The Van Tran CVBF Memorial Bursary program – 1st Annual
We are so excited to introduce Cuong Tran, our very first recipient of the Van Tran CVBF Memorial Bursary. The Bursary was founded by Dr. Grace Le to honour the memory and spirit of our dear friend Van Tran and her dedication to this Foundation. It is our hope that this bursary will help a post-secondary student who is not only in financial need, but is also actively participating and contributing to the betterment of our local Vietnamese community.
Cuong is a relatively new immigrant to Canada and is a student at NorQuest College. In the few short years in Edmonton, Cuong has become an active volunteer in our community, helping the Edmonton Vietnamese Association successfully participate in events such as the Heritage Days festivities and Tet celebration. His extensive volunteer work also include helping at a Taste of Edmonton festivals as well as helping in the repair/clearn-up after the Fort MacMurray flood.
We also received a number of letters of support for Cuong, providing the following testimonial:
“this energetic young guy did not talk much but worked very hard all day long with a smile always on his face”
“He always is the first to come and the last to go until the task is accomplished.”
“Cuong is a hard-working student struggling with language barriers and financial difficulties to better himself for a good life in Canada.”
“Often Cuong will do double shifts. His commitment to his assignment is exemplary to all of those who associated with him. Many time he had to take a bus , then a LR Transit and continue on another bus to get to where needed him for his volunteering.”
“His dedication to community is tireless and appreciated.”
“On non-event days, Cuong has sometimes been willing to come help clean the Vietnam Centre’s property when his school schedules allow.”
Congratulations, Cuong! Van would be so proud!!
CVBF is proud to announce the establishment of the Van Tran CVBF Memorial Bursary program. This program has been established to honour the memory of our dear friend Van Tran and her dedication to this Foundation. At least 2 bursaries valued $500 each will be awarded at the annual CVBF fundraiser (To be determined for 2020 due to COVID).
This program is aimed at members of our Vietnamese community who are actively participating and contributing to the betterment of our community while concurrently pursuing their post-secondary education. Applicants are free to submit themselves or can be nominated by a peer/community member. Our criteria are broad and are as follows:
- Demonstrates active participation in community efforts, either with the Vietnamese community directly or as a member of our cultural community contributing to the community at large.
- Currently enrolled or entering into any post-secondary institutions in Alberta with adequate standings.
- Have an overall vision of their lifelong goals with continued efforts towards community and global efforts.
Applicants are required to apply by filling out our application forms and providing references as well as a short couple of paragraphs describing their goals and visions. Please follow the link for the application form. Application can be submitted to childrenofvietnam.foundation@gmail.com. Deadline September 30, 2020.
We hope that Van Tran’s memory and spirit is sustained through this program and that we honour her life with meaning and contribution to further individual futures.