Our History

The Kianh Foundation was founded in September 2001 by two English friends Jackie Wrafter and Jacci Garside; it became a registered charity in the UK in December 2002. It was officially registered as an INGO (International Non-Governmental Organisation) in Vietnam in January 2006.

The friends first visited Hoi An Orphanage in March 2001, whilst on holiday, and were immediately moved to action by the despair that they witnessed. They found 17 orphaned children with disabilities, lying 2 or 3 to old wooden beds, locked away in a dark room. The children's lives were lived out solely on the beds: they ate there; went to the toilet there. They never left the room. They had a small amount of food, no toys, no books, no games, no music. They just existed.

“Kianh” was the name of a boy with cerebral palsy whose condition, and yet innocence and hope, particularly inspired them to take action. He continues to live at the Orphanage. His picture appears at the top of each page on this website.

Our Vision, Mission and Values

Vision

Making Hoi An Orphanage a centre of excellence where all children have the opportunity to reach their greatest potential.

Mission

To improve the health, education and quality of life for children at Hoi An Orphanage by working with the people of Vietnam.

Values

To respect the children and adults with whom we work; and, whenever practical, to work with local people and their values, rather than imposing our own. We are not a religious or political organisation; and therefore do not discuss or promote any related thoughts or practices.

Regulation of our activities

The Kianh Foundation is registered in the UK and Vietnam. Our activities are regulated by the UK and Vietnamese Governments.

In Vietnam, the Foundation is regulated by the People’s Aid Co-ordinating Committee (PACCOM) in Hanoi. Our PACCOM Registration No.: A11348/UB-HD

In the UK, activities are regulated by the Charity Commission for England and Wales