I worked with Rock, Paper, Scissors this past summer in Vietnam. It was an unforgettable journey to be able to take photographs for this organization and work with Sara (founder) and her incredibly talented team of teachers, volunteers, and students. RPS helps underprivileged children to lift them up through art education, bike givings, and music lessons. They make a life changing impact on these young, talented youth in rural Vietnam. I'm so grateful that I got to be a part of this organization. Thank you!
I am delighted to have the opportunity to participate in this non-profit organization. I saw many poor children in Son Tan being helped by many generous people. Even though they faced difficulties and challenges, they were always together and smiling. I hope one day this organization will be known by many people and can help more poor children.
It's been almost a year since I joined the Rock -Paper-Scissors Children's Foundation organization. Those were memorable and meaningful experiences when watching Son Tan children play and receive gifts with such boundless joy, it was truly heartwarming. I am extremely grateful to the organization for giving me the opportunity to help these children and learn invaluable lessons about life.
I'm so happy when I play with children, I really feel nice and enjoy that moment. I thank the organization for giving me the chance to connect with the children
I have been volunteering at the Rock-Paper-Scissors Fund for Children. Since I have been volunteering, I have had many experiences with the children at Son Tan along with the sisters who teach drawing and reading. Meeting the children has really changed me a lot, as I know how to listen to people and be more open, especially I have learned a lot from them. thank for all
I'm so happy when I play with children, I really feel nice and enjoy that moment. I thank the organization for giving me the chance to connect with the children
The Rock-Paper-Scissors Children’s Fund is an inspiring organization doing incredible work with underprivileged students, providing a safe environment to express themselves creatively and form lasting friendships. I’m particularly moved by their dedication to fostering a sense of community and support among the children they serve. I'm especially inspired by the Bikes for Girls program to be amazing by providing girls with transportation to continue their education. I’m deeply inspired by their mission and hope to visit Vietnam in the future to participate in this meaningful work.
Hello, I'm Trang. I'm an art teacher at RPS. I've been with the kids for 3 years. Being in contact with the kids every day really gives me positive energy. Thank you so much RPS for bringing joy and knowledge to the kids.
We joined the summer intership at RPS. That was a valuable experience for us to meet lovely people and lovely kids here. The children are very friendly and talented. And we were greatfully received a lot of support by the RPS teachers. Thanks for all.
I've been joining the Rock-Paper-Scissors Children’s Fund for almost a year. Since I've been a volunteer, I've had a lot of memorable experiences with kids in Son Tan, and other volunteers. I realized that meeting the kids made me feel more meaningful, opened my heart to others, and more appreciate what I had. I love the children's smiles and twinkling eyes in Son Tan so much. Thank you for allowing me to reach out to lovely children and wonderful teachers, I've learned so much from them. I’m really happy to be a part of the Rock-Paper-Scissors Children's Fund
I am Tien Anh. My youth was brilliant when I was with everyone in Rock-Paper- Scissors Children's Fund. I have learned a lot from everyone about love, sharing between people,... every trip with the organization I feel very comfortable, the joy and harmony of everyone, More specifically, helping the country's "future preschool" children in some way, although not big, is my sincere feeling for them. And I hope that Rock-Paper-Scissors Children's Fund will grow stronger and stronger.
It's been more than a year since I first joined the Rock-Paper-Scissors Children's Fund organization. This place is like my second home. Every weekend, I come to visit the children. The students are still the same, with bright eyes and carefree smiles always waiting for us to come and have fun lessons. Every trip is a lesson, I get to study together, play together, talk together and experience their mischievous antics. It was one of the memorable moments of my life. I hope I will be able to help the children a lot and the Rock-Paper-Scissors Children's Fund organization will grow stronger.
Youthful journeys are never limited, and that includes the trip that makes me feel like I've opened up my heart the most. At the end of the summer of that year, I learned about the children in the mountainous area through the story of a sister who was volunteering there. Because I wanted to help the children, I texted her and asked her to participate and learn about the activities. volunteering to teach drawing and reading books at the Rock - Paper - Scissors Children's Fund organization. Gradually, as I learned more about the organization, I saw that the organization created very good conditions for children to have access to the art of playing music and painting, and I understood that it cost a lot of money to maintain. until now and in the future. In addition, the organization and the children have brought more joy to my life, helping me understand my own reality. Not only that, the organization and the children are also a medicine to heal my soul. ! For some reason, the pressure gradually disappeared when I saw the children smiling, and being helped with care, enjoying life and being less tired. Sometimes looking at happy children or looking at their photos, the images of the organization helping them naturally makes them feel a lot happier!! The last thing I want to say is "love the Rock - Paper - Scissors Children's Fund forever !! " .
The luckiest and happiest thing for me is to become a volunteer for the charity organization Rock Paper Scissons Children's Full. The organization has given me wonderful experiences when meeting children in the mountainous area and working with them. playing games, singing and dancing together, learning to draw and especially reading books to the children. I see the joy of the children when receiving gifts, they are truly lovely children, I happy about that. Meaningful volunteer trips have helped me feel the value of life, help me have more positive energy, listen, share and connect with lovely children.Thank you to the organization for your meaningful work, I am very proud of that.
I have known about the Rock-Paper-Scissors organization since I was in 6th grade. Rock-Paper-Scissors has donated hundreds of bicycles so children can have transportation to school. And I am lucky to be one of them. The organization's work is extremely practical and meaningful. I feel very grateful for that. At that time, I really wanted to participate in the organization's activities and now I can do it thanks to Ms. Trang. I get to go to new places, support children in remote areas who lack many things. The organisation’s mission is to bring the besteducation and support to disadvantaged children. Helping them become more confident, teaching them to share, helping and encouraging them to strive to overcome destiny. Through participating in volunteer activities and interacting with cute children and those with artistic talent, I feel very happy. At the same time, I understand and sympathize with the children's needy situation. Finally, I would like to thank the organization for their meaningful work, bringing joy and knowledge to the children. I hope the organization will grow stronger to be able to help more children.
I am very lucky to have the opportunity to volunteer for the Rock Paper Scissors Children's Foundation organization. The special thing is that I had the opportunity to help children in remote mountain areas by teaching them how to draw and reading books to them. Furthermore, helping children draw their life's dreams with each successive stroke and receiving more knowledge with each page of the book and all of that has brought me indescribable joy. Seeing the children happy and smiling, I also feel full of joy and happiness.
I want to express my deep gratitude to the Rock Paper Scissors Children's Fund organization for the profound meaning that the organization brings, I had the opportunity to connect with the children and better understand the difficult situations they are going through. That has helped me appreciate and love my current life because I am so full and there are so many people out there who are still struggling.
I hope I will have the opportunity to continue bringing joy and help to children in the future.
Having experienced each of these precious moments, I realized that human love and sharing can change the lives of each of us, and I will always care about these beautiful memories.
Hello everyone, my name is Bao Tran. Now I would like to say a few things about the charity organization that I am participating in. I have joined the organization since around October 2022. When I first met the children, I was a little shy and a little worried because I didn't know if the children liked me or not and I also didn't know if I could do the assigned tasks well. After a period of time interacting with the children, I no longer feel that way. Instead, I look forward to meeting the children, am happy to see them, and even happier when they remember my name. I am very honored to participate in this charity organization because I can help children who cannot have a full life like me. Help me realize that there are many people out there who cannot live in warm blankets and soft mattresses, giving me the motivation to try every day so that I can help more people in the future.
I have joined the organization since 2022, I am very grateful for the meaningful work I have done with the organization. When I help children draw and read books, I feel very happy and joyful. The children are also very lovely and they always feel grateful for the things the organization has given them. And especially, they always remember my name correctly. Thanks Rock- Paper- Scissors Children’s Fund for giving me the opportunity to help children.
I was a volunteer in 11 month. I very happy when help the kid. And I so funny because I can work with teacher Trang and I can develop my social skills. Last year and this year i was came to the camp. I was play with the kids and have wonderful moments.
