Foreign NGOs in 2024: Partners in Vietnam's Sustainable Future
| According to the report from the People's Aid Coordinating Committee (under the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations), in 2024, foreign non-governmental organizations (NGOs) continued to provide significant support, helping Vietnam achieve substantial progress in poverty reduction and socio-economic development. The programs and projects of these NGOs spanned various fields, including healthcare, education, economic development, social issues, natural resources, environmental protection, and climate change mitigation. They were implemented across all 63 provinces and cities nationwide. It is estimated that the disbursement value of programs and projects carried out by these NGOs reached approximately US$230 million. This represents a significant effort by the NGOs, especially in the context of global challenges and difficulties that have shifted strategies and priorities for many donors. The effectiveness of programs and projects funded and implemented by these NGOs has been recognized in several key areas. These include introducing and implementing pilot models for poverty reduction and sustainable development to help promote the formulation and realization of Vietnam's government priority objectives for development; enhancing capacity for Vietnamese partners, development staff, and beneficiaries; and supporting legislative activities, policy formulation, education, and training both domestically and internationally. Alongside the implementation of humanitarian aid activities, many organizations have actively supported Vietnam in the process of international integration, and advocated for Vietnam in international forums. Additionally, these NGOs have acted as “ambassadors,” promoting Vietnam's land, culture, and people, thereby expanding cooperative relationships and strengthening solidarity and friendship between Vietnam and international friends worldwide. Through these efforts, foreign NGOs have made a significant contribution to Vietnam’s people-to-people diplomacy. |
WORLD VISION INTERNATIONAL IN VIETNAM:
300,000 Vulnerable people find Shelter
| This is the ambitious goal of World Vision International in Vietnam (WVIV) in its journey to improve sustainable livelihoods and enhance the quality of life for poor, near-poor, marginalized, low-income households, and families with children, particularly those with vulnerable children in Vietnam. |
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| A flock of ducks raised by L.V. Ha’s family, supported by WVIV. (Photo: WVIV) |
| Journey out of poverty Before 2020, the family of 40-year-old L.V. Ha from Nhu Xuan district, Thanh Hoa province, was classified as a poor household. With elderly parents and two frequently ill children, Ha struggled with various labor-intensive jobs. Despite his efforts, his income was unstable, and his family often fell into dire financial straits. In 2021, Ha’s family participated in the Ultra-Poor Graduation (UPG) program established by WVIV. He received training in farming, livestock raising, and financial management. The organization also provided him with 200 chickens and ducks, along with feed and veterinary supplies. After three months, his first batch of poultry generated an income of approximately VND 10 million (US$394.79). Building on this initial success, Ha continued to participate in other support programs, such as the Savings for Transformation (S4T) group and the Microfinance Program. By leveraging these resources effectively, Ha's family experienced significant positive changes. Their dilapidated bamboo house was replaced by a solid tiled home. With stable income, the children were able to attend school, and the elderly parents received better care. "Thanks to WVIV, we were not only provided with financial support but also equipped with scientific knowledge about farming and livestock raising. Moreover, I learned how to plan family expenses to minimize risks and adopt effective technical measures, even in the face of natural disasters or epidemics," Ha said. His wife, L.T. Anh, added that the couple used to earn only VND 200,000–250,000 (US$7.9-9.87) per day from odd jobs, which was highly unstable. Today, their family’s average monthly income has reached VND 12 million (US$473.75), enabling them to escape poverty and stabilize their lives. |
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| Local residents participating in a "Community-Driven Development" training session under the THRIVE 2030 Project. (Photo: WVIV) |
| Long-term commitment The livelihood support received by Ha’s family is part of the Nhu Xuan Area Program implemented by WVIV from 2009 to 2026. Through this program, the proportion of parents and caregivers able to provide adequately for their children has increased from 83.2% to 94.1%; the proportion of households effectively applying market knowledge to build networks and improve income has risen from 58.1% to 76%; and the percentage of youth with access to learning opportunities for successful futures has grown from 73.2% to 100%. To further support residents in developing stable and sustainable livelihoods, WVIV launched the “Transforming Household Resilience in Vulnerable Environments” (THRIVE 2030) project in 2023. The project continues to implement, expand, and replicate models such as the Savings for Transformation (S4T) groups, the Microfinance Program, and the Building Secure Livelihoods (BSL) initiative. The project focuses on four key areas including community-driven development, enabling households to access financial services, market linkages and local value chain development, and improving operations through digital transformation to maximize effectiveness.
