yuet, was also a name for ethnic groups living in the proximity of southern China during ancient times.
The country is approximately 331,688 square km (128,066 sq mi) in area, which is slightly smaller than Germany. The topography consists of hills and densely forested mountains, with level land covering no more than 20 percent. Mountains account for 40 percent, hills 40 percent and forests 42 percent. The northern part of the country consists mostly of highlands and the Red River Delta. Phan Xi Păng, located in Lào Cai province, is the highest mountain in Vietnam at 3,143 m (10,312 ft). The south is divided into coastal lowlands, Annamite Chain (central mountains) with high plateaus, and the Mekong River Delta.
The climate is tropical and monsoonal; humidity averages 84 percent throughout the year. Annual rainfall ranges from 120 to 300 cm (47 to 118 in), and annual temperatures vary between 5°C (41°F) and 37°C (99°F).
Land boundaries: Total: 4,639 km (2,883 mi)
Border countries: Cambodia 1,228 km (763 mi), China 1,281 km (796 mi), Laos 2,130 km (1,324 mi)
Mainland Territory: 329,241 sq. km
Population: 80,902,400 inhabitants (in 2003)
National Capital: Hanoi

1.01 History
Pre - 20th Century History
The sophisticated Bronze Age Dong Son culture emerged around the 3rd century BC. From the 1st to the 6th centuries AD, the south of what is now Vietnam was part of the Indianised kingdom of Funan, which produced fine art and architecture. The Hindu kingdom of Champa appeared around present-day Danang in the late 2nd century and had spread south to what is now Nha Trang by the 8th century. The kingdom existed in part through conducting raids in the region. The Chinese conquered the Red River Delta in the 2nd century and their 1000-year rule, marked by tenacious Vietnamese resistance and repeated rebellions, ended in AD 938 when Ngo Quyen vanquished the Chinese armies at the Bach Dang River.

During the next few centuries, Vietnam repulsed repeated invasions by China, and expanded its borders southwards from the Red River Delta, populating much of the Mekong Delta. In 1858, French and Spanish-led forces stormed Danang after several missionaries had been killed. A year later, Saigon was seized. By 1867, France had conquered all of southern Vietnam, which became the French colony of Cochinchina.

Modern History
Pro-independence forces, dominated largely by the leadership of Ho Chi Minh, resisted French domination during and after WWII. Ho Chi Minh's declaration of Vietnamese independence in 1945 sparked violent confrontations with the French, culminating in the French military defeat at Dien Bien Phu in 1954.

The negotiation of the Geneva Accords of 1954 between the Vietnamese and the French temporarily divided the country into two zones (the Communists assumed control of the north and the anti-Communist, US-supported Ngo Dinh Diem took the south). Free elections were to have been held across the country in 1956, but Diem reneged on the plan - Ho Chi Minh seemed likely to win - and instead consolidated his own power in various ways, including fixing a referendum. Western powers embraced his government.

Political and ideological opposition quickly turned to armed struggle, prompting the USA (who'd been a covert presence since at least 1945) and other countries to commit combat troops in 1965. The Paris Peace Agreements, signed in 1973, provided an immediate cease-fire and the withdrawal of US troops - signaling a famous victory for Ho Chi Minh. Saigon eventually capitulated to the Communist forces on 30 April 1975.

Following the 1975 withdrawal of American forces from Viet Nam further conflict ensued with Khmer Rouge forces along the Cambodian borders. A protracted round of fighting eventually saw China enter the fray in support of Cambodia and the killings continued until the UN brokered a deal, with Vietnamese forces being pulled out of Cambodia in 1989. Although the Khmer Rouge continued to snipe from the borders, it was the first time since WWII that Vietnam was not officially at war with any other nation. The end of the Cold War and the collapse of the USSR in 1991 caused Vietnam and Western nations to seek rapprochement.