A great example of what a small, dedicated, passionate team can accomplish, Rock-Paper-Scissors Children's Fund is making a huge difference in disadvantaged communities in Vietnam. It has been a privilege to watch this organization grow through the years. This isn't an in-and-out charity, this has been a lasting commitment to children and their communities starting from the founder, Sara, to the small staff in Vietnam, and dozens of volunteers and mentors who have touched and changed lives.
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I have had the privilege of watching this organization grow from the very beginning, and one thing has remained consistent, the level of drive and empathy from the many people involved in its operation. From the founder, Sara Nerone, to Giao, the leader of staff in Viet Nam, the many teachers, and many more volunteers there is a compassionate determination to reach as many children as possible with the limited resources available to a small nonprofit organization. I've watched shy young students grow into confident, capable and empathetic young adults, becoming leaders, teachers, and mentors themselves. I've felt incredibly lucky to have been able to support this organization over the years and to witness the positive impact its had on so many lives.
I met Sara and her late husband Chris more than 30 years ago and have been admiring this exceptional woman through the adoption of their daughters, the death of her husband and the creation of Rock-Paper-Scissors. Starting from a simple idea, providing bikes for girls in rural Viet-Nam, Sara, with and for Sophie and Phoebe, has come a long way to help Vietnamese girls and their community. Selfless generosity, down-to-earth competence and hard work are the basis for this non-profit which has been quietly blooming over the past 10 years. I like its low-key solid quality: these are people you can count on, who won’t let you down and will keep fighting for the good cause. The results are spectacular, and have been for so many children. Here’s hoping that RPS will be given the means to continue on this path.
Amazing organization offering opportunities to young people! RPG changes lives thorough their programming in Vietnam and in the lives of their dedicated volunteers!
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Applause and more to Rock-Paper-Scissors for all they do for Vietnamese children. It started out as a simple idea about bicycles and has blossomed — through dedication and devotion — into a true, not-for- profit champion. A little goes a very long way here. Kudos to Sara and her gang. May they keep going for a thousand years.
This summer I had the pleasure and opportunity to work with the Rock Paper Scissors Children's Fund. After having spent two weeks with the project I can confidently say that this is a one that truly makes a difference. The staff have a true dedication to the children and genuinely care about their future. During my time with the foundation I saw the care and effort that is put into the programs from an organizational point of view and the joy that is produced within the children as a result. The RPS children's fund plays an all important role in breaking existing negative cycles which severely impact children's self esteem. Sara, the leader of the project is an incredible and loving individual who really cares about making a positive impact on the children's lives.
A great organization and a life changing experience!
This nonprofit is one of the best out here. I know the family and they really get involved in helping the children.
An incredible example of what can be done to help children expand their horizons. Applause for Rock-Paper-Scissors and all the hard work it has taken over the years!
Here they are physically and mentally deprived. The program brought children closer to the art of drawing. help them get feelings and love. Love it
When I volunteered in Vietnam, I got to meet students that had goals to stay in school but did not have the resources to continue their education. The girls I worked with were at severe financial and political disadvantages, making it incredibly difficult for these goals to be in their reach on their own. RPS provides programs for these girls to nourish these aspirations by getting creative with art and music classes, getting educated through RPS tutoring programs, or even just being able to have fun through the camps dedicated for ethnic minority students. A wonderful organization that continues to do wonderful things!
I’m a Vietnamese person. This orgnization has meaningful activities to help Vietnamese girls to get education. That’s great for Vietnam. Thanks to Rock Paper Scissors Children’s fund so much!
I just can't bel;ive the work these guys do in getting a simple thing like bicycles to kids who need to get to school or where ever. They do ROCK!
I know how dedicated Sara and her two Vietnamese American daughters are in making Rock -Paper-Scissors Childrens Fund an amazing non profit!
I endorse them without hesitation!
As a cyclist, I love to support organizations that give bikes to girls. Whenever I get the updates on the giving days, you can tell the organization really cares about the kids and their families.
Rock-Paper-Scissors Children’s Fund has been working to help the disadvantaged children in my hometown, Cam Lam town, Khanh Hoa province, Vietnam, especially the kids from the ethnic minority groups. They have been working to provide opportunities for children through art, music, bikes, camps and tutoring program. Throughout the 10 years of implementation of the programs, it has been helping thousands of poor kids in the poor neighborhood. Lots of girls have had the opportunity to go to school, thouSands of kids have a bike to ride to school. Thank you so much!!!
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"A small thing brings about a big change" is what I can think of whenever I come to bike giving or an art or music class conducted by Rock-Paper-Scissors Children's Fund. Since working for RPS, I gradually realise that sometimes charity is nothing huge like giving millions of dollar to someone. It is to give them an opportunity to feel confident like the way they can play the violin in public or draw a nice painting by themselves or own a pink bike. To me, I have been accompanying with RPS since 2012 and to be able see the kids from art and music programs grow not just physically but spiritually has been amazing. They were little boys and girls of 11 years old since participation in the programs until they are college students now and still playing the violin with the group whenever they come back home on weekends. And the favorite part of mine would be to see girls overjoyed at the bike givings. Some girls told me that they couldn't even sleep the night before the bike giving day because they were too excited to wait until they got the new bike. To most of Vietnamese people who come from poor villages like where we came to give bikes, a small bike is a big dream. And that big dream has been made real by generous donors. To think of the connection between donors from far apart of Vietnam and the beneficiaries though never meeting with each other leaves me a feeling of relief, believing that there is still love in this hard life. And I would also like to thank you those who work to make every single dream of kids come true.
Our daughter was fortunate enough to be able to volunteer in Vietnam with Rock Paper Scissors for two summers. This organization makes a great impact on the lives of the families that it serves. They are providing education and nutrition and art and music and joy, and bicycles!, to a forgotten and mistreated population.
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My high school daughter volunteered for this organization during the summer of 2017. It provided, what I can honestly say, was the most fulfilling experience of her life. Rock-Paper-Scissors provides meaningful education and support to a population of children that is in need. I truly commend their work and look forward to continuing to support their operations.
Rock-Paper-Scissors has a heart of gold and has worked tirelessly, and successfully, for years giving children in Vietnam opportunities they would otherwise not get. Sara, Phoebe and Sophie are all incredible!!!
There’s a lot going on in the world that’s for sure. Meanwhile, there are little girls in Vietnam who are excited and passionate about learning. Theirs are the simplest and purest of desires. They love to go to school & have big dreams for their futures. My daughter is from Vietnam and now lives In the US where an education is a right, not a privilege. If you have a little extra please consider supporting this amazing organization & help a girl receive a bike ride to her destiny!
It has been a privilege seeing Rock-Paper-Scissors expand over the years. It's my favorite local charity. Not only is it an amazing cause, it is also very transparent and the staff are extremely dedicated to the organization.
Sara, Sophie and Phoebe, the co-founders of Rock-Paper-Scissors are my neighbors and I’ve known them since the start of their organization. Every summer they take volunteers to Vietnam with them to run their programs and from what I understand have an amazing staff in Vietnam who manage their programs year-round. Their Bikes for Girls program gives bicycles to girls who need them to ride to school in rural areas of Vietnam.
Rock-Paper-Scissors provides opportunities for children that build creativity, confidence, and community, inspiring and enabling them to reach new goals for their future.
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I am very pleased to support Rock-Paper-Scissors Children’s Fund as a truly commendable nonprofit organization. I, and my 17-year-old son, born in Vietnam, had the opportunity to volunteer with Sara Nerone and her family in Vietnam in 2014 and again in 2016. We were able to experience first-hand the incredible work that R-P-S does for the children it serves. The ongoing music and art programs for children provide opportunities for them to learn and express themselves in ways typically unknown in their everyday environments. The programs provide not only opportunities to develop their talents, but also to build camaraderie and long-term deep relationships with their fellow artists. The bicycles that are provided for girls allow them to go to school when they might not otherwise have the opportunity that most of us take for granted. Even the youngest girls in Vietnam are often tasked with taking care of younger siblings and helping at home as a priority over the learning that they yearn to experience. With bicycles, they can get to and from school faster, allowing them to fulfill their family responsibilities and study too. The summer camps put on by R-P-S in minority villages provide a lovely retreat for children of all ages – with games, music, art, and healthy snacks, the kids engage in special times that would otherwise not be possible. The team in Vietnam is extremely capable and dedicated, warm and genuine, connecting with the children they serve and with the volunteers in very special ways. Sara does an incredible job of keeping the organization running smoothly in Vietnam in addition to managing her very full life at home in the US. I am proud to support R-P-S’s valuable and successful programs.
