STORY OF THE MONTH
MY RIGHT TO EDUCATION
After two years of implementation in Quang Hoa district, Cao Bang province, the “My right to Education – Phase 2” project has brought about many impressive results. Watch the video below to discover the positive changes in the lives of children with disabilities in Quang Hoa district after the meaningful interventions of the project.
TIN TIN TICK & TALK
Parent Training on Supporting Children in the Transition from Kindergarten to Primary School
News by: Dinh Thu Ha – Project Officer
“The Parent Training on Supporting Children in the Transition from Kindergarten to Primary School” event was held…
“The Parent Training on Supporting Children in the Transition from Kindergarten to Primary School” event was held on November 28-29, 2024, to help parents better understand the transition process for children moving from kindergarten to primary school. Over 30 primary school parent representatives participated in the event, which aimed to provide practical knowledge to enable parents to support their children during this important stage.
Throughout the training, parents were introduced to the transition period from kindergarten to primary school, the changes children experience when they start school, and the challenges children in the local area often face during this time. Parents were also guided on how to support their children in developing self-confidence, independence, language skills, familiarity with basic math, and physical skills. A key aspect of the training was helping parents create action plans to support their children, ensuring that they are well-prepared for their primary school journey.
This is one of the activities under the “Ready for Primary School in Tan Lac District” project, supported by the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP).
Organising Regular Health Check-ups for Boarding Students in Ngan Son District
News by: Hoang Ngoc Huan – Project Officer
From 22 to 26 November 2024, the ChildFund Programme Management Board in Ngan Son District, in…
From 22 to 26 November 2024, the ChildFund Programme Management Board in Ngan Son District, in collaboration with the Ngan Son District Health Centre, joined forces with the School Administrators of Na Khoang School and Thuan Mang Primary School to conduct regular health check-ups for 727 boarding students.
The programme aimed to provide a comprehensive health assessment, detect potential health issues early, and offer timely care and advice to the students. During the health check-ups, medical staff carried out examinations such as measuring height and weight, and screening for common conditions, focusing on vision, ENT (ear, nose, throat), and oral health.
The headmasters of both schools expressed their gratitude to the District Health Centre for their support and emphasised the importance of regular health check-ups in maintaining a healthy learning environment for students. The programme was met with positive engagement from parents and students alike, contributing to raising community awareness about the significance of school health care.
Training on “Operating a Support Room for Inclusive Education for Children with Disabilities
News by: Ly Thi Phuong – Project Officer
Through this training, 46 preschool and primary school teachers have enhanced their skills in…
“Ms. Nu’s individual intervention session was amazing, leaving nothing to adjust!”
This is the feedback from expert Tran Thi Thu of the National Centre for Special Education in Hanoi, after the training session on “Operating a Support Room for Inclusive Education for Children with Disabilities” on 29 November, 2024, in Ngoc Dong Commune, Quang Hoa District, Cao Bang Province.
Through this training, 46 preschool and primary school teachers have enhanced their skills in planning and operating support rooms for inclusive education.
Compared to the first year, this second training session showed significant changes in how teachers organise individual intervention sessions for children with disabilities. Visual teaching aids were effectively utilised and logically arranged. Besides, teacher-child interactions were also carefully adjusted and better controlled.
This activity is part of the “My Right to Education” project, aimed at creating an educational environment where children with disabilities can thrive.
Seminar on “Enhancing Cooperation to Protect Children Online”
News by: Communications Team
On the morning of 21 November, 2024, in Hanoi, the Vietnam Information Security Association, in collaboration with…
On the morning of 21 November, 2024, in Hanoi, the Vietnam Information Security Association, in collaboration with the Department of Information Security under the Ministry of Information and Communications, held a specialised workshop titled “Enhancing Cooperation to Protect Children Online”.
This event is part of the annual Vietnam Information Security Day 2024, co-hosted by VNPT Information Security Center and several domestic and international NGOs.
Sharing his perspective on new regulations related to child online protection, Mr. Do Duong Hien, Online Safety Specialist from ChildFund Vietnam, stated:
“International organisations for child protection highly appreciate the efforts of the Vietnamese Government in improving the legal framework for internet management and child online protection. The provisions in Decree 147 mark a significant step forward.”
During the workshop, speakers also discussed the impact of emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) on children, a child-centred approach to online protection, and introduced technological solutions to help parents and schools prevent harmful information from affecting children.
Wrapping Up SEL Lessons and Project Outcomes
News by: Ung Thi Hien – Project Officer
In November 2024, 558 participants (526 students and 32 teachers) from 7 project communes in Tan Lac District, Hoa Binh Province, came together to…
In November 2024, 558 participants (526 students and 32 teachers) from 7 project communes in Tan Lac District, Hoa Binh Province, came together to celebrate the proud achievements of the mini projects under the “Health and Happiness for Students” initiative.
The SEL (Social-Emotional Learning) Teams identified key issues and developed plans for the mini projects. Over a period of more than two months, with the support of teachers, the teams worked tirelessly to create meaningful products. During the wrap-up event, each SEL Team presented their products, shared their goals, explained the significance of their work, and highlighted their contributions.
Additionally, the SEL Teams shared valuable lessons learned during the project implementation. These included how to overcome challenges, active listening and respecting others’ opinions, emotional connection skills, and techniques for managing stress.
Through this event, students not only developed SEL skills but also gained a deeper understanding of the importance of connection, sharing, and supporting one another in life. These invaluable lessons will accompany them on their journey to becoming responsible and compassionate members of their communities.
