Two English teachers walk across Vietnam for poor children, almost reaching their destination in Ho Chi Minh City

Teacher Jake Dorris (left) and Sean Down before departing from Hanoi - Photo: Provided by the Australian Embassy

According to the Australian Embassy in Vietnam, after a three-month endurance challenge, Jake Norris and his companion Sean Down will end their special journey on February 24.

The two began their journey in December 2023, walking about 2,000km from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City to raise funds for two organizations supporting Vietnamese children, the Thanh Loc Project and the Blue Dragon Children's Fund.

To date, the campaign has raised over $35,000. With more fundraising events coming up and more corporate sponsors joining the cause, that number is expected to continue to grow.

Jake, an Australian, is currently an English teacher and considers Vietnam his home country.

He confided that the motivation that helped him decide to make the trip came from meeting children on his travels .

Despite their difficult circumstances and facing many adversities in daily life, they still constantly show kindness and great happiness.

“The challenges these children face are unimaginable, and it is our job to make a difference.

By walking across Vietnam, we hope to not only raise funds but also draw attention to the problems these children face every day,” Jake told the Australian Embassy.

To prepare for the journey of thousands of kilometers, both of them quit their jobs since May 2023. In the photo: Jake stopped to rest in a central province - Photo: Provided by the Australian Embassy

During the 2,000km journey from North to South, Jake and his Irish friend also had "once-in-a-lifetime" experiences, crossing winding mountain roads and beautiful coastal roads.

"It's been a mixed bag for us over the past three months. We've struggled to find food at times and endured weeks of freezing cold, torrential rain.

In the past month, the temperature has been so high that we have to travel 35km every day in 40 degree heat. So now we usually wake up and leave the house before 4am to avoid the heat! ", shared Mr. Jake.

Besides the difficulties, both of them met many people and made many new friends.

"Everyone has supported us so enthusiastically, from time, money to accommodation. Every day we met someone willing to stop their car to offer us food and drinks. We will always remember everyone's kindness," said Jake.

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/hai-thay-giao-tieng-anh-di-bo-xuyen-viet-vi-tre-ngheo-sap-den-dich-o-tp-hcm-20240221161954288.htm