Politics Today
Vietnam is a single-party socialist republic. A new state constitution was approved in April 1992, reaffirming the central role of the Communist Party of Vietnam in politics and society, and outlining government reorganization and increased market reforms in the economy. Though Vietnam remains a one-party state, adherence to ideological orthodoxy has become less important than economic development as a national priority.

1.02 Economy
Viet Nam presently the second fastest growing economy in Asia and joined the WTO in November 2006. About 80% of the population live in rural areas and work in agricultural labour. Viet Nam is one of the poorest countries in South East Asia. The UNDP – Human Development Report of 2003 rank it as number 108 out of the 177 countries and on the UN Human Poverty Index The HPI-1 value for Viet Nam is 21.2%, ranking 47th among 103 developing countries

1.03 Climate and Weather
In Viet Nam temperatures are usually hot and humid, around the low 30°Cs (high 80°Fs), but if you head north and along the coast they cool down to comfortable temperatures towards January. The weather is determined by two monsoons; the winter monsoon comes from the northeast between October and March bringing wet chilly winters to all areas north of Nha Trang, but dry and warm temperatures to the south. From April or May to October, the southwestern monsoon brings warm, humid weather and buckets of rain to the whole country except for those areas sheltered by mountains.

The climate can generally be described as tropical, with an average temperature of 27.C.
There are two distinct seasons: the Rainy Season and the Dry Season.
1) The Rainy season from June till October 27 – 35.C
2) The Dry season (cool) from November till February 17 – 27.C
3) The Dry season (hot) from March till May 29 – 38.C

1.04 Time Zone
Viet Nam has one time zone and is seven hours ahead of GMT. GMT/UTC +7

1.05 Language
According to official figures, 86.2% of the population speaks Vietnamese as a native language.
Various other languages are spoken by the several minority groups in Vietnam. The most spoken of these languages are: Tày (1.5 million), Mường (1.2 million), Khmer (1.05 million), Chinese (870,000, this figure also includes speakers of all Chinese dialects), Nùng (860,000), H'Mông (790,000), and Tai Dam (700,000).
French, a legacy of colonial rule, is still spoken by some older Vietnamese as a second language but is losing its popularity. Russian — and to a much lesser extent Czech or Polish — is often known among those whose families had ties with the Soviet bloc. In recent years, Chinese, Japanese and English have become the most popular foreign languages, and English is an obligatory course in most schools.

1.06 Religions
According to the 1999 Socialist Republic of Vietnam's census numbers, 80.8% of Vietnamese subscribe to no religion. But according to the majority of other sources. Vietnamese people are predominantly Confucian and Mahayana Buddhist (esp. Mainstream Pure Land schools and Zen-inspired syncretists), with a sizeable Roman Catholic (2nd largest in Asia behind Philippines) following and Protestant, Cao Đài, and Hoa Hao minorities. The largest Protestant churches are the Evangelical Church of Vietnam and the Montagnard Evangelical Church. Membership to Sunni and Bashi Islam are usually accredited to the ethnic Cham minority, but there are also a few ethnic Vietnamese adherents to Islam in the southwest.
According to the 1999 census, 80.8% had no religion, 9.3% were Buddhist, 6.7% were Catholic, 1.5% were Hoa Hao, and 1.1% were Cao Dai.

1.07 Electrics
Electricity in Viet Nam is 220V 50HzHz. Most hotels in HCMC will have a selection of adapters available however having your own battery rechargers.would be beneficial.

1.08 Entertainment

Cinemas: There are several movie houses in HCMC showing English films (marked OV-original version in the newspaper listing. There are no English cinemas in Rach Gia.
Nightclubs: There are several clubs in HCMC that see a good mix of locals and foreigners. They are listed in The Guide magazine found in most restaurants and hotels
Shopping: HCMC has excellent shopping with many markets, department stores and street vendors selling lacquer ware, dishes, paintings and clothing. Ben Thanh Market is a popular tourist shopping centre specializing all manner of goods. Don’t forget to barter for the best price on shoes, clothes, handbags and souvenirs! Saigon Square, Saigon Tax Centre, Diamond Plaza, Cho Lon Market and Dong Khoi Street also rank amongst the places best known for an excellent shopping experience.
Restaurants: There is a lively mix of international cuisine available in HCMC with enough choices for every taste. Food is reasonably priced and well prepared.

