Join Us in Making a Difference for the Children and Mothers at Mai Tam House of Hope!
Dear Friends,
Are you ready to make a profound difference in the lives of vulnerable children and mothers?
We invite you to join Gebirah as we embark on a mission of compassion and solidarity to the Mai Tam House of Hope in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
Together, we will offer love, care, and support to children affected by HIV/AIDS and the courageous mothers who have endured so much.
About the Mission:
The Mai Tam House of Hope is more than just a shelter.
It is a sanctuary for children and mothers who have face the harshest realities of life—abandonment, stigma, discrimination and loss of dignity.
These women are often cast aside by their families, rejected in the workplace, and struggle with low self-esteem, depression, and poor health. Many of the children at Mai Tam contracted HIV from their mothers, who, in turn, were infected through their husbands or partners. It's a tragic cycle, one that these women and children bear with immense courage.
Mai Tam House is a beacon of love and support where they receive medication and healthcare, education, and emotional support to live healthier and more hopeful lives.
Founded by Fr. John Toai, this house is part orphanage, part sanctuary for mothers and their children, many of whom are battling the harsh realities of life with HIV.
Since its inception, Fr. John has worked tirelessly to care for those abandoned by society, offering them dignity, hope, and healing.
How We Will Serve?
At Mai Tam, the challenges extend far beyond illness. Families wrestle with behavioral issues, low levels of education, loneliness, and the struggle to simply survive. But despite the many obstacles, there is hope — and you can be a part of it.
As volunteers, we will work closely with the priests, religious sisters and staff to help care for the children and mothers. This includes assisting in daily activities, tutoring the children, and offering hands-on support for their healthcare needs. We will also have the chance to bring joy to the children through recreational activities, outings, and simply by spending time with them. The mission also gives us a unique opportunity to witness and learn from the immense faith and resilience of the people we serve.
We will support Mai Tam’s residents with donations of much-needed items, such as:
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Medicines
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Clothing (ages babies to teens, used or new): shoes, shirts, pants/shorts, diapers (small sizes)
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Food: sugar, oil, fresh milk (without sugar)
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Toiletries: toothbrushes, toothpaste, towels, shampoo, toilet paper
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School Supplies: pens, pencils, bags (for boys and girls)
These donations which we can raise through a collection drive in Singapore, make a direct impact on the lives of the children and women here, offering them a sense of normalcy in an otherwise difficult life.
The immediate, intermediate and longer term support for Mai Tam House includes the following:
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Menstrual Hygiene Education
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Sanitary Pad Production and other products
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Classroom and online education including moral education
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Telemedicine Services
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Self-sustainability
Based on the number of participants and what they can and would like to do, we will schedule activities to fit the resource and time that we have during this particular mission.
Mission Ends With Pilgrimage To Our Lady of Nui Cui
On the last day of the mission, we will head for Dong Nai Province to visit Our Lady of Nui Cui to give thanks, to pray for all in Mai Tam House and for our personal intentions. The site is a sanctuary where faith and nature converge, offering an unforgettable experience for both the soul and senses. This sacred site, perched atop a picturesque hill, invites all who visit to pause, reflect, and renew their spirit.
At the center of this serene pilgrimage site stands the awe-inspiring statue of Our Lady of Nui Cui, the tallest Virgin Mary statue in Vietnam. Towering at an impressive 50 meters, it is a profound testament to faith and devotion. Each element of the statue carries deep symbolic meaning, from the 17-meter base reflecting Mary's youth at the Annunciation, to the 33-meter body signifying Christ’s earthly life, and the total height commemorating 50 years of diocesan unity and growth.
Surrounded by the tranquil Tri An Lake and vibrant rubber forests, Our Lady of Nui Cui is a haven of natural beauty. The lake’s shimmering waters reflect the vast sky, while the verdant forests exude a sense of calm and rejuvenation. As you ascend the hill, every step brings breathtaking panoramic views, blending the grandeur of nature with the sacred artistry of the Virgin Mary’s statue.
For travelers in Ho Chi Minh City, this scenic and spiritual destination is an unmissable gem. Whether you’re a pilgrim on a faith journey or a seeker of beauty and tranquility, Our Lady of Nui Cui promises a deeply moving and restorative experience. From here, we will go home with our hearts uplifted and souls refreshed.
Facing HIV Without Fear
We understand that some may be hesitant to volunteer, fearful of contracting the disease. It’s important to remember that HIV cannot be transmitted through casual contact such as everyday contact with air, food, water, insects, animals, dishes, or toilet seats. It is spread through the exchange of certain bodily fluids, and by following basic precautions, the risk of transmission is almost non-existent.
(For more information, please visit:
https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/causes/index.html#:~:text=Most%20people%20get%20HIV%20through,to%20help%20prevent%20HIV%20transmission.
https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=hw191334&lang=en-ca)
A Mission Rooted in Faith
At the heart of this mission lies the teachings of the Church. The Catholic Church upholds the dignity of all human life, particularly the poor and vulnerable. In supporting those affected by HIV/AIDS, we are living out the Gospel call to "love thy neighbor" (Mark 12:31) and embrace those on the margins of society.
As Pope Francis has emphasized, we must be "a Church that goes forth" to accompany the suffering and offer hope where it is needed most.
By volunteering at the Mai Tam House of Hope, you not only help meet physical needs but restore dignity, offering companionship, love, and support to those who need it most.
It’s an opportunity to be a beacon of hope in the lives of people who are often overlooked and forgotten.
Let’s come together and make a lasting impact in their lives.
No specific qualifications are necessary—just bring your compassion, friendship, and willingness to help.
Join us now and help transform lives with compassion and service and experience the joy of giving back in a deeply meaningful way.
