On Saturday 5th July I had the pleasure of running three Adobe Express workshops for teens at risk in Vietnam involving about 125 participants. This is the 6th year I’ve been involved with this program called Camp Connect, organised by the Pacific Links Foundation.

With the assistance of Ann, a fantastic translator and a previous participant in my workshops, the participants were encouraged to use the free version of Adobe Express. Together, we explored the process of animating a character and creating a video story about how we can make the world a better place for everyone.

Comments from participants

Through this workshop, I discovered Adobe — an incredibly useful and exciting tool
where I can freely express my creativity and create amazing products. I’ll definitely
share this app with my friends and those around me. A big thank you to Mr. Tim!

A memorable moment was when I asked the instructor to create a cat character for
me, and he made an incredibly cute one. I felt so happy and surprised.

I remember most how to create animated characters and add voiceovers for them. It
was super fun and cute, and I really want to try making more videos like that in the
future.

One of the goals of Camp Connect is to inspire and up-skill the participants, providing them with opportunities to apply and further develop their skills, potentially leading to future employment opportunities.

The Pacific Links Foundation (PALS) is a U.S.-based nonprofit organization founded in 2001, dedicated to combating human trafficking and supporting vulnerable youth and women in Vietnam. It focuses on prevention, protection, and reintegration efforts to address the root causes of trafficking.

A cornerstone of PALS’s work is its education and scholarship programs, which provide at-risk girls aged 11–18 with the resources to stay in school. By covering costs such as tuition, supplies, and uniforms, these programs aim to reduce the likelihood of girls dropping out and becoming vulnerable to trafficking. Vocational training and job placement services further equip young women with skills for stable employment, enhancing their economic independence.

The Camp Connect program by the Pacific Links Foundation is a transformative initiative aimed at empowering disadvantaged youth in Vietnam, particularly girls aged 14 to 18. These participants are often scholarship recipients from the foundation’s GEMS and SEEDS programs, residing in areas vulnerable to human trafficking. Held virtually, Camp Connect provides a safe and supportive environment where over 1,200 students engage in workshops led by more than 150 volunteer professionals from diverse fields and time zones. The program focuses on developing life skills, self-awareness, and career exploration, equipping participants with the tools to thrive academically and professionally.

In essence, Camp Connect is more than just a summer camp; it’s a pivotal step in the Pacific Links Foundation’s mission to break the cycle of exploitation by investing in the potential of Vietnam’s youth.