1.09 Food and Drinks

Vietnamese cuisine is very healthy and flavorful, using very little oil and many vegetables. The main dishes are often based on rice, soy sauce, and fish sauce. Its characteristic flavors are sweet (sugar), spicy (serrano peppers), sour (lime), umami (fish sauce), and flavored by a variety of mint and basil

You can sample the best of Viet cuisine and have the choice of excellent international cuisine in HCMC however in Rach Gia more traditional Vietnamese dishes are the norm. Rice is the principal staple and the Mekong Delta is the country’s rice bowl. Keep in mind that the saying in Viet Nam is “we’ll eat anything on four legs but the table it’s served on” because you may see some unusual and interesting menu items! Drinking from tap water is not safe. It is recommended that you drink only mineral or bottled water.

1.10 Communications
You can find internet in most parts of Viet Nam, prices usually range from 50 cents–1.00/hr depending on the quality. You can make International Phone Calls from post offices around the country where you can also buy a phone card. You can always make calls at your hotel or if you have a cell phone you can go to the nearest shop and buy a SIM card so that you can make and receive calls.

1.11 Greeting and Gestures
The traditional greeting is to press one's hands together in a prayer-like gesture and bow. However in modern Viet Nam this is rarely seen and the western practice of shaking hands has become more widespread. It is considered culturally unacceptable for a male to embrace a female companion in public.

Greetings & Civilities in Vietnamese:
• Hello – xin chao
• Goodbye – tam biet
• Yes - vang
• No - khong
• Please – lam on
• Thank you – cam on
• How much is it- Bao nhieu tien

1.12 Do’s and Don’ts
Viet Nam is a little less traditional than its neighbours, Thailand and Cambodia yet there are still some similar traits. Here are a few things you might want to remember while traveling:

• REMOVE SHOES - When entering someone’s home, it is customary to remove
one’s shoes. Sandals and other easily removable footwear make this tradition
quite simple.

• GIFT GIVING - When giving a gift, or paying for something it is courteous to hand it to the person with your right hand.

• HOLD YOUR TEMPER - No matter how frustrating things can get here its wise not to show your anger. It’s sign of weakness.

• RESPECT TO RELIGIOUS TEMPLES - It’s especially important that you show respect in a pagoda by removing your hat and shoes, dressing appropriately and never showing the bottoms of your feet to a religious icon. Don’t sit with your feet pointing towards any religious statue.

• TOUCHING OTHERS. Women may accept something from a monk, but she should be careful not to touch him. Don’t display signs of affection openly. Nudity is totally inappropriate even on the beaches.

• POINTING FINGERS - Never point you finger or the soles of your feet towards a person

• GESTURE TO CALL SOMEONE - If you would like someone to come over to you, motion with your whole hand held palm down. Palm up as done in the west is considered very rude.

• USE OF TOOTHPICK - When picking your teeth with a toothpick after a meal, it is considered polite to hold the toothpick in one hand and to cover your open mouth with the other.

1.13 Tourist Attractions
Viet Nam is one of the oldest countries in South East Asia and has a variety of interesting and diverse sites and experiences to meet the needs and interests of every traveler.
The Government of Viet Nam is focusing on tourism and put it as high priority for Country development strategy. The major centers for tourism are:

Ha Noi, the capital of Viet Nam is in the far north and boasts both colonial and traditional architecture as well as museums, temples and traditional puppetry. Other regions of interest in the north are Halong Bay a Unesco World Heritage Site with 3,000 islands and the mountain village of Sapa with its spectacular scenery.

