Practical programme creates safe environment for children in ethnic minority groups

The programme was launched by Vietnam Women's Union, Plan International Vietnam organisation and the Live & Learn Environmental Education Centre in Vietnam (Live&Learn Vietnam).

The programme focused on a safe and friendly education and care system for children through two components of care and education for children and disaster risk reduction for children. It was implemented in the provinces of Lai Chau and Kon Tum from January 2017 to December 2021.

Following its five years of implementation, the project has made positive impacts on the awareness and behaviour change of parents, teachers, and local governments. Accordingly, the learning quality and the nutritional status and health of the children have been markedly improved.

Speaking at the workshop, Vice Chairwoman of Vietnam Women’s Union Tran Thi Huong said the programme aimed to create a safe environment for children in difficult areas and ethnic minority groups to develop comprehensively as well as help them improve their skills in adapting to natural disasters and climate change through the enhancement of the capacity and participation from children, parents, the community, and the local authorities.

However, children in ethnic minority groups and mountainous areas still face many difficulties, challenges, and limitations in accessing high-quality healthcare, education and entertainment services, she added.

Therefore, the joint efforts and strong commitment from the ministries, agencies and local authorities as well as the active companionship of domestic and international organisations are needed to make specific mechanisms and policies on comprehensive support for children, especially orphans and those who are living in difficult circumstances, said Huong.