Building Connections
Thanh, Yungo’s Multitalented City Planner and Children’s Art Mentor
Meet Thanh, a dedicated employee, working as a telecom network engineer at Yungo, who brings a unique blend of skills and passion to her role. Originally from Vietnam, Thanh moved to the Czech Republic five years ago to pursue her studies in landscape planning, a field that complements her background in architecture.
But Thanh’s work extends far beyond her professional life. Every Saturday, she dedicates her time to teaching art to children aged 5 to 10. The classes take place in SAPA (named after a town in Vietnam), located in the district of Prague 4, Czech Republic. Sapa is a large, vibrant marketplace known for being a hub of Vietnamese culture and commerce.
This isn’t just a hobby for Thanh; it’s a way of connecting with and giving back to the community. In her classes, young children learn more than just how to draw. Thanh teaches them crucial communication skills and how to express themselves. Her approach includes starting with questions to awaken their creativity. She starts with basic shapes to help build structure in their artwork, gradually progressing to more detailed techniques like coloring or crafts, which include cutting paper and creating group activities. Above all, Thanh's priority is to ensure that the class environment is joyful and fun, making the children eager to return each week.
Her class is a vibrant mix of Vietnamese and Chinese cultures. Although the kids don’t yet speak the same language (they’re learning Czech, though!), Thanh discovers that using English and sharing their love for drawing bridges the gap beautifully. It’s incredible how art and a few shared words can transform a diverse group of kids into a close-knit community!
This program originated from a casual part-time job where Thanh first met the founder of the organization, setting the foundation for what the class has become today. The initiative started as a small class with six children, including just one Chinese student. Today, Thanh’s class has grown, now welcoming three Chinese students among its attendees, making it a multi-cultural class. This expansion offers a space where children can connect, make friends, and communicate in their local languages.
“Every child is different; some are shy and have a hard time expressing themselves with words. Through my teachings, I have learned a lot about how to work with children and communicate with them at their level. By developing this skill, I'm able to put myself in their shoes which allows me to understand their thinking process. This experience has taught me patience and given me the ability not only to apply patience and open-mindedness with children but also at work, working with people from all over the world,”
says Thanh.
Thanh’s story is a wonderful example of how our employees are more than just their roles at Yungo. They are pillars of their communities, inspiring young minds, and making a difference one drawing at a time. Join us in celebrating Thanh’s dedication to her work and her profound impact on future generations. She practices and implements Yungo’s values, agility and passion into her daily life, beyond the office. It is truly inspiring to all of us!