In central Viet Nam visit the Imperial City of Hue, and the relaxing old world atmosphere of Hoi An. China Beach, Da Nang and the Cham ruins in My Son are also of interest. The best beaches are found on the South Central Coast and include Nha Trang, Mui Ne and Phan Tiet. Da Lat, the honeymoon capita, is located in the central mountain region and due to its location has a cooler climate for growing coffee, tea and flowers.

The gateway to the southern region is Ho Choi Minh City, a bustling economic centre with good shopping and a city life buzz about it. Ho Chi Minh City is probably the most vibrant international centre in Viet Nam and your point of entry when working with Habitat for Humanity Viet Nam.

Phu Quoc Island off the southern coast of Kien Giang Province is accessible from Rach Gia by plane or boat. It is a resort island with wonderful beaches and a relaxed atmosphere that is popular with both foreign and domestic tourists.


For more tourist information on Viet Nam see www.lonelyplanet.com or our GV Coordinator can direct you one of the many tour operators in HCMC.

1.14 Currency
The local currency is the Viet Dong, these notes come in 100, 200, 1.000, 2.000, 5.000, 10.000, 20.000, 50.000, 100.000, and 500.000 denominations being the most commonly used. Viet Nam also uses the $US throughout most of the country. For current rates on the $US and the Viet Dong look at www.xe.com. Western Unions, banks and bank machines are found throughout Viet Nam so you can bring cash, traveler cheques, credit cards or bank debit cards.

2.0 What is Habitat for Humanity International?
Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI) is a non-profit, ecumenical Christian housing organization dedicated to eliminate poverty housing and homelessness from the world, and to make a decent shelter a matter of conscience and action. HFHI was founded in 1976 by Millard and Linda Fuller, on the conviction that every man, woman and child should have simple, decent, affordable place to live in dignity and safety regardless of race or religion and welcome volunteers and supporters from all walks of life to work together in partnership to help build houses with families in need. Since1976, Habitat volunteers have built more than 200,000 houses around the world, providing shelter for nearly 900,000 people in 100 countries worldwide.

2.01 About us

Our Vision:
“A world where everyone has a decent place to live.”

Mission Statement:

“Habitat for Humanity works in partnership with God and people everywhere, from all walks of life, to develop communities with people in need by building and renovating houses so that there are decent houses in decent communities in which every person can experience God’s love and can live and grow into all that God intends.”

Ultimate Goal:

The ultimate goal of Habitat for Humanity is to eliminate poverty housing and
homelessness from the face of the earth by building adequate and basic housing.
Furthermore, all our words and actions are for the ultimate purpose of putting shelter on the hearts and minds of people is such a powerful way that poverty housing and homelessness become socially, politically and religiously unacceptable in our nations and world.


2.02 National organization background

HFHI-VN is a branch office of Habitat for Humanity International, a USA based non-profit, Christian housing organization dedicated to eliminating poverty housing around the world and making decent affordable housing a matter of conscience and action in Viet Nam. Habitat invites people of all backgrounds, race and religions to build or renovate houses together in partnership with families in need, and promote transformational community development. HFHI-VN started in 2002 in Da Nang and as of 2005 is now based in Ho Chi Minh City with projects in Kien Giang, Tien Giang, Dong Nai provinces and in HCMC.

Viet Nam is one of the poorest countries in South East Asia. It suffers from many problems including poverty housing with one in three people living poverty with substandard housing, poor sanitation and unsafe water.
Habitat for Humanity International in Viet Nam was established in October 2002. After the completion of its first project in Da Nang, where 20 families were assisted through 2004, HFHI in Viet Nam began a new partnership in the southern Mekong Delta region. In 2005 the pilot project in three districts of Kien Giang province began with its first housing micro-finance, vocational/ technical training and support in shelter, water and sanitation improvement.

