Fifty years since the conclusion of the Vietnam War, adoptee Jaki Clibbon, founder of Norwich-based catering business Papaya Verte, is raising funds for mothers separated from their children prior to 1975 by cycling from Ho Chi Minh City to Soc Trang. Here, Jaki explains why this week is a chance to ‘give back’
Who are you and what do you do?
I run a small part time catering business (Papaya Verte). The other half of my time I’m a parent carer to my youngest who is autistic. I started my business around 10 years ago, running supper clubs serving Vietnamese dishes. I am completely self-taught, and I only started cooking Vietnamese food because, at the time of moving to Norwich from London, there were no Vietnamese restaurants here. However, as my cooking went from cooking for friends to a business doing private cheffing, market stalls and hosting ‘Congee Clubs’ at Xo Kitchen, I found it to be an emotionally rewarding way to connect with my lost cultural identity – raising awareness and funds for mothers separated from their children prior to 1975.
What are you doing this week?
I am in Vietnam reuniting with about 30 other Vietnamese adoptees, mostly from Australia, but also from the USA and Europe. I am the only one representing the UK. We are here to commemorate 50 years since the end of the American/Vietnam War – 45 to 50 years ago we were a part of a worldwide Western government initiative called Operation Babylift. Young children and babies who become separated from their biological families due to the war were airlifted out to various countries to begin their lives in Western families. I was airlifted out as a young baby to a British lady. During our reunion we are embarking on a charity cycle ride from Ho Chi Minh City to Sóc Trăng, along the Mekong River, delivering care packages to rural areas – packages which each participant has raised money for. We are also supported by friends and family.
Is it a cause that is close to your heart?
The cycle ride is a way to connect to other Vietnamese adoptees, like me, and to ‘give back’ to the community.
What is the overall aim of the cycle ride?
The ride departed from Ho Chi Minh city (aka Saigon) on April 7, 2025, and arrives in Sóc Trăng on April 12, 2025. The cycle ride is 50-60km per day (284km in total) and aims to distribute care packages and raise funds to construct homes for vulnerable elderly citizens – as well as raise awareness of adoptees searching for their origins. April 1975 was the year of the end of the Vietnam war – so named ‘the Fall of Saigon’.
How is it going so far?
It’s been really special to link up and hear other adoptee stories. Some have found their families – and quite a number of the stories are quite traumatic. The actual cycle ride is hot as we’re cycling in 34 degrees and I’ve been training in England!
Celebrating Viet Nam Mothers 2025, organised by Viet Nam Family Search, marks 50 years since the conclusion of the Vietnam War, and raises awareness and funds for mothers separated from their children prior to 1975. To support Jaki and donate, visit Donorbox. Also, follow Papaya Verte on Instagram.
Featured images – supplied
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