I’ve had the opportunity to volunteer with Rock Paper Scissors twice now. I love this nonprofit for the focus on music and arts with the kids. The volunteers also help out at the bike givings at the girls schools and even repair the bikes that the community has. Bikes help the girls to get to school safely and their families use them as well.
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Sarah and her daughters have created such an amazing organization for the Vietnamese children, and their families. I had the privilege of joining their team this past summer to travel to Vietnam and help the kids in an area just south of Nha Trang. During the 5 weeks we spent there, we were able to give away almost 100 bikes to school girls for them to use on their commute (which can be upwards of 2 hours on foot just to get to school) and for their families to use for errands; teach daily afternoon art and music classes; provide bike repairs for the earlier donated and community bikes; and put on an art and music camp for a minority group. As well as the chance to be creative, they are also offered a chance to continue their education into high school and beyond, as donors can sponsor a child to attend school for a better future. Every kid in this program is so deserving of the opportunities this organization provides. I have learned a great deal on this trip and all I can hope is the work we are doing is changing these families’ lives for the better. I think of these kids every day and am looking forward to the day I can see their bright smiles again.
I traveled to Vietnam and worked closely with Sara and all the other people involved with RPS! Every single person is so kind hearted, and purposeful with every program and event they plan. Looking forward to being a part of this non-profit for a long time :)
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I volunteered with Rock-Paper-Scissors this summer and as the weeks progressed, it became incredibly apparent how wonderful the organization was. The kids involved receive much more than the material things provided, they also get a chance to express themselves creatively and get a new sense of self. After speaking with children attending the bike repairs/givings and the kids in the art and music classes, it was highlighted how much of a difference the work RPS makes in their lives. I had an amazing time, and am forever changed by the experience.
As one of the founders of Rock-Paper-Scissors Children's Fund, and a volunteer, we have spent the year raising money and supporting the kids in Vietnam in our arts programs and our programs supporting girls. It has been unfortunate that we had to cancel our summer trip to Vietnam this summer because of Covd19. Although I didn't go to Vietnam over the summer, our staff continued to work hard and help us to start a new summer, tutoring program for girls.
I want to thank all of our donors who have supported all of our programs over the last eight years. It is so wonderful to see all of our students there grow and become successful students and young adults.
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Hi-My mom, sister and I started this non-profit almost four years ago! I feel like we've done so much since we started. In the summers we bring volunteers to help us run our music and art classes and to hold out summer camps in the ethnic minority villages. This year we had 500 kids come to our camps. It was a lot of fun and the kids really liked it. I have experienced seeing a lot of poverty in Vietnam, especially in the villages that we work in. Families have very little to eat and live on, and their homes have no furniture, it's very sad to see. Since I have been going to Vietnam with my family, I have learned a lot about how people can suffer in other countries. I am glad that we are able to help kids through Rock-Paper-Scissors!
I have been a volunteer with Rock-Paper-Scissors Children's Fund for the past 5 years. I have been on 4 summer trips to Vietnam, volunteering in their summer camps in ethnic minority villages, and in music and art programs, and in bike repair clinics.
Usually, we have all of the Vietnamese music students and teachers join with the RPS volunteers join together to play in an orchestra, which is a very special summer event. This year, because of the pandemic, we weren't able to go, but still wanted to get everyone together to play in an orchestra. So we created a virtual orchestra, and played the song that became popular for helping to fight the spread of the coronavirus in Vietnam. Each student, teacher and volunteer practiced their own part, and made a video individually, and we then combined them into our online virtual orchestra. It was a fun way to stay in touch with the kids in Vietnam, and also to see how well they are playing!
I became acquainted with this amazing organization about 5 years ago through a friend who has been volunteering with them from its beginning. I have heard many stories of the group's experiences providing young Vietnamese girls without means with bicycles as well as teaching them how to care for them. This helps make transportation to school possible and safe. The volunteers teach the girls in a range of subjects from reading, art, music, in short helping to enrich their lives. I have since gotten to know the family of it's founder, Sara Narone, and been able to witness their devotion in helping these young girls become confident, positive individuals with a more promising future. I highly recommend this nonprofit!
My family and I have been volunteering in Vietnam for almost 10 years, a majority of the time being through our nonprofit. As one of the co-founders, I have watched this organization grow from myself teaching violin to a few interested students to the development of two music programs as well as art programs, summer camps, bike donations and repairs, and now tutoring. With the support of donors, volunteers, and our amazing staff, Rock-Paper-Scissors has been able to grow each year, addressing new ways to support the students in their programs succeed both academically and individually.
This organization means so much to so many. I myself have been lucky enough to be apart of this non-profit since the beginning and have been able to watch it grow into a beautiful community. Between going on one of the first volunteer summer trips, to working behind the scenes on personal thank you notes and data management, to name a few. But during these years I've learned that it's not just a children's fund, it is a family. From the Founders to the staff in Vietnam, each one cares about these children like they are apart of their family. They know their stories, their siblings, parents and their struggles. I've not only watched so many children grow since the start but I have seen them shine, and be the best that they can be. Sometimes it's as simple as a bicycle, other times its just the opportunity to do art in a supportive community, either way Rock-Paper-Scissors Children's Fund has changed the lives of so many kids and I'm so proud to be apart of it.
Knowing the family that started this wonderful organization, gives belief to the love and hard work that has gone into making this a reality - every year growing and giving to more children. My daughter and I were fortunate to be volunteers for a short time and could see first hand how the local leaders were sharing their knowledge of music, arts, crafts, language and reading. The bicycles are an added plus, enabling more girls to arrive at school safely. All of this, I believe, leads to the children's, & especially the girls, self confidence, hoping some day there will be gender equality for all.
Wow what a fantastic experience this was for me! I was fortunate enough to spend a month volunteering for the Rock Paper Scissors Children Fund. During this month I was able to make meaningful and lasting connections with both volunteers and local students. I was able to hone my leadership skills as well as creativity in leading art projects. I really felt that we were making a difference in giving these kids a hope for a brighter future yet at the same time learning about their present lives, and enjoying it with them!
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This has been the best possible first experience volunteering for a nonprofit organization. Being here in Vietnam I've seen fist hand the positive impact of the music and art programs on each individual child. It has been so eye opening for me to see how the kids grow everyday into more creative, fulfilled, inspired, and driven people. It has also been amazing to see many of the kids in the programs take on new roles, and grow into leaders, and role models for the younger students.
I’ve been following and donating to Rock-Paper-Scissors Children’s Fund for some time now and I’m so impressed with their mission and success! The girls look so happy with their bikes!
This is my family's non-profit, we are all volunteers and so we thank everyone who has donated to us and helped us to have our dream of supporting the children of Vietnam, come true!
I have been part of Rock Paper Scissors Children's Fund for over years and I has always been a joyful ride for me. Working with the kids in the art program and witnessing the transformation of thinking and personal growth that they have gone through I feel proud making some contribution to that.
All of this is thanks to the endless inspiration from Pat, Sara and her two daughters. They set perfect example for charity work and the the inspiration they radiate has not only reached us as RPS team members, , the volunteers, but also to the kids.
