Children are the future of the country, the seedlings that need to be nurtured and protected to grow into citizens who contribute to society. Caring for and educating children is not only a responsibility but also an investment in the future of the nation.

In recent times, Vietnam has achieved many positive results in child care and protection. However, despite these achievements, many children still face difficult circumstances, lack of resources, and limited access to education, healthcare, and basic living conditions. To address this issue, it requires not only the responsibility of all levels and sectors but also the joint efforts of the entire society.

In this context, to enhance the capacity of social workers, young lecturers, and social work students, on the morning of August 14, 2024, at Hall 602, 97 Vo Van Tan Street, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City Open University, in collaboration with The Capacity Building and Support Center for Women and Children, the Ho Chi Minh City Professional Social Work Club, with the financial support of Wallonie-Bruxelles International, the Wallonie Bruxelles Delegation in Vietnam, and the Dynamo International organization, organized a scientific seminar entitled "Social work with children in difficult circumstances and street situations: From international experience to Vietnamese reality".

Overview of the seminar

Attending the event, representing Ho Chi Minh City Open University, were Dr. Le Nguyen Quoc Khang - Vice President; MA. Lam Thi Anh Quyen - Deputy Head of the Faculty of Sociology - Social Work - Southeast Asian Studies. Representing the collaborating and supporting units were Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Phuc - Director of the CSWC Center, Head of the Ho Chi Minh City Professional Social Work Club, Mr. Pierre Du Ville - Head of the Wallonie Bruxelles Delegation in Vietnam, Mr. Edwin DE BOEVE - Director of Dynamo International organization...; along with the presence of leaders of organizations, units, shelters, social welfare facilities, compassionate schools, representatives of Social Work Departments/Divisions and social work students from Universities.

Highly appreciating the significance of the program, Dr. Le Nguyen Quoc Khang - Vice President of the University, affirmed that the results of the seminar would serve as a basis for the University to improve training programs, enhance teaching quality, and build cooperation strategies with external organizations to address social issues in a scientific and comprehensive manner. The University hopes to receive many practical opinions and suggestions from the delegates to find the best solutions to bridge the gap between training and practical requirements in the field of social work.

Dr. Le Nguyen Quoc Khang - Vice President of the University speaking at the event.

Mr. Edwin de Boevé - Director of Dynamo International organization said, "Vietnam is one of the founding member countries of Dynamo International - an international network of street social workers comprising 57 countries and recognized for its many achievements in training, publishing, and very active advocacy at the local and international levels, supporting many projects in Asia, Europe, Africa, and America. With a network of over 150 social workers from many provinces and cities, organizing many constructive and regular training and workshops with relevant agencies on social issues and child protection, social work in Vietnam has truly changed and developed strongly."

Within the framework of the program, 03 main presentations by domestic and international speakers outlined the current situation of children in difficult circumstances in Vietnam and other countries.

Mr. Pierre Du Ville, Head of the Wallonie-Bruxelles Delegation in Vietnam speaking at the program

MSc. Phan Thi Mai Quyen presented on “The issue of sexual abuse among street children in Viet Nam”.

Ms. Pham Thi Minh Nguyet presented on “Methods of accompanying families with children in difficult circumstances and street children”.

Subsequently, the discussion session took place lively with presentations sharing experiences and difficulties of social workers in the implementation process as well as proposing solutions to enhance the effectiveness of intervention and support for children in difficult circumstances, such as raising community awareness for children instead of sending them to foster care.

Mr. Nguyen Diep - Member of the Dynamo network reported a summary of activities to help children in difficult circumstances and street children in Da Nang.

The seminar attracted nearly 100 delegates and learners from agencies, organizations, and universities across the country with diverse opinions, making practical contributions to addressing urgent issues such as improving the quality of social services, mobilizing social resources, and solutions to accompany families and children in difficult circumstances.

Some photos of the program:

Ho Chi Minh City Open University and other units took a commemorative photo.
Learners attending the seminar
Sponsors and partners received souvenirs from the University