Years after starting a movement to fund life-saving heart surgeries, Linnea Niklasson (Class of 2019) returns to UNIS Hanoi to meet the students continuing her mission.
It was a homecoming filled with nostalgia and purpose, as Linnea Niklasson stepped through the gates of UNIS Hanoi once again. Years had passed since she was a student here. Once a young girl determined to make a difference, Linnea had returned to meet the new generation of student leaders carrying forward the legacy of Heartbeat Vietnam—the service-learning group she inspired.
Now a rising professional, Linnea's story continues to be a testament to the power of compassion, resilience, and the idea that one person—no matter how young—can change lives. Her journey began in Grade 5 when, as part of a school project, she researched her own heart condition and realised something deeply unjust: the life-saving surgery she had received in Sweden for free was out of reach for many children in Vietnam.
A Childhood Project
"Through the project, I learned about Operation Healthy Hearts and what it’s like for children in Vietnam with a heart defect—just like mine. I was lucky to be born in a country where receiving medical care was taken for granted. I had multiple surgeries that ultimately saved my life. But many children aren’t as fortunate,” Linnea recalled.
Instead of turning away from this harsh reality, she took action by starting an awareness campaign within the UNIS Hanoi community and began fundraising.
“At the time, all I wanted was to help someone. And the UNIS Hanoi community’s response was overwhelmingly positive—everyone was incredibly supportive,” Linnea said.
Through sheer determination, she raised $3,200 in just three weeks—enough to fund critical heart surgeries for two Vietnamese children, Bui Duc Trung and Phu Gia. Both children, once struggling for survival, were given a second chance at life because of Linnea’s efforts.
Her initiative, Heart of Linnea, was recognised as one of Sweden’s highest honours, naming her a Swedish Hero in 2012. But for Linnea, the journey was never about recognition; it was about making a lasting impact.
"When I started Grade 6, I knew the idea was really something. I wanted to turn it into a service-learning project. We mostly saw it as a one-year initiative and thought we’d see where it goes. But it kept growing, with more students and teachers wanting to be a part of it. Now, six years since I left UNIS Hanoi, it’s still thriving—and that’s amazing."
A Reunion with a Purpose
Returning to UNIS Hanoi after all these years, Linnea was greeted by a group of students eager to hear her story. The current leaders of Heartbeat Vietnam have followed in her footsteps, organising fundraisers, awareness campaigns, and community outreach programs to support children in need of heart surgeries. Sitting in the same classrooms where she once dreamt of making a difference, Linnea listened intently as the students shared their initiatives, their struggles, and their hopes for the future.
"Seeing this group continue what we started so many years ago is incredibly moving," Linnea shared. "It proves that people still want to help, want to make a change, and that’s the UNIS Hanoi community spirit at its core."
On the flip side, hearing Linnea’s story firsthand was more than a moment of inspiration to the students; it was a reminder that their efforts matter. Chau, a senior student leader, reflected, "I could feel that Linnea has a really genuine connection with the work. That kind of energy is not something that you see everyday. Talking to her made me realise how much Heartbeat Vietnam has evolved over the years—and how much more it can grow in the future."
For Ms Jennifer Louvet, the faculty member who has overseen Heartbeat Vietnam for the past 11 years, Linnea’s journey had shaped not only the group but also her own involvement. "Linnea’s story is what first inspired me to join Heartbeat Vietnam. I’ve always shared her journey with our students, and they were moved by it—but hearing from her in person is even more powerful,” she shared. “We hope that today’s students will carry this mission forward, and one day, return to inspire future generations just as Linnea has."
Passing the Torch
Linnea’s return to UNIS Hanoi was a symbolic passing of the torch. While her path had taken her to different parts of the world, her heart remains tied to the cause she started as a young fifth grader—now in the hands of countless others who will carry it forward.
As she concluded her visit, she gave the students a final message of encouragement: “You just have to start, have fun and then keep going! The smallest deeds of compassion can have a profound impact.”