Through June 2006 this initiative has assist over 800 families to improve their living standard with more durable assets in sustainable shelter. HFHI in Viet Nam plans to assist 1000 more families over the coming year in the Mekong Delta and to begin a new project in Urban Shelter Improvement as well as working to augment local support with multi-national corporations, local micro-finance institutions and government partners already working with the urban and rural poor.

2.03 Current Build Projects
HFHI in VN is currently building in 3 provinces in South Viet Nam; Kien Giang, Tien Giang, Dong Nai and in HCMC as well as the district of Nha Be. The focus is on home renovation and repair supported by micro finance loans.

Each area has a project manager who works with a local implementing partner in family selection, loan distribution, technical and training support, as well as loan repayment. The families choose one of following build options:

Construction component (House size 36m2) Cost (USD)
Raised Flood resistant foundation 265
Improved foundation & floor 225
Tile Floor 125
Concrete Crop Curing Pad (40m²) 185
Reinforced Columns/posts support structure 220
Brick Walls (4) with plaster 250
Steel Roof 185 – 280
Septic with Toilet and Bathing Area 200 – 225
Water Tank (2000 liter) and collect system 140
Drilled well for Clean Water 150
Pig or Small Animal Stable 75

3.0 GLOBAL VILLAGE PROGRAM
What is the Global Village Program?

A Program of Habitat for Humanity International, which brings people around the world to a hands-on, grass-root experience of the Habitat build and a chance to meet Habitat partners world wide. All costs for travel to and within the country are bourn by the volunteer as well as food and accommodation.

HFHI-VN Global Village Hosting Capacity:

Presently, HFHI-VN has 4 active projects in Kien Giang Province, Tien Giang Province, Dong Nai Province and Ho Chi Minh City. In 2008 HFHI in VN will host 12 domestic and 14 international teams. As our focus is on micro financing for home repair and renovation, clean water and sanitation, no full house builds will be under taken at this time. Each home will take no more than 4 volunteers therefore we must reserve the right to limit group sizes according to HFHI in VN capacity to host in any given area and on any projects we have under way at the time of the hosting.


3.01 Global Village Volunteer teams
Team Size: HFHI-VN requires a minimum team size for adult teams of 6 members and youth teams of 9 members; while the maximum team size will average 12 to 25 members for both team types. This is a reasonable and manageable size which HFHI-VN could accommodate in term of administration and logistics. In renovation projects a maximum team size is set at 4 people/ house with work on-going over multiple houses at one time.

Hosting Months: HFHI-VN can host late November through April only. Due to the heavy rainy season May to November and flooding in the Mekong Delta, building is halted during this time. HFH–VN submits a hosting projection to Habitat for Humanity International which is noted in the master schedule. Please contact your sending coordinator for updates.

3.02 Policies

Child Labour Policy

Habitat for Humanity International in Vietnam requires its projects and partners to comply with the child labor standards applicable within Vietnam. Habitat sets the minimum age to 16 years as HFHI requires the projects and partners to comply with the following policy based on the child labor standards developed by the International Labor Organization under the auspices of the United Nations.

13 years or more: Light work includes lot clearing, meal preparation, painting, landscaping, transporting supplies (weight limit appropriate to the child’s capacity and not more than 5 – 7 kilos), babysitting

15 years or more: General Construction would include all other construction work including carpentry, siding, plastering, flooring, laying foundations, masonry work, brick making, and finishing work. The use of hand tools would be part of general construction work.

18 years: Dangerous workwould include working from a height of greater than six feet or 180 cm, roofing, using power tools or electrically or gas powered equipment, the use of powder actuated tools, demolition or excavation.

