Many international volunteers have come to Binh Dinh to do voluntary work in some fields. Binh Dinh newspaper reporter had a talk with VSA (Volunteer Service Abroad) volunteer Gail Begbie, who is working in the field of aquatic products.
For a new vision
When studying at the university in New Zealand, Gail Begbie majored in aquatic products. Before working at a VSA volunteer, she had worked at an aquatic products research institute in Australia. Her colleagues were surprised to learn her decision.
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| Mrs. Gail Begbie shares the knowledge of aquatic products. Photo T.X |
Q: Why did you decide to work as volunteer?
A: When at the university, I was really interested in doing voluntary work. I found that it is significant. As a volunteer, I can do something useful for the society and for myself, learning many.
Still, owing to the lack of money I couldn't work as a volunteer as soon as I graduated. In 2005, when VSA offered volunteer vacancies to work abroad, I took part in and worked in Binh Dinh Province.
Q: What have you done in Binh Dinh?
A: Although working for VSA for more than 2 years, I become more confident and active. My work in Binh Dinh is to assist your province in developing and protecting aquatic products at Con Chim of Thi Nai lagoon, Tra O lagoon, and Nhon Hai and Nhon Ly sea areas.
Thanks to the activities, I acquired more practical knowledge. When working for the project of restoring the ecosystem at Con Chim of Thi Nai lagoon, for example, I experienced issues of developing aquatic products in the natural condition. I understand that working for communities needs effective propaganda.
Q: What do you think of the effectiveness of projects?
A: It may take a long time to have an overall view of the effectiveness of projects I took part in. As a volunteer, I've worked in my field, so I only say that what has been done in Binh Dinh is really practical and suitable to the global tendency.
The project for Con Chim of Thi Nai lagoon, for instance, restored the ecosystem of a brackish water lagoon where there are many valuable sources of aquatic products. According to what I know, 119 species of fish, 14 species of shrimp, and other species used to live in Thi Nai lagoon, but because the ecosystem was seriously damaged for a long time, the aquatic products have become exhausted. Thanks to the project, the ecosystem of Thi Nai lagoon has been restored.
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| Mrs. Gail Begbie at Thi Nai lagoon. Photo T.X |
And experiences
As planned, each volunteer will work for two years. Gail Begbie will end her term in October 2007. She, however, asked for the extension by the early 2008 for her love for work and people in Binh Dinh.
Q: What do you think about the land and people in Binh Dinh during your two-year working?
A: I want to thank Binh Dinh's authorities and people for what they have done for VSA volunteers. I'm very pleased with my Vietnamese colleagues who had high responsibilities for work and helped me a lot and I hope our experiences will be able to help your province in the coming time.
I visited many landscapes in Binh Dinh, listening stories about three Tay Son's brothers. I admired Vietnamese people's bravery. I know more about the history of Vietnam and Binh Dinh and love your country.
Q: Will you visit Binh Dinh again after returning to your country?
A: After returning to my country, I will find a job. If having any opportunities, I will be able to continue working as a volunteer in Binh Dinh. If not possible, I will visit Binh Dinh as a tourist and see my friends here. I always think of Binh Dinh and hope that the mutual relationship between Viet Nam and New Zealand will become better.
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