Lightine Up Dreams
One Dream at a Time
Discover Our Story – And Be Part of Its Next Chapter
PROJECT INTRODUCTION
Lighting Up Dreams is far more than a community charity project—it's a heartfelt journey rooted in the founder’s own childhood experience.
Growing up in a remote mountain village, the founder knew nothing of city life, had never received a warm embrace, and had never imagined that dreaming was within her reach.
Everything changed when a group of university volunteers visited the village. With a simple act—a sweet pastry, and a genuine hug—a spark was ignited, and her first dream took flight.
From that transformative moment, Lighting Up Dreams was born out of a deep conviction: when a child feels loved, heard, and free to dream, extraordinary things begin to happen.
THE CHALLENGE
In remote mountain communities like Pà Ông Village in Nam Giang District, Quảng Nam Province, thousands of children grow up trapped in a cycle that repeats across generations: born, raised, working the land, marrying, and living a life much like their parents before them.
For most of these children, the world beyond their village remains unknown. They have never experienced simple modern wonders—an elevator, streetlights, or even glimpsed what life outside their community might look like.
When a child’s view of the world is so limited, their ability to dream and imagine new possibilities is sadly constrained as well.
OUR CORE BELIEF
We don’t come to impose dreams on children. Instead, we create a nurturing space where dreams can naturally take root and flourish within their hearts.
This happens through:
Emotional connection — fostering love, trust, and respect.
Real-world experiences — offering safe, joyful, and vibrant opportunities to explore.
Gentle guidance — encouraging imagination through storytelling, meaningful conversation, and creative inspiration.
PROJECT GOALS
In our first phase, we are committed to:
Organizing a minimum of five city experience trips within the first year, giving mountain children their first chance to explore urban life.
Hosting cultural exchange activities in the villages, connecting children with international volunteers to broaden their horizons.
Providing opportunities for at least 200 children to express their dreams through drawing and writing, nurturing their creativity and hopes for the future.
WHAT WE DO
Before The Journey - Planting Seeds of Love
Before each city trip, our volunteer team first travels into the village to create an emotional connection and prepare the children for their dream journey.
Through heartwarming activities like:
Giving “Hope Pastries” – symbolic gifts of sweetness and care.
Hugging each child – sometimes their first real embrace.
Cooking simple dishes together – like making pizza with love.
Singing, dancing, and playing games – creating laughter and joyful memories.
Our goal is to build trust, warmth, and connection – so when the city lights appear, their hearts are already shining from within.
THE DREAM BUS — A LIFE-CHANGING JOURNEY
We organize 1–2 day trips that take children from their village to the vibrant city of Đà Nẵng.
In our first phase, we are committed to:
Explore places like hotels, libraries, airports, factories, and restaurants — discovering new environments beyond their everyday world.
Experience the magic of city lights at night, ride elevators, try unfamiliar foods, and navigate busy urban streets.
Meet professionals from a variety of careers, sparking inspiration and curiosity.
Engage in storytelling, drawing, and role-playing activities designed to help them imagine and shape their futures.
Create their own “Dream Journal” by writing or drawing their dream jobs and aspirations.nurturing their creativity and hopes for the future.
CULTURAL EXCHANGE — “THE WORLD COMES TO ME”
Since not all children can leave their village, we bring the world to them.
International volunteers will:
Share stories, photos, and videos about their home countries.
Teach basic English, lead games, and introduce cultural customs and foods.
Children will:
Ask questions, create drawings, and describe their new discoveries.
Reflect on and compare their own lives with the new cultures they’ve experienced.
“I haven’t gone anywhere, but today I felt like I traveled to another world!”
IMAGINE & CREATE — “IF I HAD A MAGIC WAND…”
After each activity, children will:
Write or draw their dreams.
Create dream notebooks or posters.
Present and share their ideas with the group.
Each small step nurtures confidence, sparks imagination, and encourages future-focused thinking.
WHY THIS PROJECT MATTERS
Children can only dream when they’ve seen something worth dreaming about.
For many children in remote areas, their world ends at the edge of their village.
When they catch a glimpse of a different world, their minds open to new possibilities:
“I want to be a receptionist because she always smiles.”
“I love the city and want to go to school so I can come here.”
“I want to be a chef because I enjoy cooking.”
This is more than just a trip — it’s a turning point for their souls and their future.
WHO JOINS US
Mountain children, especially disadvantaged primary and secondary school students.
Local teachers and community leaders who have a deep understanding of the community.
International volunteers and young Vietnamese individuals who bridge cultures with compassion.
Partners and collaborators including social enterprises, educational organizations, and media outlets.
ESTIMATED BUDGET
For a 2-day trip with 20 children:
| Item | Estimated Cost (VND) | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Transportation | 7,000,000 | $267 |
| Meals | 4,000,000 | $153 |
| Accommodation | 6,000,000 | $229 |
| Entrance/Experience Fees | 2,000,000 | $76 |
| Gifts (notebooks, colored pencils, hats...) | 2,000,000 | $76 |
| Printing (photos, materials) | 1,000,000 | $38 |
| Miscellaneous | 1,000,000 | $38 |
| Management and Administration (15%) | 3,450,000 | $132 |
| Total | 26,450,000 | $1,009 |
OUR LONG-TERM VISION
Lighting Up Dreams will not stop at one village or one trip.
We plan to:
Expand the journey to more remote villages like Tà Ôm, Chà Vàl, A Xan...
Establish “Inspiration Hubs” within villages – spaces for books, creative games, and inspiring mentors.
Connect with universities and businesses to grow a network of love and opportunity.
© 2025 Lighting Up Dreams - All Rights Reserved.