Nguyen Viet Dung, project manager of THRIVE 2030, stated that the project is currently being carried out in nine area programs where WVIV is licensed to operate. With a total budget exceeding US$12 million and a seven-year timeframe (2023–2030), the project aims to improve sustainable livelihoods and enhance the quality of life for over 60,300 poor, near-poor, and vulnerable households, particularly those with children, benefiting an estimated total of over 300,000 people. After its first year, the project has already reached more than 36,500 individuals. Doseba Tua Sinay, WVIV chief representative, emphasized that THRIVE 2030 reflects WVIV's commitment to ensuring child well-being by fostering sustainable livelihoods, improving incomes, and enhancing the quality of life for the most vulnerable communities in Vietnam. |
Catholic Relief Services:
GUIDe on the path to happiness
| This is the mission and commitment of Catholic Relief Services (CRS), an organization that has initiated numerous projects to support people with disabilities in Vietnam over the years. |
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| Integration for growth Phan Ba Quang, born in 2015 in Quang Tri Province, is now confident participating in group activities, folding clothes, organizing books neatly, and completing many other daily tasks. These seemingly simple actions are the result of a long and determined journey for a boy with Down syndrome. “Previously, Quang faced many difficulties in learning and daily life. By the end of first grade, he could only distinguish the letters “o” and “i”, confused numbers from 1 to 10, and often forgot what he had learned. Socially, he struggled with group activities, frequently yelling and showing anger," shared Luu Thi Hoai Linh, a teacher at Trung Nam Primary and Secondary School (Trung Nam Commune, Vinh Linh District, Quang Tri Province) and Quang's homeroom teacher. In November 2023, thanks to the intervention of the program titled “Improving social integration, healthcare, education, and livelihoods for people with disabilities” (I-Shine Project) implemented by CRS, Quang began receiving individual lessons with specialized teaching methods from his homeroom teacher. He also joined the I-Shine Club at school, where he interacted, learned, and received support from teachers, peers, and older students. This enabled him to develop social skills, improve communication, make friends, and gain new experiences. In addition, the project organized advanced training courses to equip teachers with knowledge and skills for teaching students with disabilities. It also maintained a caregivers’ club for parents to share experiences and receive practical support. Quang’s family was also provided with a cow to help improve their livelihood and enhance their quality of life. Teacher Linh noted that after more than a year of participating in the project, Quang has made remarkable progress. He now holds a pen correctly, moves to the rhythm of songs, recognizes more letters and numbers, and accurately names various plants, animals, and school supplies. He also understands and follows teachers’ instructions, has developed teamwork skills, cooperates with friends in group activities, and no longer screams or gets angry. “The project has brought comprehensive impacts not only to Quang but also to his family, school, and society. It has laid the foundation to motivate Quang to thrive, realize his potential, and become an independent individual contributing to the community,” said Linh. Building a foundation for the future Dinh Thi Nguyet, Program manager for disability support at CRS, said that the I-Shine Project, funded by Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and Caritas Australia through CRS, has been implemented in Vietnam since August 2019. The project is expected to run until May 2027 in Quang Tri and Quang Nam provinces. It aims to enhance social integration, healthcare, education, and livelihoods for people with disabilities through collaborative local actions.
According to Nguyet, CRS has supported social inclusion and quality of life improvements for people with disabilities in Vietnam for over 20 years. Since its launch in 2019, the I-Shine Project has brought about change for 395 people with disabilities, including 196 children with disabilities in Hai Lang and Vinh Linh districts of Quang Tri Province, through educational initiatives, medical support, income improvement through livelihood activities programs, vocational training, and job opportunities for young people and women with disabilities. Additionally, 150 disadvantaged households with disabled members have received livelihood support to expand their income sources, enabling better care for family members with disabilities. Nearly 500 teachers, healthcare workers, and local officials have gained enhanced knowledge and skills to support people with disabilities through training sessions organized by the project. Around 350 parents and caregivers have also improved their understanding and caregiving skills for children and youth with disabilities. Nguyet emphasized that CRS will continue implementing support activities for people with disabilities and their families in the coming time. Priority areas include direct support for education, healthcare, and safety for people with disabilities; assisting families of people with disabilities to access livelihood initiatives that improve income; equipping caregivers with caregiving and home-teaching skills; and enhancing the capacity of stakeholders to ensure the sustainability of services for people with disabilities. |
CHILDCARE VIETNAM:
Firm Pillar for children with disabilities
| Nguyen Chi Kien, a 6-year-old boy from Phu Ninh District, Quang Nam Province, can now feed himself, greet his teachers, and play happily with his friends. This remarkable transformation is the result of a coordinated effort among his family, educators, and the special education model implemented by ChildCare Vietnam (CCV). |
| Chi Kien’s life-changing journey Kien was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder by his family when he was just 14 months old. His treatment was disrupted due to the Covid-19 pandemic and financial difficulties. However, in August 2021, Kien joined CCV's early intervention program in Phu Ninh District. At the beginning, Kien struggled with speech, had difficulty focusing, and was frightened by loud noises. Thanks to the dedication of CCV’s teaching staff and his family, Kien made extraordinary progress within just six months. He began to utter single words like “dad (ba)”, “mom (mẹ)”, “grandpa (ông)”, and “car (xe)”, gradually forming short phrases and answering simple questions. Kien also engaged in learning and physical activities, developed counting and color recognition skills, played games confidently, and even sang his favorite children's songs. Now, Kien has successfully integrated into a preschool classroom. He eats independently, sleeps soundly, and expresses his needs through language.
