Drawn by the Children in year six at Phanxico Nha Trang
Who We Are
DOVES is a volunteer-run Australian registered not-for-profit organisation. Our primary goal is to provide disadvantaged & orphaned children in Vietnam an opportunity of an education that, without ongoing support, they would likely not recieve.
DOVES is administered by a board of dedicated volunteers. Their role is to source and manage the sponsorships and donations required to ensure the DOVES action plan is carried out such that the disadvantaged children and orphans receive the best possible outcomes.
What We Do
In partnership with a number of pagodas and orphanages in Vietnam, child sponsorships are used to cover the cost of sponsored children's education needs. Additionally, donations received are used to fund many special projects to benefit the children we support.
Another sad loss
Hai Ngan in Uniform during Vietnam War
Hai Ngan with memorial of Lance Corporal Gillespie
Suong & Hai
Hai Ngan. A friend to all. A man with a very humble lifestyle. Sadly, passed away in November 2024 after a long illness.
One of his biggest life achievements was helping find the remains of Lance Corporal John Gillespie in the Long Hai Hills in 2007.
Retired Lieutenant Colonel Jim Bourke lead the search for the six remaining Australian Soldiers missing since the Vietnam War. He asked the right question one day to Hai Ngan, (he was a Viet Cong soldier) who said yes, a helicopter was shot down, then proceeded to lead the way and the eventual discovery of the remains of John Gillespie.
After previously meeting with Suong & Hai a couple of times, in 2012 Suong & Hai came to Australia to stay with me in my home in Glen Waverley. They both hadn't been out of Vietnam so a big adventure.
One day we met up with the great man, Jim Bourke. This man was amazing, he had completed the search of the six Australians soldiers, he was explaining, he was now looking for the remains, of Vietnamese Soldiers lost through battles with Australian troops through maps issued of major contacts. Sadly, Jim passed away September 2015 aged 72.
We took Suong & Hai to the Vietnam War Memorial. He was made very welcomed once they knew who Hai was. A photo was taken in front of the memorials of the six missing Australians, including John Gillespie. He was very moved by the interest in him.
I was one of many Australians to call on Hai each time we were in Vietnam. Ian Blue Anderson also called on him many times and would always take him on a trip. Always sharing a beer or two before he became ill.
It didn't matter how sick he was, when you met with him, he would always great you with a big smile; tears would form, and he wouldn't let go of your hand.
He is surely going to be missed, especially by a lot of Australians.
Jim, Hai, Peter & Suong
Hai, Peter & Charlie in Australia
Another sponsor's tour is organised for next August 2025. The trip will commence on 17th August and complete on the 3rd of September 2025. At the end of the trip some will go back to Australia, others may extend their trip and go to other destinations. As of the end November 2024 we have 12 coming on the trip.
This year we will do it a bit different. Starting in HCM, the second day will be a day trip to the Mekong. On the third day, we go to the airport to fly to Da Nang, picking up our luxurious bus that will take us on the rest of our trip. We will stay at Hoi An for three days. Visit Ba Na Hills, via the longest cable car lift in Vietnam, to see the now famous 150 metre long Golden Bridge, given the impression it is held up aloft by a pair of giant hands. and the many other sites and places to visit.
Whilst in Da Nang we will see the Dragon Bridge the longest bridge in Vietnam, crossing the Han River and many other sites we will put together over the next few months. Marble mountain has been deleted as the climbing up and down steps was to be too demanding.
One new highlight in Hoi An will be a cooking class, we can some fun cooking our own lunch. Also, in Hoi An one evening we will visit a spectacular culture show at "Hoi An Memories Land". Performed by approx. 200 performers. Hoi An is a great place to get some clothes made. Can easily be made before we leave.
We will visit the Historical site of My Son Sancturary - UNISCO World Heritage Centre. The Temples were built in the 4th to 13th centuries by the Champa Kingdom. A lot of damage from cluster bombing from the Americans during the Vietnam War. Many buildings have now been carefully restored.
The trip is taken in the reverse order that we normally take. Leave Da Nang to visit Suong's Village, staying at a local newly built, Tuong Duy Hotel. The next day we visit children, possibly buy more bikes for the children.
Whilst visiting the Orphanages & Pagodas you will have the opportunity to meet the child or children you are sponsoring. It's a chance to give them a gift or simply a friendly cuddle.
Nha Trang, is our next three-night stop, visiting the Catholic centre of Phanxico & the Buddhist Pagoda Kim Son.
To the orphanages in Da Lat, Ta Nung & St Micheal's. One highlight in Da Lat is the night market. Most people love this market.
After leaving Da Lat we will visit the Dambri Water Falls outside of the city of Bac Loc. Visit the 7-dimensional theatre.
This year we will not be going to Mui Ne instead we will go to the modern city of Phan Thiet. About the same travel time.
We then head to Vung Tau, although this year we are going via a new destination "Nova World" This theme park is reality new with many new items being built. It is the place to have a mud bath, visit numerous spas, many pools or a top massage if the mud baths & spas are not your choice. Towels and bathers are provided.
Two nights in Vung Tau, the base of Australian Army during the Vietnam War. We will visit the Long Tan Cross and Nui Dat.
Then head back to HCM, about 60 minutes from Vung Tau on the outside of Baria we visit our largest orphanage, the Pagoda of Tu An.
Seeing the sights of HCM on an opened two-level bus by night. A trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels, cruising on the Saigon River on a floating restaurant, while dining we will watch a magnificent fireworks display to celebrate Vietnam's Independence Day, to finish the trip.
If you want further details or show your interest contact Peter Fryers. 0407 547 901
How You Can Help
Donating to DOVES is a secure, easy and very rewarding way to improve the lives of disadvantaged and orphaned children, with a must deserved education. For as little as $85.00 per annum, you can sponsor a child. A yearly donation will see them educated from their first year of school until they achieve year 12, this can give these children a real purpose in their life ahead. You can donate through PayPal or direct payment to our Bank Account, Westpac BSB 033 065 Account Number 467 083 or a Cheque payable to "Disadvantaged and Orphans of Vietnam Education Sponsorship Inc".
Some children we have sponsored
Get in touch
DOVES
210/166 Rouse Street
Port Melbourne VIC 3207
AUSTRALIA
+61 407 547 901