Echoes of hope: How CEC turned a semester break into a mission of care at Son Ca Kindergarten

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Echoes of hope: How CEC turned a semester break into a mission of care at Son Ca Kindergarten

The Echoes of Hope project, initiated by RMIT’s Charity and Environment Club (CEC), is a heartfelt effort to build community and compassion. Through a charity trip to Son Ca Kindergarten, CEC combines practical support with meaningful moments to connect, inspire empathy, and nurture hope among children and within the wider community.

What started as a simple idea over the semester break quickly blossomed into something much bigger. The RMIT Charity and Environment Club (CEC) brought their heartfelt vision, Echoes of Hope, to life through a memorable charity trip to Son Ca Kindergarten in Yen Bai province. And they didn’t just leave behind books or murals. They left genuine moments of connection and joy.

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From spark to action: A vision takes shape

CEC’s goal was clear at the beginning: create a meaningful experience that would echo long after they left. Every child deserves to be seen and heard, and the team wanted to build something memorable, something that would stay with the kids at Son Ca. That’s why they named their journey Echoes of Hope, a ripple of kindness, compassion, and care to inspire and uplift.

At first, ideas poured in from every corner. Some wanted a cozy reading nook. Others dreamt of bursting murals or lush greenery around the campus. Faced with so many exciting possibilities, it was tough to pick just one. Then one member posed a game-changing question: “Why choose one when we can do them all?” And just like that, the project grew. It was a perfect blend of creativity, care, and teamwork designed to leave a piece of themselves behind.

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The escape room fundraiser

Turning ideas into reality always takes resources, and the CEC team got inventive. They crafted a campus-wide Escape Room event, inviting the RMIT community to crack codes and solve puzzles, all while raising funds and awareness. It wasn’t without hiccups. Making it safe, fun, and engaging pushed them to collaborate and adapt. But when the event was done, it was clear: the whole campus was on board, laying a solid foundation for the trip ahead.

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Crafting spaces, creating smiles at Son Ca

When the team touched down at Son Ca Kindergarten, the possibilities felt endless. Inside, they built a colourful reading corner, stacking books and making the space warm and inviting, hoping to spark a love of stories and discovery in the young hearts. Outside, paintbrushes sprang to life, transforming dull walls into murals full of laughter, playful scenes, and hopeful messages.

But the project didn’t stop there. The team rolled up their sleeves to plant trees and flowers, even repurposing old tires as bright planters, blending care for the environment with lessons on creativity and reuse.

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And just when the day seemed to wind down, music filled the air. Singing and dancing quickly turned into a spontaneous celebration. The kids and volunteers united in joy, laughter echoing far beyond the playground. In those moments, it was clear that this journey was about more than just giving. It was about shared happiness and connection.

What echoes back

For everyone on the CEC team, this trip was more than volunteering. It was a lesson in humility and growth. Many went expecting to teach, to lead, to give, but what they got back was priceless. “I came to support, but the kids reminded me that the magic lies in a smile, a song, or a simple question,” shared Quang Dat, a member of the Content department. “I thought I’d change the world, but this place changed me,” said Hoang Ngan, CEC vice president.

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Every challenge, from planning to painting walls, brought new perspectives and deeper empathy. The club members had learned how powerful teamwork is, how vulnerability can open hearts, and how small acts of kindness truly leave lasting footprints.

Echoes that last

Echoes of Hope isn’t just a project; it’s a legacy. A reminder that kindness, no matter the size, echoes long after. For the CEC team, it was a journey that strengthened their friendships, nurtured compassion, and proved that sometimes the greatest impact begins simply by showing up and caring.

Story: This article is written by Nguyen Minh Chau, with input from CEC RMIT Vietnam - Hanoi campus club. This article does not reflect the views of RMIT Vietnam.

18 August 2025

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