I first knew about RPS through my teacher when she was looking for Vietnamese volunteers working as translators and staff for this organization. It was one of the best experiences of my life. I have participated in most of its programs such as Bikes for girls, Music Classes, Art Classes, Summer Art and Music Camps and Phoebe's Glasses. The contribution of this organization is really incredible. They help a lot of children get closer to their bright future although the way in front of them will be so arduous and full of challenges. Moreover, I had a chance to work with many amazing friends. They not only bring me friendliness and positivity, but they also help me open the horizons of knowledge about arts, cultures as well as their real life experience. Thanks to Christine for sharing your insights on mural and your artwork are so fantastic.Tom, your bachata dance is really awesome as you are. Kate, Laurie, I really miss our conversations, as if we never get tired of sharing to each other. Thank the organization Rock Paper Scissors Children's Fund for giving me such unforgettable trip that will go back years in my mind. Thank you, Sara, for all the wonderful things you have done to Vietnamese children. Thank you to all of the organization's volunteers and enthusiastic staff, nothing could be accomplished without you guys. And I just wanna say that I'm always pround of being a part of RPS.
What Rock-Paper-Scissors Children's Fund brings to Vietnamese girls is very meaningful.I'm very happy and proud to be a part of this nonprofit.Happiness and emotion in the little girls' eyes when getting a bike means to me a lot.I think it's not "a bike"-it's an opportunity and a motivation that make the small dreams of the poor girl kids in Vietnam fly so highly.Also,Rock-Paper-Scissors Children's Fund brings many chances for the poor kids in Sơn Tân and Cam Đức-Vietnam to go to school and motivates their creativity in art and music.
I believe that bringing happiness to others makes us the happiest people,and Rock-Paper-Sciccors Children's Fund have got it.Thank this nonprofit for being here with the poor kids in Vietnam,especially in Son Tan and CamDuc.❤️❤️
Excellent!
They help kids get more fun, more creative... by music and art.
Beside that, bikes giving is amazing work. 0ne more bike, one more opportunity for poor girl to go to school and get better education.
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3S Rock - Paper - Scissors (RPS) brings to poor children in Vietnam!
(Please forgive my bad English!)
1. SMILE!
RPS makes children fun with many games. I think it's helpful because those are cornerstones to build a positive attitude for poor children who usually have inferiority about their circumstance!
2. SMART!
Art and music make people smarter and those are things RPS teach their children!
3. SPEAKING ENGLISH!
In Vietnam, learning English focus on grammar too much so children's speaking skill is bad and when RPS come, children have opportunities to practice and improve their speaking skill.
Those are what I saw when I joined in RPS's summer trip!
Thanks Mrs. Sara and RPS family! Hope to see you next year!
P.S: I decided to become a member of RPS family! :)
I volunteered with Rock-Paper-Scissors Children's Fund during highschool. It was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. The work done by this organization is making a visible impact on the lives of the children they help. Bikes for Girls is what many people know them for, but the art and music programs are just as important and effective. Real change and happiness are brought into the lives of Rock-Paper-Scissor children.
I have joined summer camp 2019 at Son Tam village, Viet Nam with Rock-Paper-Scissors Children's Fund and that is a wonderful camp. The children have games about art such as draw, sing, dance and about health like run, move the ball, etc. They learned how to connect with the other person, more clever and confident. They were happy and we, too. It's my pleasure when I can bring the knowledge, fun to kids of Son Tan village with this great fund.
A year and a half ago Rock-Paper-Scissors Children's Fund started a new program called the Bike Repairs. The program is to fix bikes for poor kids in Khanh Hoa province Vietnam so that the kids will be able to feel happy and feel more encouraged to continue school. I have been working in that program since the start and have seen that this has been such an wonderful program.
As you may have known, a lot of poor families in Khanh Hoa province in Vietnam are living so far from schools and from downtown. To afford a bike for their kids to go to school is such a difficult job, so having the bike fixed when it is broken even brings the family more burden. This results in the kids usually quit school when their bike got broken. The Bike Repairs has found kids having that situation and helped fix their broken bikes. Hundreds of kids have had new tires, new chains, new peddles, new brakes, new baskets, new bells, etc. on their bikes. It was such an amazing experience that after every Bike Repairs we could hear the kids screaming in joy when they get their bikes back fixed and hear the ding sounds from the new bells on their way back home.
The Bike Repairs program also gives poor kids the feeling that there are always people out there who care about them. There are many of the cases where the kids had to walk 3 or 4 kilometers to school because their bikes got broken. They usually came to school feeling tired with sweaty faces and wet clothes. This ended up with the kids soon lose hope and motivation to continue school. But now, the Bike Repairs has helped with that. No more kids walking to school, and no more kids feeling down. A fixed bike is the resolution. Many questions were asked by the kids after each Bike Repairs. But the two common questions are "Who and where are the people paying to fix our bikes?", "Why do they care about us?". And the answer is always "They are very nice people around the world. They care about you because they love you. They want to see you succeed in life. And they want you to live in a better world".
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As far as I know, RPSCF is an amazing nonprofit organization. It was founded in 2012 by Sara Narone, a wonderful and kind-hearted woman. RPSCR’s mission is to bring art, music and education to poor children and minority children in Vietnam. RPSCF open art and music classes for children with difficult family situations in my local area. The children have opportunities to learn to play violin and to perform their talent on the paintings. I could see how much the children enjoy what they are doing. Besides, I spent 3 weeks volunteering with RPSCF last summer and had the experience that I had never had before joining volunteer activities which were aimed at bringing educational supports and fun to minority children in Son Tan and Cam An town. RPSCF gave bikes to the children here so that they could ride to school. In fact, most of the minority children here have to go to school on foot. It usually takes them around half an hour or more to get to school. Their parents can hardly afford a bike for them. That’s why most of them quit school right after finishing their primary school. RPS hopes that each of the bikes given will give them motivation for continuing their school. RPS also set up the camps in which minority children could watch young American artists playing violin, participate in painting activities and have fun with American and Vietnamese volunteers. It was so great to see how talented the kids could be through their paintings. RPSCF helped bring us American people and Vietnamese people closer to each other, and together we bring joys to minority children of ethnic groups. RPSCF has made a very good impression on Vietnamese people and government. I hope that RPSCF will continue its mission and become a supporter of the poor and minority children in Vietnam.
I became aware of this organization when my daughter was looking for a high school senior project topic. She came upon this organization and hosted a fundraiser. Through this process we met with Sara and her family and learned a great deal about Rock-Paper Scissors. Not only did we develop a passion for this cause, but so did our family, friends and community. Sara invited my daughter to accompany her to Vietnam and experience first hand the generosity of this organization. She also and more importantly was able to see a culture so different from her own that desperately needs our support. Thank you Sara for providing this opportunity.
This past summer (2018), my teenage daughter traveled to Vietnam to volunteer with Rock-Paper-Scissors, she had a life changing experience. She is more compassionate and aware of other people's circumstances. She has heart for giving and helping others. I've known Sara and her daughters for many years I have great respect for them and Rock-Paper-Scissors Children's Fund and the work they are doing to supports the kids in Vietnam.
i am amazed at the work that Rock, Paper, Scissors accomplishes in Vietnam. i am a donor and my daughter travelled with RPS as an artist to lead art classes. I saw many photos of her experience and saw that even the youngest children were able to create incredible works of art. the genuine smiles on the children's faces when they made something special...priceless! Although my daughter volunteered in the art program, the music program is amazing as well. I watch every video that is shared to keep donors informed.
Above all, the Bikes for Girls program is my favorite part of RPS's work. I can only imagine that having a bike supports furthering girls education, helps with her family obligations, improves her safety and boosts her self esteem. RPS gives selected girls a bike and a whole new world opens before them. I know RPS wishes they could provide a bike for every needy girl.
i feel well informed on where my donations are used and I like what I see so that is why Rock, Paper, Scissors Children's Fund is a great non-profit
What a great organization that gives young girls in Vietnam better educational opportunities by donating bikes to them, giving them the chance to more easily get to school which can be miles away. Their other programs give these children hope and chances at fun that they otherwise would never have. My daughter participated as a volunteer and it changed her life.
