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UK-based NGO Marie Collins Foundation (MCF) and ChildFund Australia are both beneficiaries of the Global Fund to End Violence Against Children (EVAC) and have each separately received funding to support different elements of the multi-sectorial response to child sexual abuse and exploitation (CSAE) in Vietnam. Recognising the synergies between their projects, MCF, with its experience and expertise in developing training programmes for professionals who support victims and survivors of online abuse, have agreed to work in partnership with ChildFund Vietnam, ChildFund Australia’s representative office in Vietnam. This collaboration will see the organisations work together on implementation of the second phase of ChildFund’s SwipeSafe project to develop the knowledge and understanding of CSAE for police and child protection workers, and also to develop CSAE education and awareness raising products for children and professionals.

The agreement, which sees both organisations agree to work together until at least April 2022, will include developing an in-depth understanding of the current experiences of victims in the criminal justice system in the Vietnam, and identify opportunities to work directly with professionals, to develop capacity and capability and ultimately lead to improved outcomes for children both from a preventative education perspective and for those victims of abuse within the system.

“ChildFund Vietnam commits to support Vietnam, a member of WeProtect Global Alliance, to tackle online child sexual abuse and exploitation. Partnership with Marie Collins Foundation will help us take one step closer to achieve this goal as we understand it requires international collaboration to protect children from online threats. We believe that children and families in Vietnam will benefit greatly from both organisation’s combined expertise and effort on child online protection.” Mrs. Lien Thi Bich Nguyen, Country Director, CFVN.

“MCF are delighted to be able to collaborate with ChildFund Vietnam and work to support them in influencing and shaping national policy to further strengthen child protection practice in Vietnam. It is particularly pleasing, given COVID-19 restrictions, to have the opportunity to provide such support, collaboration and capacity building remotely through our recently developed on line Global Protection Network which was made possible through funding provided by End Violence Against Children”. Prof. Tink Palmer MBE, CEO Marie Collins Foundation.