Every time I travel to rural areas in Vietnam and other countries, I am struck by the beautifully innocent eyes of the children I meet. They look at me with curiosity. When I say “Hello,” they shyly reply “hello” and then run away. If I ask, “What’s your name?” they often just stare for a moment before running off again. These small encounters always touch me deeply.

   Today, English is still a privilege mostly reserved for children in big cities. Even there, fluency is often limited to those from wealthy families who can afford quality schools or private tutors. In rural towns and small provinces, access to English centers or native-speaking teachers is rare, if not impossible.

   Yet, I have seen how English can change lives—especially in rural Asia, where tourism brings opportunities. Children who know even basic English become more confident and eager to communicate. With encouragement from teachers, that first spark of communication can grow into a lifelong skill that opens doors to the world.

   I remember when I was in grade 7, I was the worst student in my class at English. Then one day, I found an old English book that my mother had studied from years before. That book inspired me. I spent three summer months fully dedicated to learning English on my own. By the end, I had become the best student in my class. That experience taught me the power of inspiration and determination.

   This is why we offer a free three-month communication course for underprivileged children around the world. Three months may not be enough to master the language, but it can be enough to inspire. And once inspiration takes root, everything else follows. At IBI, I have seen students who began with no confidence in English transform into children who love the language—thanks to compassionate teachers and effective methods.

   I hope our “We Give” program will be like a fresh wind, spreading the love of language to every child and helping them believe in their own potential.

Robin Nguyen