Thank you to everyone who has written Rock-Paper-Scissors Children's Fund a review! Our organization has been built on love and friendship from so many, and of course from those who have the desire to making the committment to changing the world for all kids.
I have been very impressed with this small but powerful non profit supporting art and music education for children who would otherwise have no chance of it. My daughter and I traveled to Vietnam in the summer of 2018 to volunteer with Rock-Paper-Scissors Children's Fund and we found it to be a most rewarding experience. The Vietnamese children are truly enriched by the classes, camp, fun, and nutrition they get. And the volunteers are equally enriched by the interactions. The program of giving bicycles to girls to enable them to get an education is so valuable and makes a real difference for each girl and her whole family. I highly recommend supporting Rock-Paper-Scissors Children's Fund!
This is my most favorite charitable organazation for 3 years now. Working as a volunteer, i could improve more basic skills and think criticial as well. So i rated 5
My granddaughter was lucky enough to join those who went to Viet Nam with Rock, Paper Scissors this past summer. She had a wonderful experience and was very excited about the wonderful things this charity accomplished! The program was well organized and very effective... I feel that any help this group can get would be, not only greatly appreciated, but used for nothing but good!
What a great organization! My daughter volunteered for Rock Paper Scissors last summer and had an amazing experience. This group gets down to the nitty gritty by helping fund and facilitate education in some of the poorest areas of Vietnam. RPS addressees some of the most basic issues like how are the girls going to get to school (bike donations) to how are they going to pay Tuition. My daughters time in Vietnam broadened her concept of social responsibility. It changed her whole outlook.
I have yet to join the volunteers for a summer in Vietnam, but I see pictures when they return every year. The look on every child's face says it all. It is evident that the volunteers bring so much joy and hope to these underprivileged kids. I have known Sara, Sophie, and Phoebe for at least 15 years and know that they put their heart and soul into putting a smile on those kids faces. They have inspired me to visit Vietnam and do the same one day. ❤️
Hi Everyone! I'm one of the founders of Rock-Paper-Scissors and I wanted to share a quick, fun video with you of one of our summer camps in Vietnam with some volunteers helping us out! Enjoy this fun little clip!
Rock-Paper-Scissors
My wife has been volunteering with Rock Paper Scissors in Vietnam for the past three summers, and even though I have not been able to join them there, I do all I can to support this wonderful non-profit from home. The organization helps hundreds of kids in Vietnam with bikes and financial support for their education and enriches their lives through summer camps and after school music and art lessons. These things are not otherwise available to poor kids in Vietnam.
The volunteers who travel with my wife in the summer are also positively changed by the experience. They are high school or college students from the U.S. who spend the summer in Vietnam working with some very poor kids, and they learn so much about helping people and also about a completely different culture. This experience will affect what they choose to do with their own lives in the future.
For such a small non-profit, Rock Paper Scissors makes a big difference to people on opposite sides of the world, so I would urge everyone to support them.
As the mother of a volunteer I have heard a great deal about the wonderful work that is being done by "Rock Paper Scissors". I have been following some of the activities in which the children enthusiastically participate and benefit from. The many photographs I have seen reflecting various aspects of their lives emphasize the work that is being done on their behalf. In particular I applaud the program to donate bicycles to girls to facilitate their ability to travel to school.
This summer was my first time volunteering with Rocks Paper Scissors Children's Fund and the experience has surpassed my expectations! Working hands on, face to face with the locals is extremely gratifying. Some of the things I enjoyed doing most was giving reading glasses to women, bikes to school-age girls and teaching yoga to ethnic minority (Raglai) children. It was beautiful to see the children so proud of their artwork during summer camp in Raglai village. Rocks Paper Scissors gives these underprivileged children the tools and confidence to stay in school, explore their creativity and have fun just being a kid.
I found out about this program through my school and from knowing Sara, Sophie, and Pheobe since I was very young. They are a truly compassionate and inspiring family, who have created this beautiful community. I am an art teacher with this program, although every volunteer contributes to everything we do here, in Vietnam, including bike givings and bike repair, art and music and yoga lessons and camps, and glasses givings to older woman and men.
We provide children with hope towards a positive future they may not have previously imagined and with means to express and manifest these aspirations. Teaching visual arts and violin and cello, we help children to see the many ways to think and express oneself, and of the importance of these intertwined skills. The value of where art can take ones mind, in the moment through raw expression and emotion, and where it can bring people to future success, is infinite. In the practice of making art (through sound or sight), skills and intelligences are built which may be applied to every way of life and any action they make take. Art expresses the endless bends and possibilities in life, with abstract excitement balancing with an ability of control and mindful purposefulness. This gives children confidence, found joy, and a skillset which may help them move on to another level of education, or to success in their regular life.
This program has brought me deeper understanding of myself, of happiness, and of communication. It has brought me specific awareness of a place so far away from my regular life and of the lives of struggling children and families, who are still able to laugh and smile and feel joy with us and one another. I see people who can still be so open, and excited to learn. The love and connection I have felt with these children is profound and deep. I am so happy to meet and learn from so many people and to be able to share my experiences and light with such a wonderful community.
When deciding to travel with this organization, I was not exactly sure what to expect. I would be traveling halfway across the world to experience something completely different while being able to teach and help people. While here for only five weeks, we teach the music and art classes, do camp activities in an ethnic minority village, give bikes to young girls, help repair bikes, and give reading glasses to people who need them. The efforts of this organization have a huge impact on everyone involved. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to be a part of these children's lives. This is truly an inspiring experience.
This July was my third time coming to Vietnam with Rock Paper Scissors, and I certainly hope to be able to continue returning in the future. One of the coolest parts of the art and music programs, to me, is watching the younger students grow into leaders and role models for the new young students. It's an amazing thing to see because since I befriended them a few years ago, I've been able to return and find that not only have they grown tremendously as artists and musicians, but they've also become more confident and responsible in their roles in each program. This is a community that's like a big family and I'm so grateful for my experiences working and connecting with this family. Thank you Rock Paper Scissors, for the enormous effort you put into providing year-round creative outlets for so many children in and around Cam Duc.
Although I came to Vietnam to teach music and art, it became obvious pretty soon that I was teaching so much more than that. What's so amazing about RPS isn't necessarily their ability to provide kids with music or art or bikes: it's the impact they have in so many lives. Music teaches kids confidence and communication, art teaches kids to express themselves, the bikes give kids opportunity, power, and hope. I have seen RPS inspire so many kids to pursue futures they may not have thought possible a few years ago, and that is incredible. I am so grateful to RPS to have been given this opportunity to share my passion for the arts and see the impact it has on peoples' lives.
Rock-Paper-Scissors Children's Fund works with kids in Vietnam to teach violin and art and helps poor kids and families be supported through after school music and art classes and supports girl's education by providing girls with bicycles to ride to school. The founder of the non-profit has been traveling to Vietnam since the 1990's and has two adopted children from the country. She is dedicated to her two children and giving back to the country that they were born into. The non-profit also has introduced high school age and adult volunteers to many of the kids in their program in Vietnam and many of the volunteers return and stay in touch with the kids--a life long connection.
When I first heard about RPS, my heart smiled. Being from Vietnam and having gone to school there up until middle school, I know that there is a significant lack of these art and music programs. They are a rarity in many parts of Vietnam. Thank you RPS for providing these opportunities, I know that it is making a difference!
RPS is a wonderful non-profit organization that is making a difference in the lives of underprivileged youth in Vietnam. I've been very blessed to work alongside very compassionate & committed people. I am inspired by Sara for her continued effort and endless dedication to this great organization. I look forward to seeing RPS grow and continue to bring positive changes to those who really deserve it!
For several years I have been a supporter of Rock Papers Scissors and this past year (2016) I was able to go to Vietnam with them and spend time within the communities they are helping. I was blown away with the love and care they put into the work they do. And it absolutely shows in the children. They are so happy when they receive their new bicycles, or when they get together to practice violin, and do art projects. The support these children get from Rock Paper Scissors is essential to their growth, to their happiness, and to their future possibilities. I highly recommend supporting RPS in anyway you can.
