In May 2026, Habitat Vietnam welcomed a volunteer team from Habitat for Humanity New Zealand to Da Nang (central Viet Nam) to join a Global Village build. What they experienced was more than a construction project – it was a week of shared effort, open hearts, and connections that crossed cultures and borders.
Volunteer team welcomed by Ms. Sen and local representatives
At the center of this journey was partnership. Volunteers, Habitat staff, local community members, and Ms. Hồ Thị Sen – the future homeowner and single mother of three, worked side by side – building not only a house, but a safe space for Sen and her children to grow with trust, dignity, and hope.
 Ms. Sen laid the bricks of her future home with the help of international volunteers. |
 Volunteers from Habitat New Zealand actively contributed during build session. |
 Global Village Build in progress. |
 Mr. Rob neatly lined the bricks using his experience from previous Global Village builds. |
During the 5-day build, our volunteers enthusiastically worked alongside Ms. Sen – carrying materials, supporting tasks, and helping build her future home. Shared lunches at the site became moments of warm cultural exchange, where stories were shared and differences quietly disappeared. The build reflected Habitat’s belief that homes are built with families, not for them.
A Social Learning Exchange Activity (SLEA) was also incorporated into the 5-day schedule, offering both international volunteers and local community members an open space for exchanging practical knowledge and practices for water storage and sanitation during floods and storms.
“I find this activity very practical and beneficial for both myself and the community. It is a valuable opportunity to learn and share experiences on how to store and treat water in disaster conditions.”- Mrs. Hồ Thị Siêng, the hosting family, shared.
 International volunteers joined SLEA activity over lunch break. |
 Ms. Sen explained local practices to store water in extreme weather events. |
As the build week drew to a close, the house stood strong – but the most lasting impact lived in shared laughter, learning, and hands working together. Reminiscing these memories, Ms. Carina, the volunteer team leader, shared a poem that captured the essence of the journey – its challenges, its joy, and the bonds formed through shared effort.
A Brick, a Bond, a Memory Made
Written by Carina Dickson
Kim, our brick‑laying queen, steady and strong,
Chris mixed the mortar all day long.
Cameron screened sand, pile after pile,
With grit and patience and a dusty smile.
Rob brought precision, detail, and care,
A solutions man for problems anywhere.
Mr Nam stayed cool, calm, on track all the way,
Guiding the rhythm of each long day.
Jake, our Kaumatua, wise and true,
Showed us young ones what his hands can do.
Philippa powered on, a tireless force,
Shifting bricks, sand and dirt, then shifting some more.
Carina wilted a bit in the unforgiving heat,
But stayed upbeat, determined, and never hit retreat.
A week spent building a home with care,
For Sen and her children — a future to share.
Vietnam embraced us, vibrant and alive,
A trip of a lifetime none of us will outdrive.
A wonderful team, new friendships formed,
Through baking days and nights made warm.
We survived the heat, the roads, the strain,
And laughed together through sweat and pain.
We tried snails and frogs, sang karaoke loud,
Gate‑crashed a wedding, joined the crowd.
Bricks may crumble, mortar may fade,
But the memories we built will always stay made.
✨ You can be part of this journey.
Join hands with Habitat Viet Nam as a volunteer, supporter, or advocate.
Together, we build a better future.