Refresher Training on the “Child Safeguarding” Policy in Tan Lac District
News by: Tran Van Tu – Project Officer
In November 2024, the “Enhancing the Effectiveness of the Child Protection System in Tan Lac District” project…
In November 2024, the “Enhancing the Effectiveness of the Child Protection System in Tan Lac District” project organised a series of refresher training sessions on the “Child Safeguarding” policy for relevant stakeholders. The training sessions were attended by 32 core parents from six project communes and 22 focal teachers from 18 schools within these communes.
Following the training, over 90% of participants gained a clear understanding of the concept of “Child Safeguarding”, distinguishing it from “Child Protection”, as well as learning their responsibilities and the process for reporting child-related issues to ChildFund. Participants also became familiar with ChildFund’s commitments to child safeguarding and learned to identify risks to improve child safety measures.
Additionally, the focal teachers will organise follow-up training for all teachers and staff at their schools, while the core parents will continue conducting communication activities and training sessions within the community. These activities will also be integrated with the project’s initiatives, contributing to raising awareness and strengthening child safeguarding measures across the district.
CULTURE CORNER
WORKSHOP ON LEADERSHIP AND LEARNING
On the afternoon of 20th November, all staff in Hanoi participated in the workshop “Leadership and Learning,” led by Ms Nguyen Thi Bich Lien, the Country Director. The session offered an inspiring and valuable experience for all attendees.
The workshop introduced modern trends in human resource management, focusing on four key aspects: Leadership, Work Performance, Creativity, and the Digital Playground. Various approaches to employee development, such as Coaching, Challenging, Supporting, and Expert Mentoring, were actively discussed, equipping leaders with strategies to maximise their team’s potential.
The session also emphasised the importance of a learning organisation, where sharing and continuous learning are prioritised. The 70-20-10 learning model was introduced, highlighting that learning happens not only in the classroom but also through practical work experiences.
The workshop provided fresh perspectives, helping staff gain a deeper understanding of the necessity of learning and adapting in a rapidly changing world. It served as a stepping stone for the organisation to advance further along their development journey.
INTERNATIONAL MEN’S DAY EVENTS AT OFFICES
On 19 November, in celebration of International Men’s Day, ChildFund Vietnam offices organised meaningful activities to celebrate the invaluable contributions of their male colleagues. The occasion also served to strengthen team spirit, create memorable moments, and spread joy within the ChildFund family.
At the Hanoi office, the atmosphere was filled with laughter and excitement as staff participated in a range of engaging activities. From fun games to surprise gifts, the day was truly complete. Male colleagues across all four offices received heartfelt wishes and thoughtful gifts from their female peers as tokens of appreciation and encouragement for their efforts and dedication.
BAMBOO WITH "MAC MAT" – A DELICACY FROM PROJECT AREA
Mentioning the culinary culture of the people in Bac Kan and Cao Bang, it would be a mistake not to mention dishes made from wild bamboo shoots. Among these, pickled bamboo shoots with “mac mat” leaves is a distinctive speciality deeply rooted in the local lifestyle and cuisine.
This dish harmoniously blends ingredients such as bamboo shoots, fresh “mac mat” leaves, chilli, garlic, and salt. Freshly harvested bamboo shoots are peeled, sliced, and soaked in water to reduce bitterness before being salted with other ingredients. The fresh “mac mat” leaves, typically harvested in July, imparts its signature aromatic flavour to the dish.
What makes pickled bamboo shoots so delicious is their unique aroma and the combination of tangy and spicy flavours. With its vibrant golden-red colour, the shoots retain their crunchiness and slightly pungent scent, pairing well with a variety of dishes.
Beyond its delicious taste, pickled bamboo shoots with mac mat encapsulates the cultural richness and culinary finesse of the highland communities, making it a true embodiment of local heritage.
DID YOU KNOW?
In recent years, International Men’s Day has gradually garnered more attention. It serves as an occasion to honour the often-overlooked contributions of men—the hidden heroes in our lives who, without the need for superhuman powers, consistently uphold what is right through their positive impacts on families and society.
Did you know there are plenty of interesting facts about this celebration? Let’s explore them together!
International Men’s Day was first initiated in 1999 in Trinidad and Tobago by Dr. Jerome Teelucksingh. Celebrated annually on November 19th, this day aims to recognise and honour the significant roles that men play in society. It highlights their contributions to families, communities, and the world at large, as well as promoting positive male role models and encouraging gender equality.
This celebration focuses on key objectives: promoting a positive image of men, improving both physical and mental health, enhancing gender relations to foster gender equality, and creating a safe living environment for all. It aims to raise awareness about the importance of men’s well-being and their role in building a more balanced and inclusive society.
International Men’s Day is currently celebrated in over 80 countries, with participation from community organisations, schools, businesses, and individuals. The day is marked through various events such as seminars, sports programmes, and even online campaigns. In India, the focus is on mental health, raising awareness about the challenges men face in this area. Meanwhile, in Australia, workshops are held to discuss gender equality, encouraging conversations around achieving fairness and respect for all genders. These diverse activities highlight the global reach and importance of International Men’s Day in addressing key social issues related to men.
Each year, International Men’s Day selects a theme to highlight the issues that men often face. For example, the theme “Make Men Healthier” in 2016 focused on promoting better physical and mental health for men. In 2019, the theme “Promoting Positive Male Development” aimed to encourage the growth of positive behaviours and attitudes in men. These themes help raise awareness of specific challenges and foster discussions around improving the well-being and development of men globally.
Although it is called International Men’s Day, this celebration is not solely focused on men’s rights. It also promotes collaboration between genders. Additionally, women and children are encouraged to actively participate in activities that foster connection, making the day meaningful for everyone.