UNICEF statistics show that drowning is the number one killer of children under the age of 15 in Vietnam. Over 15,000 children drown every year. This averages out at over 40 children each day.
In conjunction with the Vietnam International Triathlon, Tribob has initiated in 2008 a Children’s Swimming Program in Hoi An, central Vietnam. This is a simple program which gives children basic swimming skills and other water safety skills which could help save their lives. Over a six month period in 2008, 300 children between the ages of 11-15 were successfully taught to swim. This program has been very well received by the children, their parents, the schools and the wider community.
Due to the success of the program in 2008 we are repeating and growing this program in 2009 with an aim of teaching 1000 children in Quang Nam Province how to swim. Our aim is to increase the number of children taught in Hoi An and expand the program to include rural areas surrounding Hoi An. Around 80% of Vietnam's population live in rural areas of Vietnam where waterways, especially during the wet season, cause severe flooding, increasing potential drowning risks. Children in remote communities are particularly vulnerable as they often walk or cycle long distances, unaccompanied by adults, to attend school.
The program, initially funded by Tribob, has received fantastic support from the 2008 Vietnam Triathlon participants, other individual donors and very importantly from some of the Hoi An hotels, that are allowing the lessons to be conducted in their pool in the absence of public pool. Details of these hotels are given below.
Last but not least, one of the major corporate contributors to the 2009 program is Barclays Capital that we greatly thank for their generosity.
If you wish to donate any equipment for the project, particularly children’s swimming goggles, kickboards or suntan lotion, please drop them off or send them at the Tribob office in Singapore: 72 Toh Yi Drive, Singapore 596543.
Volunteer swimming teachers are also needed. Please click here for further information.
If you want to find out more about this project, please contact Jo Stewart on Joanne@tribob.com Mobile: +84 (0)35728960.
Your support of the Vietnam International Triathlon will help us to raise awareness of the sport of Triathlon in Vietnam and help foster a new generation of kids who consider sport and fitness, in particular swimming, a way of life.
