Phan Thi Kim Phuc
Photograph
Image
Video
Audio
Activities
LOOK
Analyze the famous photograph of Kim Phuc, describing the emotions, setting and impact. Discuss how such images shape public awareness of war.
THINK
What do you think it means to be a “Goodwill Ambassador”?
DO
Create posters about Kim Phuc’s story, including key facts and a peace message. Optionally, write advocacy letters to support war-affected children.
DO
Research the UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador program. What is it? Who are some of the Ambassadors, and what kinds of work do they do?
Details
Historical Context
Choose one of the three levels below to match your needs.
- This photograph is of Kim Phuc, who was burned when she was 9 years old in a napalm attack during the Vietnam War.
- This is not the most famous photograph of her, however. An iconic image of her as a child, burned and crying after a napalm attack, came to symbolize the Vietnam War.
- She studied medicine in Cuba, then sought political asylum in Canada.
- She created a foundation that supports victims of war through hospitals and schools.
This photograph is of Kim Phuc, who was burned when she was 9 years old in a napalm attack during the Vietnam War.
Many people would recognize a more famous photograph of her as a burned and crying child, which has become symbolic of the futility and brutality of war.
The Vietnam War displaced many people, who scattered across the globe. Kim Phuc first lived in Cuba as a refugee, before seeking political asylum in Canada.
She helped children caught in war zones, and started a foundation to support hospitals and schools in war-torn countries.
Kim Phuc’s story demonstrates how refugees, no matter how traumatic their experiences have been, are still capable of not only rebuilding their lives, but also acting for the common good.
This photograph is of Kim Phuc, who was burned when she was 9 years old in a napalm attack during the Vietnam War.
After the fall of Saigon in 1975, thousands of Vietnamese, Laotians and Cambodians fled across Southeast Asia in search of safety. They were prey to rough seas and violence from pirates. Many of those who survived the ordeal found themselves in camps in Thailand and Malaysia.
A photograph of Kim Phuc following the napalm attack became one of the most iconic images of the conflict. After extensive medical treatment, she studied medicine in Cuba. On a refueling stop at Gander, Newfoundland, in 1992, she sought political asylum in Canada.
Kim Phuc has travelled around the world to support child victims of war. In 1994, she was named a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for her work. In 1997, she founded the Kim Phuc Foundation International to help victims of war by supporting schools and hospital projects.
- This photograph is of Kim Phuc, who was burned when she was 9 years old in a napalm attack during the Vietnam War.
- This is not the most famous photograph of her, however. An iconic image of her as a child, burned and crying after a napalm attack, came to symbolize the Vietnam War.
- She studied medicine in Cuba, then sought political asylum in Canada.
- She created a foundation that supports victims of war through hospitals and schools.
This photograph is of Kim Phuc, who was burned when she was 9 years old in a napalm attack during the Vietnam War.
Many people would recognize a more famous photograph of her as a burned and crying child, which has become symbolic of the futility and brutality of war.
The Vietnam War displaced many people, who scattered across the globe. Kim Phuc first lived in Cuba as a refugee, before seeking political asylum in Canada.
She helped children caught in war zones, and started a foundation to support hospitals and schools in war-torn countries.
Kim Phuc’s story demonstrates how refugees, no matter how traumatic their experiences have been, are still capable of not only rebuilding their lives, but also acting for the common good.
This photograph is of Kim Phuc, who was burned when she was 9 years old in a napalm attack during the Vietnam War.
After the fall of Saigon in 1975, thousands of Vietnamese, Laotians and Cambodians fled across Southeast Asia in search of safety. They were prey to rough seas and violence from pirates. Many of those who survived the ordeal found themselves in camps in Thailand and Malaysia.
A photograph of Kim Phuc following the napalm attack became one of the most iconic images of the conflict. After extensive medical treatment, she studied medicine in Cuba. On a refueling stop at Gander, Newfoundland, in 1992, she sought political asylum in Canada.
Kim Phuc has travelled around the world to support child victims of war. In 1994, she was named a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for her work. In 1997, she founded the Kim Phuc Foundation International to help victims of war by supporting schools and hospital projects.
Summary
- This photograph is of Kim Phuc, who was burned when she was 9 years old in a napalm attack during the Vietnam War.
- This is not the most famous photograph of her, however. An iconic image of her as a child, burned and crying after a napalm attack, came to symbolize the Vietnam War.
- She studied medicine in Cuba, then sought political asylum in Canada.
- She created a foundation that supports victims of war through hospitals and schools.
Essential
This photograph is of Kim Phuc, who was burned when she was 9 years old in a napalm attack during the Vietnam War.
Many people would recognize a more famous photograph of her as a burned and crying child, which has become symbolic of the futility and brutality of war.
The Vietnam War displaced many people, who scattered across the globe. Kim Phuc first lived in Cuba as a refugee, before seeking political asylum in Canada.
She helped children caught in war zones, and started a foundation to support hospitals and schools in war-torn countries.
Kim Phuc’s story demonstrates how refugees, no matter how traumatic their experiences have been, are still capable of not only rebuilding their lives, but also acting for the common good.
In-Depth
This photograph is of Kim Phuc, who was burned when she was 9 years old in a napalm attack during the Vietnam War.
After the fall of Saigon in 1975, thousands of Vietnamese, Laotians and Cambodians fled across Southeast Asia in search of safety. They were prey to rough seas and violence from pirates. Many of those who survived the ordeal found themselves in camps in Thailand and Malaysia.
A photograph of Kim Phuc following the napalm attack became one of the most iconic images of the conflict. After extensive medical treatment, she studied medicine in Cuba. On a refueling stop at Gander, Newfoundland, in 1992, she sought political asylum in Canada.
Kim Phuc has travelled around the world to support child victims of war. In 1994, she was named a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for her work. In 1997, she founded the Kim Phuc Foundation International to help victims of war by supporting schools and hospital projects.