Teaching English to Hmong village kids in northern Vietnam

In northern Vietnam that borders China, there are Hmong (a Vietnamese tribe) individuals who would offer tour services, often affiliated with local homestay area (homestay includes accommodation and dinner with the local family host). If you planned a homestay in Sapa,, Hmong ladies would come meet you in the town square of Sapa and trek with you on foot to the homestay, while stopping by their village to showcase their handicrafts. The view of the trek is breathtaking, overlooking lush green rice terraces 180 degrees (and some snow, depending on when you go) and the hike is guaranteed to be messy and exhausting. Let's say unwinding at the end of the day and resting your feet would be a real treat!

We met one of the Hmong women during our second visit to Sapa in northern Vietnam. We stayed at a Hmong-owned hotel where she worked. During our stay, we got acquainted with her and learned that she will be opening her own Hmong Homestay and leveraging the space to teach Hmong children English in the village. As a token of encouragement, we gave her $100 USD before leaving to extend success to her endeavour.

Mark returned to Sapa in another year when her Hmong Homestay was fully functioning. Mark decided to stay there to support their hospitality business. When Mark saw that several children eagerly showing up for English lessons, he quickly rolled up his sleeves to buy notebooks and school supplies for them. Without missing a beat, he began co-teaching English with the Hmong woman and even extended his stay to a full week (originally planned for a night).