The mission of A Learning and Interactive Vietnamese Experience (ALIVE) is to create a network of families and individuals interested in Vietnam and to foster that interest through cultural programs and language lessons. ALIVE is a free program and is based at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut.
During the academic year, our programs include visits from Vietnamese artists, performances of lion dancers, group discussions, arts and crafts, celebration of traditional holidays, food preparation, and much more.
ALIVE participants come from all walks of life. We include adoptive and biological families as well as individuals. One common tie unites us all: an interest in Vietnam. Anyone and everyone is welcome to join our free programs, regardless of age or race. Our ALIVE Leaders include Yale faculty, undergraduate and graduate students, and members of the Greater New Haven community.
The ALIVE program was founded in 2007 by Yale junior Kathy May Tran at Yale University upon her meeting Gina, Jean, Lia, and Jaden Bonfietti-Csvihinka, who expressed the community’s need for more Vietnamese resources for their Vietnamese children. In 2008, after two semesters, the first ALIVE Board was formed.
Since then, the ALIVE community has grown to include many families and individuals from all over Connecticut and even New York. Notable events and programs have included a visit from Vietnamese artist Tri Duc; making goi cuon (summer rolls); celebrating Tet (Lunar New Year); creating dragons and learning to use them with the Yale Lion Dance Troupe; participating in a cooking demo with Vietnamese chef Andrea Nguyen, and much more.
ALIVE is sponsored by the Yale Council on Southeast Asia Studies (SEAS). It is also affiliated with the Yale Vietnamese Students Association (ViSA).
If you are interested in joining ALIVE or would like to know more information, please contact us and/or register. We would love to have you join us!