First Hand Impressions, by Kyla Derkach

Written from the perspective of Kyla Derkach, Capilano student and volunteer, this post will highlight some of the experiences that she has had over the first few days in Ta Phin village.

Firstly, I feel it is necessary to acknowledge the extensive amount of work completed before entering the village. Training modules, web development, logistics and marketing were just some of the focus areas. In order to execute this work successfully, context and background were vital, especially because I had never been to Ta Phin, and in my case even Vietnam. Photos, diagrams, explanations and stories were some of the methods employed to convey the “Ta Phin” picture. Now more than ever, I can say with confidence that no amount of rationalization could ever prepare you for what it is really like. Ta Phin is a place where a picture could do no justice and words are difficult to articulate, but I will try my best.

The friendly people, Red Dao and Black H’mong, in their colourful dress that sometimes takes up to a year to make by hand; the rolling emerald and jade hills made up of rice patties that sparkle under the warm Asian sun; the sounds of motorbikes and laughing children so content with life’s simplicities - these are some of my first impressions.

There has been major progress in the little amount of time we have spent here. This afternoon a community meeting was held, where liaisons and agreements between authorities and locals were made in terms of design of the proposed community house and logistics in terms of managing it. We have made it through four lessons including street sellers, homestays, kids (which included a street clean) and finally an events lesson. The events lesson was specifically noteworthy to me personally, as the students prepared a party in honour of my 24^th birthday. With rice wine flowing, foods including local specialties like fresh buffalo and traditional song, the night was surely special but for much more than just this alone. The locals used the tools they gained through the learning materials to completely plan and execute the event themselves, true testament to the learning curve that is occurring.

So far the encounters here have created a deep and permanent change inside my heart. Seeing the children learn a new English word, or seeing the satisfaction on the faces of the Red Dao for the help that they so appreciate, these things money can’t buy. I had a one-on-one session with a woman named Ta May yesterday who has plans to create her own store. Together, we designed her sign and business cards.

As I write, a huge breakthrough with the street-sellers is taking place. We have brought tables to the tour bus parking lot, typically where the women strike and set up a “market.” They are learning to work together, merchandise, market and with the help of a few more English words like “handmade” we hope to see them sell more today than ever.

As much development has been made already, there is still a need for advancement in a number of areas. I hope to spread the word to as many as possible, in hopes of creating more support in the many forms it can take. I have three days left in the village, and I can tell you with certainty my work here is far from done._­