Policies and Procedures in Handling International Team Funds

• All funds associated with an International volunteer team should be processed
through the appropriate HFH sending program.
• Any funds donated by a work team to a National Office, or direct to a host
project, should be made using "negotiable instruments," such as wire transfers,
cashiers checks, or other.
• No donation should be made in the field in cash with the exception of excess
team funds still in local currency but no greater than the value of US $50. An
official HFH receipt is to be issued.
• All donated funds should appear on the official reports of the host National
Office/projects.
• Official HFH receipts or letters of acknowledgement should be distributed in return for any and all donations.
• At the direction of the Area Finance Director, certain funds may be requested to
pass through and reside at HFHI in Americus until distributed by the Area
Finance Director.

3.03 CONSTRUCTION SAFETY REMINDERS
Safety at our worksites is very important for all of us. Safety is an attitude of care and concern – for yourself and for others who are working with you. The way to be safe is to THINK and ACT SAFELY. We ask all volunteers to take to heart and observe safe work practices throughout their build. Zero Accidents is the goal!

Here are some reminders:

• Dress with safety in mind. All volunteers must wear closed-toed shoes at the work site, and rubber boots and gloves when mixing or handling cement.
• Poor housekeeping can lead to a variety of accidents that could have been easily prevented. A clean work site should be maintained during the day, and a general clean up conducted at the end of each day. Keep the work area free of nails in boards, broken glass or cut corrugated iron.
• We must ask ourselves if what we are doing is safe and if what we have done poses a risk to ourselves or someone else. THINK before you do your work.
• Inspect all tools before you use them. Do not use any tool that is broken. Don’t
over exert yourself or the tool. This can cause slips or tools to break and cause
injury.
• Always select the right tool for the job. If you don’t know how to use a tool, ask for assistance. No volunteer should operate power equipment or a chain saw, even if he or she says that they already know how to use it, until the Construction
Supervisor or a carpenter has briefed him or her on the safe use of that equipment.
• Place yourself in a good body position. Most hand tool accidents result from being struck by the tool. Hammers should not be placed on surfaces above peoples’ heads, such as on top of a wall or a ladder.
• Remove nails from boards so they are not stepped on. Do not block walkways with materials. Do not leave corrugated iron in places where it can be kicked or hit with legs and arms. Store it in an out of the way spot.
• Walk; do not run, while in the work area.
• Know where to locate the First Aid Kit and what is in it.
• Report all injuries and accidents immediately to the Construction Supervisor.

3.04 HEALTH REMINDERS

Always wash your hands thoroughly before eating.
WATER: Always request for purified or bottled water. Even when taking mixed drinks (shakes etc.) or soda’s with ice, please request for ice/ ice cubes from purified water.
Using purified water may include for brushing teeth.
Water can be purified or distilled. Bottled water is abundant and readily available.
Water contamination may apply to bathing as well as food. If bathing or swimming in rivers is a practice, be cautious if the water could be contaminated.
Wash thoroughly and disinfect cuts and sores afterwards. Do not shave while bathing in such water.
If purchasing fruits and vegetables on your own, please have this thoroughly washed or even peeled if necessary before eating.
STREET FOOD: GVT are not encouraged to buy any “street food”. Though this would be such a culinary experience, please ask the advice of your local project host before doing so.
In special cases where the toilet facilities are a challenge to some participants, some may choose not to drink enough water just to avoid using these facilities. Dehydration can be the consequence. Caution co-participants of this problem. Please freely discuss this concern with your hosting project.

Sunburn and even heat exhaustion and stroke are a potential risk.

Always put on sunscreen before working.
Never forget to put on sun block when going out even in the city.
Wear a hat or bandanna on the work site to protect the face.
Dress in layers or with long-sleeved shirt to protect arms and long-pants for the legs. Remember to keep clothes dry to avoid colds/pneumonia.
Also, working on a construction site for prolonged periods of time is not a usual activity for most international team members, frequent breaks and rest are encouraged.
Drink lots of water! The greatest health threats to any team working in the tropical heat are dysentery and dehydration. Always request purified or bottled water to avoid health problems. Please contact the GV Coordinator or Team Leader if you feel your regular body functions are changed.