September 2026: Nursing Home Visit

On Saturday 12th of September, Chánh Đạo Vietnamese Buddhist Youth Association had the unique opportunity to volunteer at Calvary Aged Care in Springvale. During our visit, we performed 3 traditional Vietnamese dances and a song, which were thoroughly enjoyed by both residents and workers. Đoàn Sinh (Youth members) then had time to interact with the residents, by splitting into small groups and conversing with the residents, learning their names and a little bit about themselves and taking photos together. Although Đoàn Sinh were shy at the beginning, we are really proud of their efforts to connect with the residents, listen with compassion, show empathy and attempt to bring a smile to their faces, even if they were speaking different languages!

The time spent together was only short, but we were able to create worthwhile connections. We hoped to bring the residents a moment of joy, brightened up their day and leave them with positive memories to remember us by. Đoàn sinh, Huynh Trưởng (leaders) and parents were all grateful for the experience and look forward to coming back again in future.

Attendees – Đoàn Sinh (Youth Members): Caitlin Nguyen, Celine Truong, Emma Do, Cindy Tran, Natasha Dao, Joss Le, Tristan Le, Sky Phan, Adina Le, June Le, Mia Tran, Chelsea, Maya Yakob, Jade Duong, Mia Nguyen, Charlie Phan, Carson Nguyen, Nelson Dao, Ethan. Huynh Trưởng (Leaders): Mai-Thy Nguyen, Jayde Ho, Thien Thanh Tran, Thuy Nguyen, Hanh Vi Nguyen, Cao Vinh Lam, Phukhang Nguyen, Kien Dao, David Tran. Phụ Huynh (Parents): Kim, Ngan, Hang, Loi, Quyen, Huong, Oanh, Hong.

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Đoàn Sinh share their thoughts about their experience…

Maya Yakob (Oanh Vũ Nữ): My name is Maya Yakob, I am 7 years old. I haven’t been to a nursing home before. G ĐPT visited a nursing home in Springvale on 12/9/26. We performed several cultural dances, ran a crafts activity and interacted with the residents. The most memorable part of the nursing home visit were the old people, some of them lost their memory, their hands were shaking, some people can’t move, they were sitting in old chairs. I talked with some Vietnamese lady. Their name was Huê Phạm Trần. I spoke Vietnamese with them Some old man was from Spain, others from China and Cambodia. I spoke English with them. I feel bad for the old people because their family can’t look after them so I hope they have a happy, healthy life.

Joss Le (Thiếu Nam): I have not been to a nursing home or anywhere similar. My favourite part about visiting the nursing home was putting a smile on the elderly’s faces. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to clearly communicate with the elderly I spoke with due to them speaking Cambodian or Chinese, but I am glad we were able to do something meaningful for the people at the nursing home.

Caitlin Nguyen (Thiếu Nữ): I have never been to a nursing home before so this was a completely new experience for me. My favourite part of the nursing home visit was going around and socialising with all of the residents and dancing for them to bring them joy. I didn’t get the name of the person I got to know but she was a very sweet lady who spoke Vietnamese so I spoke a bit of Vietnamese to her and she was very eager to take pictures with me, Celine and Emma. Overall, I think this visit was very enjoyable and it was good to experience something new with my friends.

Tristan Le (Thiếu Nam): From memory, I’ve never been to a nursing home. Like this experience feels like a once in a lifetime thing. Meeting new people and getting to know them gets us to really express ourselves. The one thing I obviously can’t forget is the dance we did. It felt a bit off at first performing because they’re an older audience compared to normal, and also performing in a normally quiet space. A person I got to know was “Ham”. They spoke Vietnamese and I tried my best to communicate with them. Going there was pretty worth it as it has given the elderly a once in a lifetime very fun show and is a great experience.

Cindy Tran (Thiếu Nữ): This was my first time going to a nursing home, and my favourite part was probably talking to the elderly and taking polaroids with them so they could keep it by their bedside. I also really liked performing for them and seeing them smile. I got to talk to a few residents, including some who spoke Vietnamese, which made it easier to talk to them. Overall, I really enjoyed the visit and it was nice being able to spend time with them and make them happy!!

Natasha Dao (Thiếu Nữ): This is my first time going to a nursing home like this, and I have never been to an experience like this. My favourite part was getting to talk and socialise with the elderly and making the Polaroids with them. I got to know a resident named Pam Jin. She spoke Vietnamese and she was very sweet and loving. It was an amazing experience and that we should definitely do it again.