This is one of my favourite charitable organisations. I initially became interested in their work while I was cycling through Vietnam and meeting girls riding their bikes to school - so I was thrilled that Rock Paper Scissors had a program where we could donate directly to helping girls get to school by bike. This past summer, Sara asked us to come to Vietnam and help teach the girls who had received bikes how to care for them and maintain them properly. Being in Vietnam with the team allowed us to see how unfailingly dedicated Rock Paper Scissors US volunteers and their Vietnamese staff are to helping kids in the region! We got to see directly the impact that even a few dollars can make in the life of the children there.
This is an amazing organisation and I highly recommend them.
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This is my favourite charity in the world. They address the issue of children's education at a grass-roots level in Vietnam. They are dedicated to providing bikes to girls to allow them to get to school safely, often over long distances, but they also ensure that the girls have the tools and the help they need to fix the bikes should anything go wrong. Combine this initiative with a school teaching music, dance and the arts in a small village in Vietnam and this charity gets my vote. So far, we have donated the equivalent of around 40 bikes and I plan to continue supporting Rock-Paper-Scissors in the future.
I loved working with this organization! It provides wonderful opportunities for kids and families in Vietnam, and it was so wonderful to experience this change. Amazing, hardworking people doing amazing things.
I had the opportunity to volunteer with RPC in Vietnam this past summer (2016) with my wife and two teenage daughters. We were all impressed by RPC’s effectiveness at imparting positive impacts on the lives of Vietnamese kids. We participated in the larger “camps,” where up to 300 kids from surrounding villages came to participate in music and art activities over a 3-day period. We were also involved in teaching art and music to smaller classes, both in rural villages and as part of a year-round after school program in Cam Duc. Finally, we attended two bike-giving ceremonies where girls (screened and chosen by the Red Cross, based on need) were given bicycles, pumps and helmets, which facilitate their ability to attend school. Sara is doing an amazing job of coordinating these various RPC programs and has put together an inspiring and effective group of local staff and volunteers. In addition to several very hard working and dedicated Vietnamese adults, RPC engages a cadre of local teenage tutors, who have opportunities to further their own art and music education, mentor younger students, and gain international experience by serving as interpreters for foreign volunteers. RPC is an efficient, effective and highly successful program that I am proud to support.
I had the wonderful opportunity to volunteer for Rock-Paper-Scissors Children Fund and was so impressed with the amount of great work they do for children. The dedication of the staff is impressive. This organization touches so many children's lives. To watch children's' faces light up when they participate in a musical and artistic experience is wonderful to behold. I witnessed how this organization changes childrens' lives by enriching their experiences. I feel honored to be a part of this amazing organization.
My daughter volunteered with the Rock-Paper-Scissors Children's Fund last summer and had an amazing experience. The work that the organization does to provide opportunities for music and art education in Vietnam is well managed, valuable and meaningful.
I was very fortunate to have had the opportunity to volunteer with Rock-Paper-Scissors this past summer in Vietnam. I had been to Vietnam twice prior to this trip, but both times as a tourist. To visit as a volunteer for three and a half weeks was a completely different experience. It was so gratifying to give back to the people of this beautiful country through music and art education. I think that one of the best things about this trip was that it allowed me to connect with the people whom we worked with and helped. I made friends that I will never forget, which taught me that true bonds of friendship can form even between people of very different languages and cultures. This experience also taught me to be grateful for what I have and encouraged me to help others. My trip with Rock-Paper-Scissors changed my life, and I know that every day it improves the lives of children and families in Vietnam. I respect and appreciate the Nerone family so much for having founded and continually supported this organization. I sincerely hope that donors and volunteers will give Rock-Paper-Scissors the same caliber of support that the organization provides for children in Vietnam.
I volunteered in Vietnam last summer with Rock Paper Scissors, teaching music and helping run summer camps. It is amazing to me how such a small group of people can do so much. Hundreds of kids came to the camps in the villages and made art and music and had fun. It was wonderful to see the music students and young translators from the town interacting with the kids at the camps, along with our group of volunteers. So RPS helps local people to help other local people, and form relationships with them. Recently, a group of young musicians from the RPS music program in Cam Duc went to play for the kids in the village. It was their first ensemble piece, for violins and cello, which we had taught them in the summer.
It was also great to attend the bike giving ceremonies, and meet the girls who received the bikes, hoping that they will stay in school. We also met girls who had received bikes before, and saw that they were still going to school.
I know I would love to return to Vietnam, but will continue to work from here so that these programs continue to grow and flourish.
In July 2015, I was lucky to travel with Rock Paper Scissors to Vietnam and witness first hand the work that RPS has undertaken. Vietnam is a beautiful country but many of the people live in poverty. RPS empowers lives by providing support and enrichment by way of art and music programs, sponsorship in educational pursuits and bicycles for transportation to school.
As a volunteer, I helped to provided art and music camps for children in remote villages and I taught violin lessons to disadvantaged youths in Cam Dúc. RPS also coordinated with the local Red Cross to identify children at risk and in need of a bicycle to help their family and ride to school. The delight of the children, their resourcefulness, gratitude and dedication will stay with me my whole life.
I volunteered with RPS this past July in Vietnam and hope to return in 2016. Sara Nerone and her family have not only built this organization from the ground up, they've also cemented their influence in the town of Cam Duc and elsewhere as a hugely positive resource for the local children. I witnessed nothing but joy, learning, and passion from the children in the program, as well as from the teenaged translators. The appreciation and affection that each community showed our RPS team was evidence to me of how important our role was to the local students and familes. For the majority of the children, Rock Paper Scissors was their only access to creative education in an inspiring and healthy environment. And being a part of such an influential group of teachers was something I'll never forget. I hope dearly that I'll be able to join Sara and her team in 2016 to reconnect with those tightly knit communities in Vietnam.
I've volunteered with RPS in Vietnam twice - this past summer and the one before, and both times have been impressed by its clear-sighted, needs-based direction and its overwhelming impact on the children it serves. Many of the reviews I've seen focus on the Bikes for Girls program - however, as a volunteer, I spent most of my time working face-to-face with children on art projects and teaching music. I cannot say enough about the wonderful enthusiasm these kids bring to their projects. They are truly remarkable!
What I love about RPS is that it recognizes the intangible needs of children as well as the tangible. A bike can make such a difference in a girl's life, because it gives her the means of getting to school. But providing a consistent, structured art or music program where a child can come and explore the depths of her potential gives her the will to keep on trying - even when the odds seem to be weighed against her.
RPS is not just about providing for basic needs or supporting education or enriching lives with arts and music. It works to do all those things. Many needy children benefit from all three of it's projects, and all three are so important to changing their lives. It has been such a gift to be a part of this nonprofit's work!
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I just returned from a trip to Vietnam with RPS a few days ago. Along with RPS founder Sara, her family, and several other volunteers, I spent three busy weeks working in the town of Cam Duc. It has been refreshing to be involved in an organization with such clear, ethically-minded direction. Sara constantly emphasizes the need to translate donations into tangible impacts for the people she serves. I have been fortunate enough to see the results of her approach first hand. During our stay we attended three bike givings -all funded by donations- and took part in RPS’s community music and arts programs. These programs provide low-income students in Cam Duc with otherwise unavailable creative outlets, as well as a close-knit support structure of caring peers and adults. (I wish I could write a review of the students themselves - their earnestness and consideration for everyone around them deeply underscored, for me, the importance of helping them succeed.) Lastly, with the help of our students in Cam Duc, we were able to run day camps in three ethnic minority villages around the area, bringing arts and music to children for whom it would normally be far, far out of reach.
It has been a truly eye-opening experience for me as a young American, not only seeing the extent of the need, but also how much can be done to make a difference when good intentions are implemented with positive, well-organized direction. I will be recommending RPS to my friends and family, and recommend it to readers here as a trustworthy and effective non-profit.
