When COVID-19 brought the world to its knees many tourists here in Việt Nam made a desperate scramble to catch that last flight home before the borders closed. But one European couple decided to stay and their decision has proved to be a blessing in disguise.

Marriage and children have been hot topics in Việt Nam of late, thanks to the Government’s announcement that it wants people to marry before 30 and have two kids before 35, with tax breaks and other policies on offer to encourage procreation.

Mai came to Việt Nam in October 2018 under a two-year volunteer programme carried out by the Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICA) since 1995.

Drowning is one of the top causes of death of children in Việt Nam, with more children drowning here than any other country in Southeast Asia.

As social distancing continues to take its toll on residents obliging by the rules, one expat English teacher has decided to use the time to good effect.

The country has been putting in place preparations since January, knowing the potential impacts of the epidemic.