For the past 5 months or so, I have been helping to run a video club in Da Nang, Vietnam. It ended with a 24-hour film competition. The members of the club learnt drama skills, video editing, and film-making (see blog of June 17, 2014). What I gained from participation in the club is equally invaluable.
My knowledge and understanding about Vietnamese culture has broadened. I’ve also got to engage with the locals and help them develop not only their communication skills but also their self-concept, and to be the best possible versions of themselves.
It was also interesting to learn how to get along with the different personalities and backgrounds among our team of facilitators and trainers. We were all created as unique individuals, so we needed to understand and even study each other’s personality, attitude and behavior as we went along for us to work well together as a team.
Flexibility was indeed the key. There were so many changes, from the making of the curriculum to the venue of the competition. Adjustments were constantly needed here and there. I believe that those who can adapt to change can surely survive. Through this club, we were trained to be flexible individuals in facing circumstances that are beyond our control, and to respond to changes accordingly.
Starting a program from scratch is quite difficult for we need to study all the aspects related to it and implement all the things needed to achieve the goals. I found that, eventually, everything would come into place. What’s needed are patience and determination to finish whatever has been started, and rejoice over the goals achieved.
*Our guest writer is Merianne, a Goducate teacher in Vietnam
