Service Opportunity Right: Scott Jordan and James Lewis at the Hoi An Orphanage in Vietnam. The National Society of High School Scholars welcomes members to consider making a difference in the lives of a small group of orphans halfway around the world. NSHSS President James Lewis and NSHSS  Director Scott Jordan recently visited Vietnam to attend the EARCOS conference of international educators. In their travels through the country, James and Scott came across an orphanage that is working diligently to provide a home and future to many disabled and struggling Vietnamese children. The Hoi An Orphanage has a revolving population of 80 to 100 children who have been abandoned to live in the streets. Many of the children are moderately to severely disabled and there are some whose families simply could not provide for their basic needs. The orphanage provides a simple and structured environment providing shelter, food, education and a small ray of hope to this neediest group of children. The housing is sparse and the children are tightly grouped together. The students who are able attend school during the day and rejoin the orphanage for the remainder of the day and night. There are very few creature comforts, educational or recreational outlets available. An old swing set in the yard and a broken foosball table provide most of the entertainment. The staff does what they can to help replace the warmth and support these children are missing from their families. The government provides less than $10 per month assistance per child. Despite these conditions, James and Scott found the children and staff smiling and positive about their future and their collective family environment at the orphanage. All of us at NSHSS are touched by the courage and resolve of these children and the people who are trying so desperately to help them. We are inviting members of the NSHSS to help. Ms. Trinh Thi Bich Thu, Director of the Orphanage, has requested that if you would like to give something for the orphans, to send a small sum of money directly to the orphanage because they would have to pay taxes on anything shipped by post. And at time, the tax can be higher than the value of the goods. Moreover, things you buy abroad might cost much more than they cost if purchased in Viet Nam. For those who are able to help, the Director says, "Thank you very much and Merry Christmas and Happy New Year." Please send any donations to: Hoi An Orphanage 04 Nguyen Truong To Street Hoi An Town - Quang Nam VIET NAM