Born and raised in Southern Vietnam, Ms. Ngo grew up as the second child in a large family. Her father worked as a mechanic, and her mother was a housewife, caring for Ms. Ngo and her siblings. Although their life wasn’t affluent, Ms. Ngo and her siblings enjoyed a peaceful childhood filled with love, and they were fortunate to receive an education.
Ms. Ngo completed her first educational level (equivalent to the current fifth grade) but decided to leave school because she did not want to live far from her family. Instead, she stayed home to help with household chores and care for her younger siblings. At 17, Ms. Ngo married Mr. Tran, a man from the same village. They shared a happy life and raised eight children together.
Mr. Tran worked diligently as an airport employee, ensuring his family was well taken care of. While he went to work each day, Ms. Ngo managed the household and raised their children. Despite the challenges they faced, they took great pride in successfully raising eight children, all of whom grew up to pursue meaningful careers.
The war in South Vietnam had little impact on Ms. Ngo’s family. However, after the fall of the South Vietnamese government, some of her older children joined the border crossing movement to seek a better life abroad. Two of Ms. Ngo’s children emigrated to the United States, and three others settled in Australia. By 1991, when their children had established themselves in Australia, Ms. Ngo together with her husband also relocated there under the family reunification program.
Adjusting to life in a new country was challenging, but Ms. Ngo and her husband remained optimistic and quickly adapted to their new environment. With the support of their children, grandchildren, and the government, they became actively involved in community activities, finding joy in their new surroundings. In 2018, Ms. Ngo and her husband joined the activities at the Chung Wah Community Care (CWCC). Here, they found double joy as they connected with other seniors from Vietnam. Ms. Ngo shared:
“…Attending CWCC’s community activities at the Balcatta Centre every week brings me joy. If I don’t go to these activities, I’m not sure what to do at home where I just eat and sleep. My daughter takes me to the temple or the market every week, but those outings aren’t enough to keep me happy and engaged. I enjoy going to the Balcatta activities because I get to chat with other Vietnamese friends who also attend. I also appreciate the staff and volunteers at CWCC; they are enthusiastic, kind, and take great care of me. I especially enjoy playing Bingo, exercising, and colouring. I prefer to bring my own crayons from home because the ones here are light and not as vibrant. I like choosing my own colours for my paintings…”
Ms. Ngo’s words reflect the importance of the CWCC’s Community Centres in supporting seniors from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds, helping them stay socially connected and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Although her husband passed away, Ms. Ngo continues to attend the Balcatta Centre every Thursday. She particularly enjoys participating in activities at Evergreen College, such as painting, exercising, and playing Bingo. Ms. Ngo exemplifies a senior who leads a healthy lifestyle, actively engages in community activities, and embraces opportunities to maintain her well-being.
As spring 2024 approaches, bringing with it the promise of new beginnings and blooming flowers, CWCC wishes Ms. Ngo and her family continued health and happiness. May she always be filled with joy and optimism, continuing her journey through the golden years with vitality and success.
