Hair Today, gone Tomorrow

Volunteering requires a great deal of commitment and determination. It is filled with personal challenges and enormous rewards which are often life changing for the volunteer. Some volunteers feel compelled to go the extra mile and make sacrifices in order to better the lives of the community they volunteer in. Sofia Canales is one of these volunteers. She chose to lose her hair so the children of the Tam Ky Orphange can keep theirs. This is her story.

I was born in Mexico 19 years ago, I grew up side by side with poverty, in the streets, at the red lights, and I remember that even as a kid I was always very touched by those poor souls that begged for money to survive. My mind could never understand why I was here and they were there, so when I was about 16 I decided to actually do something about it. My friends and I started to do some missions in poorer villages in Mexico. The heroes we met, the places we explored, the precious memories we created, and the most valuable lessons taught by the most unexpected teachers, is what started me on this exiting, rewarding and intense volunteering path. When I decided to take this experience to another level outside of Mexico, I chose Global Volunteer Network because I heard nothing but positive feedback from this wonderful medium.

I chose to volunteer in Vietnam because my first option wasn't a safe choice, but now that I am here, experimenting with the hard-working, everyday life of Vietnam, I know that this culture is waiting to teach me, and us (volunteers) about effort, about loss, but most of all about persistence and hope. Taking into account that 40 years ago, this country was dragged back to the beginning by the war, all I can say, is that I respect these people and their work and bow my head in profound admiration for all they have achieved.

When I made my decision to volunteer I tried not to have any expectations but I think it's hard to be completely devoid of them. I tried to wipe out any piece of information that could modify my first impressions. I think it worked, because what has marked my soul, my skin, and my memory is the actual experience; the sights, the smells, the colors, and the textures of the country and it's people, not just the idea of it. All I knew before coming here is that I was scared and completely terrified of leaving my comfort zone and not taking my safety net (my family ) with me. I can honestly say that the expectations I did have were met, challenged and even outdone. On the rice fields the grass is greener, the people more welcoming, and the kids more adorable.

The day I saw how the children's black and shiny hair was ruined by lice, their innocent faces frowning from the scratching and itching, that was the day I decided that I would shave off my hair so that they could keep theirs. I thought it would also provide a great opportunity to raise funds to buy the orphanage much needed lice treatment, shampoo, regular haircuts medicine and food. I had always had long hair and the dreads took me two years to grow. However, after this experience, I understand that the purpose of taking care of my hair for all those years was to shave it off for the kids and raise 10,000 USD for them! I was told that I looked ugly and all the Vietnamese people mistook me for a boy but I don't regret it at all!

The children all have such beautiful personalities, the most heart-warming smiles and give the most love-filled hugs. I just gave my heart to every single one of them! My life has been changed by this experience. I believe my role is a medium and spokesperson for the donors. They are the ones who have made it possible to build a new roof for the orphanage and buy medicine and food.

On an emotional and physical level, I can only hope that my presence, ideas, games, and intentions, helped the kids just to be happy, to mute sad memories. Knowing that there are no ordinary moments, I attempt to make everyday into a worthwhile experience. To tell you the truth, I am a bit scared of going back home because of how much I've changed these past few months. I have learnt more than I could ever teach, I have been shaken to my very core by the strength of the little warriors and they have taught me so much. In my autobiography Vietnam will definitely have its very own chapter.

Global Volunteer Network currently has volunteer opportunities available through their partner organization in Vietnam. With over 84 million people living in Vietnam half a million are orphans. About 1 in 3 people are under the age of 15, meaning about 30% of the population are young children.

On average three babies out of every hundred are given to an orphanage largely as a result of family poverty.

Volunteers will not work solely in orphanages but will share their time between a variety of placements including working with babies and children, working with disabled children as well as teaching English, arts and crafts and sports .

In the orphanages and support centers there are many children who as a result of exposure to Agent Orange, a highly toxic chemical used during the Vietnam War, are suffering from mental and physical disabilities. Qualified physiotherapists, occupational therapists, clinical psychologists, behavioral therapists, play therapists, doctors, nurses, orthotist, prosthetists, podiatrists and all people with a medical qualification are highly sought after in the Vietnam program.