Mission
Education. Exploration. Community
Vietnamese Language School of Hawaii was born out of a simple idea: Preserving the Vietnamese culture through language.
Our unique approach to learning and top quality teachers makes Vietnamese Language School of Hawaii the best school in Hawaii. VLSH offers young students a fun and enjoyable learning experience through a 10-week curriculum that allows for maximum student participation.
Trường Việt Ngữ Hawaii được thành lập tiêu chí cơ bản, thông qua ngôn ngữ Tiếng Việt chúng ta giữ gìn được bản sắc dân tộc và giúp con em chúng ta không quên cội nguồn của Tiếng Việt. Đó là chiến lược của trường chúng tôi .
We invite you to explore our engaging school!
Meet the VLSH Team
Where the Passion Begins
Vietnamese Language School of Hawaii has an outstanding team of dedicated administrators and teachers, all of whom are determined to help students succeed. Our team members offer support and guidance, uniquely tailored to each student. Take a look at some of their stories below.
Julius Cường Phạm, MD PhD
Founder, Director
I'm a first generation Vietnamese immigrant who has been in the United States since 1977. I'm worried about the loss of the Vietnamese culture, both in our kids and in the community here in Hawaii. I hope our school helps to preserve the Vietnamese heritage and strengthens the Vietnamese community here in Hawaii.
Annie Tôn Nữ Ngọc Lan Madar
Founder/Director
I am a mother of three American born Vietnamese children with a passion for preserving our culture. My dream for VLSH is to create a Vietnamese community that my children will be excited and proud to be a part of. I am dedicated to this mission and thrilled to be on this journey
Michelle Nguyen
Secretary
Michelle Nguyen’s career has been deeply rooted in administrative support, event planning, fundraising, and community engagement across the nonprofit, private, and government sectors. These experiences have honed her attention to detail and organizational skills, and she is thrilled to be bringing her skillset to the Secretary role for VLSH. In addition to volunteering for VLSH in Hawaii, Michelle serves as the Speaker Chair for the Berkeley Lions Club in California.
Thu Nguyen
Treasurer
Thu Nguyen is a CPA with over 10 years of experience auditing nonprofit organizations. She’s currently working for the Hawaii State Department of Education. Her family immigrated to Hawaii when she was 11 from Hanoi. Her passion is traveling and enjoying delicious home cooked meals with family and friends.
Cô Ngân Phạm
Director, Instructor
Aloha! My name is Ngân and I have been working with VLSH since its birth. I chose to become a teacher to lend hands to the mission of preserving the Vietnamese culture in the younger generation through học Tiếng Việt. Seeing joy in the kids as they learn Vietnamese motivates me tremendously on this journey. I truly hope that VLSH will become the center of excellence on Oahu for Vietnamese education.
Cô Hà Đinh
Course Instructor
Since joining VLSH, I have brought a fresh perspective and teaching approach to the school. I have over 30 years of experiences as an educator and principal in Vietnam. I am committed to providing students with a strong understanding of their cultural background
Thầy Chuẩn Đinh
Course Instructor
I am proud to be a teacher with VLSH and have a true passion for working with young learners. Helping each child progress in all areas of language development is a challenge that I am honored to accept. I will strive to create an environment that will nurture each student.
Cô Lành Hồ
Course Instructor
I am a registered behavior technician for school aged children throughout the island and enjoy the relationships that I have formed with children. I am excited to be a part of the VLSH team and its mission to preserve our culture through language. I will strive hard to provide the students with a good experience.
Cô Amy Phạm
Course Instructor
Con chào tất cả mọi người!! Hello everyone, my name is Amy Pham. I am a 16 year old junior in Moanalua High School. I was born in Vietnam, and lived there for the first 7 years. I am fortunate enough to understand Vietnamese both through writing and speaking! As I continue to work with VLSH, I hope to create an environment where kids can build on their knowledge of the Vietnamese language and culture. Once they have a better understanding, they will learn to develop an identity for themselves and further embrace it as a part of them!
Cô Thảo Bùi
Course Instructor
Thao is an MA student in the Second Language Studies department at the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa . She held a BA in Economics from the Foreign Trade University in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. She has taught Viet101 at University of Hawaii Manoa and loves to facilitate students’ Vietnamese learning via various technology-based practices in the classroom. In her free time, Thao enjoys making and editing short videos about her daily life; and exploring new technology stuff.
Cô Mai Vy Le
Course Instructor
My name is Mai Vy. I’m 16 years old and currently a junior at James Campbell High School. I was born in Hawaii but spent 11 years living and studying in Vietnam. Returning to Hawaii, I was fortunate to be introduced to VLSH, and I’m grateful to be part of this community. VLSH is dedicated to preserving Vietnamese language and culture for those eager to learn and for future generations of Vietnamese Americans. With the given chance, making the school dream become a reality is my important mission here!
Cô Hoa Lê
Course Instructor
Aloha. My name is Hoa. I was born in Hanoi and have been in Hawaii for 7 months until now. I have been working in education field for 10 years. I love Vietnamese and I want to contribute my best to maintain and develop Vietnamese here.
Cô Hiền Bùi
Course Instructor
Greetings to the parents and students of VLSH school, My name is Hien (Hana). I have about 15 years of expertise in education in Vietnam. My mission is to contribute to transforming education. Specifically, I aim to preserve and maintain Tiếng Việt for Vietnamese children who live abroad. With the VLSH Team, I am dedicated to encouraging children to comprehend, cherish, and feel pride in their homeland when having a lot of fun in our class.
Cô Dung Trần
Course Instructor
Xin chào mọi người, my name is Mỹ Dung. I was born in Da Nang City and grew up in Sai Gon. I have known VLSH for a long time but I haven't had a chance to cooperate with our school. At present, I am very excited to help and encourage students who are interested in Vietnamese culture and language. I will do my best to contribute my value to our school! Xin cảm ơn!
Cô Quỳnh Lê
Course Instructor
Xin chào tất cả mọi người. My name is Diễm Quỳnh. I have lived in coastal region of Central Vietnam for 17 years and I'm fortunate to have a solid foundation and a deep familiarity with Vietnamese culture. I’m so excited to join the VLSH team and strive to create a nurturing and engaging environment where children can explore and appreciate the rich traditions and values of Vietnam. Thank you.
Cô Huyền Võ
Course Instructor
Aloha everyone, My name is Huyen and I am a freshman at the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa in Pre-Engineering Program. I was born and raised in Vietnam, so that Tiếng Việt is my mother language and I love it so much! Being a part of VLSH is a big opportunity for me when I study abroad in Hawaii because through teaching the kids with interesting lessons, I can create a friendly environment where we will preserve and spread the Vietnamese language and culture together.
Cô Stephanie Do
Course Instructor
Board of Trustees
Dedicated. Experienced. Passionate.
Meet the Board of Trustees at the Vietnamese Language School of Hawaii. Our team is committed to providing quality education and promoting Vietnamese language and culture. Get to know our board members.