Valued Skills In Vietnam

The image above was taken at a bamboo artisan’s home.  This man participated in the Vietnam War.  Once the war was over he had no other skills but to work with bamboo.  This is one of many specialized skills we have seen throughout our stay in Vietnam.  Coming from the United States it is an interesting perspective to see so many specialized workers.  In America I am so use to learning a wide range of skills and it seems, that is where the future is headed.  It is understandable to see specialized workers in a developing nation because education is generally not as good or emphasized.  Also, unlike most of the city population and the younger generations this man did not speak English.  I have come to the realization that education truly is the only way to move forward.  We can understand the differences in social class through education as well.  In Vietnam being able to speak basic English alone opens an array of jobs that only those few can do.  For tourist locations English is a necessity.  Being from America where English is the most universal language in the world we do not understand what it is like to learn another language as a skill.  An American that can only speak English can still hold a high ranking job on all 7 continents, for those people who’s first language is not English they are at a disadvantage.  Vietnam has taught me that we take people who struggle with english for granted because at least they are trying.

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