LOCATION
VIETNAM – Hué (1999), Ho Chi Minh City (2016)
LOCAL PARTNERS
VIETNAM – La Boulangerie Française, Thu Duc College of Technology (TDC)
Studying at La Boulangerie Française was a major turning point in my life. I not only learned authentic French bread-making techniques, but also developed professionalism, discipline and attention to detail in everything I do. Being part of LBF broadened my horizons and helped me improve my communication, English and teamwork skills in a multicultural environment where everyone supports and learns from one another. One of my proudest moments was the first time I completed a full batch of bread on my own and my teachers praised my work. It may have seemed like a small achievement, but for me it was the reward for all the effort I had put in. It made me realise that with perseverance, I can go much further in my baking career. If I could give one piece of advice to future students, it would be to learn with passion and never be afraid of making mistakes. Every attempt, even every failure, is an opportunity to learn. Don’t hesitate to ask questions whenever you’re unsure – at La Boulangerie Française, you’ll always find dedicated teachers and supportive friends. Most importantly, enjoy every moment, because La Boulangerie Française doesn’t just teach you how to bake; it gives you a genuine love and pride for the profession. Nguyễn, former student.
The French bread-pastry making schools in Vietnam
The Bread-Pastry Making School in Hué was created in 1999 in order to provide young orphan boys or young boys from very modest backgrounds with a career in a country with a strong tradition of bread. Every four months, the school welcomes two new young people for a 20-month training course, which includes a three-month internship at the end of the course. The apprenticeship-based training allows these young people to develop practical skills in the production laboratory. The products made are then sold at a tearoom in the center of Hué. Thus, the school constitutes a genuine social enterprise which is able to cover 95% of its operating costs! The IECD supports the team in certain specific areas, in particular the structuring of the training and the monitoring of students, as well as the evaluation and certification of skills, all subjects that were not really properly formalized. Furthermore, it supports the school in the construction of new buildings that, ultimately, will enable the reception of twice as many young people, in particular young women.
Based on the same model as the one in Hue, new bread-pastry making schools were opened in Ho Chi Minh City in 2016 and Yangon in 2017.