I am so proud to donate to Rock-Paper-Scissors Childrens Fund because I have seen all the smiles they produce! This amazing organization works tirelessly to bring art, music, and bicycles to children and youth in Vietnam. Because the members of this nonprofit volunteer all of their time and spend their own money on transportation and logistics, the donated funds go directly to help the needy children. Their tremendous work enriches the lives of children that have so little.
I'm a volunteer in Vietnam of RPS so I see many wonderful things RPS brings to our poor children! Poor children learn how to play violin, how to draw a picture and have an opportunity to go to school with a bike was given by RPS!
If you come Vietnam and visit RPS's music and art school or join in Bike Giving event, you will see children's smiles that makes you feel happy and that's best thing in the world!
Rock Paper Scissors do AMAZING work. They have helped countless young people in Vietnam with dance and music programs, but my favourite campaign of theirs: 100 Bike For 100 Girls. They have far-exceeded their original goal, and continue to raise money for more bicycles, more instruments, and better supplies for their schools.
I volunteered with RPS for one month last year, and it was an absolutely phenomenal experience. Like many of the reviewers below, I had a wonderful time being creative with the kids and getting to know them. We did collaborative art projects, started a band, worked on our violin skills, learned Vietnamese songs and American songs together, and generally just enjoyed cultural exchange of food, customs, and language. It has been about a year since I was at RPS, and I definitely miss the energy before violin practice of all the kids getting together, eating snacks, tuning up, and talking about their days.
Not only did I enjoy working with the students, but I was thoroughly impressed with the infrastructure of the program and how well it is integrated into the community. I feel this is an exceptionally well run and sustainable non-profit with incredibly talented and dedicated Vietnamese staff, and a visionary program director who has taken the time to understand the needs of the community and how RPS can make the biggest impact. Go RPS!
I volunteered with RPS last fall and fell in love with the organization and cause. Though Rock-Paper-Scissors is not a large organization, it affects tremendous positive change in the lives of its students in Cam Duc. The community that exists in their small school house is unlike any I've ever been a part of before and the students get so much more than just music and art instruction by being a part of it. The bike-giving program is similarly special and very practically assists young girls in rural communities.
Consider giving to the Rocks Paper Scissors Childrens Fund so that the team can expand their awesome operations to benefit more under-served Vietnamese youth.
-Grady Hogan
I am proud to be a supporter of RPS. I have met with founder Sara Nerone, and been impressed with her dedication, expertise, and commitment. She and her team are creative and do a great job at communicating their mission and progress-- so important for sustainability and accountability. When I donate, I know my contributions are directly benefitting the children. Their bikes for girls program is simple, innovative, and an affordable way for small donors to participate in a very tangible way. They make it easy for donors and they're effective. For example, their follow-up and bike repair services show the RPS approach of offering community-driven solutions that make sense for the families and go beyond just initial contact. A great nonprofit!
My 17-year-old son volunteered with Rock, Paper, Scissors this summer and the experience had a profound impact on his life. He learned so much by helping others and the children that he interacted with and the other volunteers left a lasting impression. One of his college application essays is based on a man he met who lived through the Vietnam War. The dedication is impressive and mission of this organization is incredibly important for the children that they serve. I am a supporter.
This past summer, I was so fortunate to be able to join Rock Paper Scissors Children’s Fund, a non for profit organization, on their first big trip to Vietnam to give lessons to music and art students. Being adopted from Vietnam in 1999, I have a strong connection to the country, to its people, and especially to the arts. Having played violin for eight years, I know that having someone to watch and look up to who is better at the violin is an amazing learning experience. I was able to be this figure that they studied and analyzed as I played with them throughout the one week I had with the students. This experience for me was surely unforgettable for I gained so much knowledge of the people around me and learned so many things. These children taught me a valuable lesson in life – happiness and success is not measured in wealth. They all came from poor families, some even below poverty. Throughout the week, the kids all seemed to be like me, to be like any other fifteen year old or any other six year old. They were innocent and playful. Teaching these children violin, though we spoke nowhere near the same language, was touching. It taught me that music is a universal language, a language that all can learn and all can learn to love. All of this would not have been possible without this amazing organization and the amazing people in it. With passionate hardworking owners, Sara and Pat and their two daughters, this experience to say the least, was incredible. The bonds that I have made with the people in the organization and the students are truly genuine and I hope to return.
I'm Khoa, and I'm a Vietnamese. Now I'm studying in Seattle, Washington State. Last summer, I had a chance to work with Rock-Paper-Scissors Childrens Fund. I was a translator even though I didn't know a lot of English. RPS was so amazing, they helped poor children a lots. They taught the children in my hometown how to play Violin, Cello and how to paint a picture. They went to the mountain and helped ethnic minorities children. They played with them,give them candy, clothes and especially LOVE. Members of RPS are very friendly, kind and humorous. Mrs.Sara is a good person, she always tries her best to help people. Working with them is a opportunity for me to improve my English. Now,my English is good enough to talk to an American. There's just one word can describe Rock-Paper-Scissors Childrens Fund: " FANTASTIC". Thank you for everything.
It has been my most amazing and meaningful when joining PRS's activities last summer. Thanks a lot !!!!RPS!!!!
I appericate what RPS have done for poor kids in Cam Lam-Khanh Hoa-Vietnam.And I'm honored to be able to meet amazing people_Sarah,Pat, Sophie,Phoebe, Kaitlin, Hannah, Robyn,Moses, Marina,Cathy,Zachary ....
"Giving bikes for girls" means that RPS give all poor girls in Cam Lam smiles and opportunities to make their going to school easier. Also, thank RPS and every member of this organization for your warm-heartedness.
"Teaching Violin and Art"-it inspires the kids with beautiful souls. Thanks!!!
Wish that everyone can experience every meaningful moments with RPS ,and more and more poor kids will get more and more chances to keep going to school.
Rock-Paper-Scissors Children's Fund is such an amazing organization with amazing people. Working to help poor kids in a poor place like Cam Ranh, Vietnam, RPS has been able to help hundreds of kids through art, music and bike programs. I wish all people in the would could see how the kids enjoyed being with RPS volunteers during the summer. I was so lucky to see how the language barrier was ignored, the cultural differences were eased. Everyone was full of joy, like a family getting together. Sara and her family members as well as the volunteers did bring miracles to the kids' lives. The kids have been more self- confident, more enjoying of their lives and see the world under more positive eyes. I can also never forget the moments when the kids and the volunteers sang together, danced together and had fun together. Those are the most memorable moments in my life! Great job, RPS!
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It has been like a dream for me to be able to meet with people of this non-profit (Sara, Pat, Sophie and Phoebe). To bring happiness and opportunities to underprivileged in my neighborhood of Vietnam has been my biggest dream but no chance to make it true until I met these wonderful friends.
You can't imagine how great it is to see lovely faces and smiles of the kids we gave bikes to, being with them at the art and music classes and to see them feel changes in their lives out of poverty and misery in music and art.
After all, life is more meaningful when we can make others' lives meaningful.
As a member of RPS organization, I deeply understand the famous quote that I have read somewhere "Living by sharing". I have got hooked on being a volunteer for the program since I first read the brief description on facebook about it. Then, how lucky I am when I have an awesome chance to take part in the summer camp with the little kids in Cam Ranh, Vietnam. These angles are living in low living standards, therefore rarely do they have such a great opportunity to enjoy themselves by drawing, playing outdoor games to develop their vivid imagination.
Besides, bike giving is another meaningful deed that RPS brings to children there. Everyday, students have to walk for hours to go to school under the extreme heat in summer, as they live far from school. Not only students but also their parents are very happy when their children have a better condition to study. I also visited one of students who received bike from the program. She is in grade six. She attracts me with her lovely smile and her confident speech in public. Unfortunately, their parents passed away some year ago after an traffic accident. Now, her 2 siblings and she are living with her old grandparents. No matter how difficult the life is, she always tries her utmost to achieve brilliant results in learning and extra curriculum at school. RPS promises that RPS will raise more fund to support her and family.
