Alpha Delta Kappa is an honorary organization of women educators. The Alpha Omicron Chapter of ADK, which was created in Liberty County 49 years ago, recently announced the completion of a joint project with the Veterans Vietnam Restoration Project. In five months, the groups built a five-room school in Ta Rinh, Vietnam, and dedicated it on Sept. 3.
ADK members’ donations funded the materials for the school, the VVRP team — along with members of the community — provided the labor and the Nam Dong District government provided the land and technical assistance and will oversee the ongoing operation of the school.
The groups marked the opening of the first primary school in Ta Rinh with a three-day celebration attended by Alpha Delta Kappa’s international executive board chairwoman Linda Rissel, international president Jane Miller, VVRP board member Bud Bruton, community residents and many Vietnamese dignitaries.
“This has been a truly unique opportunity for Alpha Delta Kappa. [It’s] a project that addresses our three founding purposes: educational excellence, altruism and world understanding,” Rissel said. “We are so excited about providing an education for children who otherwise would not have the opportunity and, at the same time, providing American veterans a chance to find peace and become whole again.”
Bruton said working on the project helped to lessen the pain of old memories from the Vietnam War.
“The negative impact of my previous experience is gone. It now has been put into perspective. A weight has been lifted from my shoulders and my quiet time is restful,” said Bruton, who has traveled back to Vietnam nine times to work on many of the VVRP’s projects. “My past experiences have been put into proper balance. I will always be grateful to the VVRP for changing my life.”
In April, Alpha Delta Kappa members will travel to Ta Rinh to visit the school, meet teachers and spend time working with students.
ADK members’ donations funded the materials for the school, the VVRP team — along with members of the community — provided the labor and the Nam Dong District government provided the land and technical assistance and will oversee the ongoing operation of the school.
The groups marked the opening of the first primary school in Ta Rinh with a three-day celebration attended by Alpha Delta Kappa’s international executive board chairwoman Linda Rissel, international president Jane Miller, VVRP board member Bud Bruton, community residents and many Vietnamese dignitaries.
“This has been a truly unique opportunity for Alpha Delta Kappa. [It’s] a project that addresses our three founding purposes: educational excellence, altruism and world understanding,” Rissel said. “We are so excited about providing an education for children who otherwise would not have the opportunity and, at the same time, providing American veterans a chance to find peace and become whole again.”
Bruton said working on the project helped to lessen the pain of old memories from the Vietnam War.
“The negative impact of my previous experience is gone. It now has been put into perspective. A weight has been lifted from my shoulders and my quiet time is restful,” said Bruton, who has traveled back to Vietnam nine times to work on many of the VVRP’s projects. “My past experiences have been put into proper balance. I will always be grateful to the VVRP for changing my life.”
In April, Alpha Delta Kappa members will travel to Ta Rinh to visit the school, meet teachers and spend time working with students.