Although there are many successful Vietnamese in Hawaii, there are many struggling to make ends meet. Some of these people receive public assistance from the government. However, most of the people from Vietnam eventually find jobs and become economically self-sufficient. Many Vietnamese, many who were highly educated and well-off in their homeland often take labor type of jobs. Those who succeed do so through hard work and support of their families.
In Hawaii, there are 10,040 Vietnamese-
Under 18 Years 28.7 (24.4) 18-24 Years 9.4 (9.5) 25-44 Years 35.6 (29.9) 45-64 Years 21.2 (22.9) 65 Years and
Over 5.0 (13.3)
Many Vietnamese people have
become quite successful in Hawaii. This has come about
through hard work and perseverance.
Governor Benjamin Cayetano and the chairman Nguyen Van Me
planning future developments in Hawaii.
Many Vietnamese in Hawaii became small business owners. They in turn, hire people from their own background and also, people from different ethnic backgrounds. This has provided many job opportunities in Hawaii. As the length of residence in Hawaii increases, the incomes earned by the Vietnamese increases. Also, the need for public assistance declines. Many have changed their lives of being rice field workers to successful restaurant owners. Many have also taken a profession in beauty, such as nails and hair.
The Vietnamese children have obtained high academic achievements. They are valedictorians of high schools and winners of science competitions. Many have had the highest grade point averages in their school and have scored high on SAT tests. This is a major feat because many who came by boat lost one to three years in refugee camps, where they had very little schooling. A majority came in which the adults speak limited or no English. A quarter of the families lived below the poverty level and attended the poorest schools in low-income areas. Yet, within three to five years, many Vietnamese students have excelled, performing at the highest academic levels. Studies show that this accomplishment was made from the values that the Vietnamese brought with them. When researchers asked some of the refugee families what values they believed were most important, ninety eight said education and achievement, a cohesive family and hard work. Additionally, ninety percent of the families said that these values were also important: family loyalty, freedom, morality, ethics, carrying out obligations, restraint and discipline, respect for elders and a cooperative and harmonious family. The two values that were said to be least important were excitement and material possessions. In contrast, these two values were rated among the highest with non-refugees.
Many of the Vietnamese will
never return back to their homeland to live. They have
adjusted to Hawaii's way of life.
This is
Vietnam, the home that many Vietnamese must leave in
order to provide for there families.
Life has changed
drastically for the Vietnamese in Hawaii. They have a
totally different lifestyle from their life in
Vietnam.
This is a
street seller selling Lychee trying to make a living in
Vietnam.
from Dr. Jim Dorian
Pictures and information on the
current events of Vietnam and Hawaii
http://starbulletin.com/2002/07/07/editorial/special2.html
Information of the careers and
celebrations of Vietnamese in Hawaii
http://vietspace.kicon.com/page/gen.jsp?dir=/account/site/vietspace
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