Last but not least, I want to express my great gratitude to Sara, the leader of the program and her two daughters. They have been working so hard to bring happiness to little child in Vietnam.
A couple weeks ago I returned to the states after volunteering for a month with Rock Paper Scissors in Vietnam. During the trip I taught music to children who attend the RPS art and music school. I loved being at the school and helping the students. The atmosphere had a palpable sense of love and warmth that you can only find in a place that is really working for the greater good. Rock Paper Scissors created this environment that brought people together to create inseparable ties and moments that we will never forget. The school brought true, honest beauty into the lives of many wonderful students who aren't afforded many opportunities of creativity or self expression. It was obvious that the kids really enjoyed being at the school and appreciated learning so much. Many of the kids expressed that coming to the school was the highlight of their year. It was for me too. You know those times when you experience a moment and you wish it could last forever? That happened every day I was with the kids in Vietnam. I never thought that I could become so close with people that I can barely communicate with. Yet these kids achieved the impossible. Together we shared a once in a lifetime experience, and I can honestly say they are some of the greatest friends I will ever know.
RPS also put together some bike donations for girls. The bikes give girls the opportunity to stay in school, which they might otherwise drop out of because families are more likely to send their boys to school and have their girls stay at home and work. There was an empowering sense of pride that the girls had once they received their new bikes and as they promised to try hard in school. They made it clear that they really appreciated what RPS did for them and really wanted to do get an education.
During the trip RPS also put on some ethnic minority camps, where we would travel to their schools and perform music, do art and play games with the kids. They were clearly having lots of fun and it was really great spending time with them. The kids had so much talent and sincerity in all they did. We got to visit some of their houses too, and deliver some supplies to the families. As a high school-er, who is just starting to question the world she's been raised in, I was so fortunate to have this opportunity to see where the kids came from. You learn about poverty in school, and there's a sense of humbling sympathy you get from hearing about the lives of others. But there's still a psychological disconnect between you and the other side of the world. Its not until you experience poverty first hand that you gain a better understanding of what it means. Then you realize that although its very far away, the third world is really only across an ocean. And we know how to cross an ocean, so then you wonder why we don't, and you wonder why the third world even exists today. Then you look at wonderful things like the Rock Paper Scissors nonprofit, and you are very thankful of the time and energy they put in to breaking down the walls and creating a connection between the first and third world. I am very thankful of the generosity of this organization to not ignore the suffering of others and to bring beauty and relief into people's lives.
I was fortunate enough to be able to join the other volunteers on Rock Paper Scissors Childrens fund's first big volunteer trip and there are no words to be able to express how rewarding this trip was for me. I have been working with this non-profit since its beginning in 2012 and have got to know these children only through picture in the last two years. When I came to meet them in person and was able to hold their hands it became real. All the hard work for the donations that I was helping to bring in were directly helping these kids standing right in front of me. To see the joy, happiness and graditude they felt because of these art and music programs that have been made avaible to them made it all worth it. I hope to continue working with this children's fund and hope to go back again and again for years to come!
I have just returned to the States after volunteering for a month in Vietnam with Rock-Paper-Scissors Children's Fund Inc. It was an amazing experience that has left me so very impressed with the motives and actions of this nonprofit whose mission is to support education, art, and, music for Vietnamese children in poverty stricken rural areas in the region of Cam Duc. This young nonprofit has already established a school in the region that offers both art and music lessons tuition free. I spent a month getting to know the children attending classes and saw first hand the joy and beauty the school brings to their lives. Rock-Paper-Scissors continues to provide bikes to girls in rural villages through donations so that they will be encouraged to continue their education past primary school, and this summer approximately sixty bicycles were awarded to the poorest of girls in three different villages. We also provided a three-day camp in each of the three villages where the boys and girls came to experience art, music, and games with us. I was able to purchase one hundred sweatshirts to hand out to the children and saw how grateful they were. These are children who have very little and sometimes nothing more than the set of clothes they are wearing.
Rock-Paper-Scissors is, and will continue to be, a successful nonprofit much to the genius of its founder who has so much talent for building bridges between people and organizations and government. Sara Narone has established a strong connection with the Red Cross in Vietnam for assistance in identifying girls who need bikes. She connects the children in her school to the ethnic minority children living in the remote rural areas by bringing them to the camps to help and interpret. People like myself are now connected to those children and I will extend that bridge to my friends and coworkers. Just before we left to return home, this organization was granted a license to officially operate in Vietnam which is evidence of its unrelenting determination to make a positive difference for the children living in poverty there. Requiring a lot of time and effort, being granted this official status further empowers this organization to do its work. Great job Rock-Paper-Scissors!
I'm very glad to take part in this non-profit knowing that it is helping underprivileged children in my country to have a better life quality.
The impact that my donation had was visible in the feedback that was posted by RPS Children's Fund during their trip to Vietnam this past summer. Seeing the funds making a difference was wonderful.
I have watched one person's dream of wanting to give something back to the poor and underprivileged children of Vietnam turn in to a reality. It has been inspiring to me to witness the dedication, hard work, and unwavering determination of its founder to create something so wonderful. The success that RPS Children's fund has already achieved is told in the photos of the children! Their eyes and smiles say it all. Without this organization these children who have little to no opportunities for the future now can dream.
RPS rocks!!!!!!
Love watching and taking part of such a great movement .. And supporting the life changing educational experience that Rock Paper Scissors is offering to such a unique group of children.. It's a feel good non profit and I encourage everyone to take a look!!
Rock Paper Scissors Childrens Fund is an amazing non profit providing education, funding, transportation, art and music to poverty stricken children of Vietnam. They have established a music school providing string instrumemts and lessons for local children. Earlier this year they ran a fundraiser and was able to provide bicycles to multiple young children assisting in their long distant travel to and from school. This non profit is ran by a very involved team of people with strong ties to Vietnam. With more funding, there would be so much more help they would be able to do.
I learned of the Rock-Paper-Scissors (RPS) Childrens Fund through Luu Phan, who volunteered in Vietnam after graduating from the University of Washington and continues to support the program. I am a busy person and do get request from many worthwhile non-profits. What I like about RPS in addition to the simplicity and worthwhile goal of bringing music/art to children, is that I feel a little more connected knowing that Luu, from Seattle, is activiely involved and has contributed directly in the communities served.
While there are many good non-profits to donate to I am very happy to donate to RPS Childrens Fund because I think there are many reasons to start a music program in a place like rural Vietnam. Providing education is essential to children of course and having a non-profit that concentrates on that is needed, but music is something that many of those children, especially in the countryside, will never get to experience at an organized level. Learning an instrument will not only give them a useful skill but allow them to express themselves artistically and develop self esteem in the process. All children need to be able to express themselves and hopefully this program will give this chance to some of the children of rural Vietnam.
Known your organization for some months by Mr Tuan - Music Teacher in Cam Duc town. However, I am not an Art teacher, I am an English Teacher. But I still think that this is a great chance for joining in your organization.
I was born in Cam Duc town in a poor family and grow up by my father's hard working life. I am now teaching English in a neighbour town's primary school, and live in my hometown.
Truly love the kids, understanding their feeling when being a poor and futhermore, I know the hopeness in their parents' eyes about their childrens' future. I would like to give a hand to make kids become a happy, successful and grateful people when they are mature.
Poor condition will let the kids lack of smiles on their face when they are amongs their friends, and even when they become success in life later. I want to look for my smiles and their smile, too.
Please contact me if I could help. Miss Phuong. mphuong_872002@yahoo.com
I have been volunteering with RPS for 8 months now: soliciting donations; drafting letters; and participating in meetings via Skype and in-person. A year ago, I would not have imagined that my goal to help empower children in Vietnam through recreation, especially art and music, would take shape so soon. RPS has essentially become an integral part of my life. Every donation RPS received has gone directly to the projects in Vietnam. After getting to know the board members and their families personally, I am more than confident that our team will work as hard as we can to keep minimizing expenses so our donors’ hard earned money goes directly to where it’s promised. -Luu