A special education model Since initiating support for children with disabilities in Quang Nam in 2017, CCV has developed two parallel projects: assisting children with disabilities and orphans at the Quang Nam Peace Village and providing care for children with disabilities in Phu Ninh District. According to Pham Huu An, Director of CCV’s Program, the organization currently implements two special education programs for children with disabilities, including: First, AAC model, designed for children aged seven and older. This program provides personalized education plans based on initial assessments. Second, early intervention model, targeted at children aged three to six. This program emphasizes early detection and timely intervention during the "golden stage" of child development. Additionally, CCV organizes supplementary educational sessions for orphans at the Quang Nam Peace Village. A distinctive feature of CCV’s approach is its strong connection between schools and families. Parents are guided on how to support their children at home and participate in training sessions to enhance their caregiving skills. According to An, financial difficulties are the primary challenge for CCV. “Special education services are costly, requiring appropriate teacher-student ratios (1:3) and various specialized tools. Some parents are skeptical about the program's effectiveness and prefer community-based education for their children, even when their capabilities may not align with such environments,” said he. Despite these challenges, CCV has achieved significant results. According to the organization’s report, at the Quang Nam Peace Village, CCV has supported 17 children with disabilities in special education programs and 22 orphans in supplementary educational sessions. In Phu Ninh District, 48 children with disabilities have participated in CCV's special education programs, nine of whom have successfully transitioned into community-based education. In the coming time, CCV plans to expand its vocational training programs, offering career guidance to children with Down syndrome and developmental delays under the AAC model. This initiative aims to help these children integrate more effectively into society. |
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY VIETNAM:
Cozy houses of friendship
| These are the houses co-sponsored by Habitat Vietnam for 19,000 poor Vietnamese families with housing difficulties over the past 20 years. |
| New house, new life Two years ago, Nguyen Van Thoai's family, residing in An Cuong Village, Que Tho Commune, Hiep Duc District, Quang Nam Province, lived in a dilapidated house by the river. In 2022, Thoai's new house was built after a survey by Habitat Vietnam and the Hiep Duc District Project Management Board. With a total support budget of 65 million VND, plus contributions from the family, the 60m² house—including a living room, two bedrooms, and a solid concrete mezzanine—was completed. Thoai said, "Previously, my family of five lived in a small 25m² house built more than 20 years ago. The house had no concrete pillars, the walls were cracked, and the corrugated iron roof was badly damaged. Every time there was heavy rain or an earthquake, we worried it would collapse. With the support of Habitat Vietnam and the government, we now have a safe house. The children have a better place to study, and our family life is much more stable." Nguyen Hong Van and her five children from Village 1, Tien Lanh Commune, Tien Phuoc District, also left their temporary living conditions to move into a new house in July 2024. The 36m² house includes a living room, two bedrooms, and a bathroom, providing her family with a safe and stable life. Van said, "Our old house was only 12m², cold in the rainy season and hot in the summer. Every time there was heavy rain and strong winds, I had to take my children back to my mother's house to avoid danger. Habitat Vietnam supported us with 40 million VND, and with the help of the government and additional loans, I now have a new house." |
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| Nguyen Van Thoai's new house. (Photo: Habitat Vietnam) |
| Creative solutions According to Habitat Vietnam, the new houses for Van and Thoai were built within the framework of two projects: "Minimize the Impact of Climate Change on Housing Vulnerability in the Community" (implemented from November 2021 to June 2024) and "Build Disaster Resilience through Housing Solutions and Capacity Building for Communities" (from March 2023 to November 2024) in Tien Phuoc and Hiep Duc districts, Quang Nam province. During the implementation, these two projects supported the construction of 49 new houses, repaired 85 houses, completed 65 household sanitation facilities, and improved 3 community facilities in the aforementioned districts. Additionally, Habitat Vietnam organized training and communication programs to enhance people's capacity to respond to natural disasters. According to Bells Borja, Country Director of Habitat Vietnam, housing projects are specifically designed to be disaster-resistant, while also being suitable for the culture, customs and financial conditions of each family. The project’s highlights include:
First, people are encouraged to participate in every stage, from design to construction supervision. This helps ensure that the house is suitable for actual needs and increases attachment. Second, the house is designed to be suitable for local culture. In the mountainous area of Quang Nam, Habitat Vietnam designs houses that are both suitable for the culture of ethnic minorities and are solid and resistant to natural disasters. Third, the organization takes advantage of local materials, using alternative solutions such as reinforced zinc roofs instead of tile roofs to reduce costs while still ensuring durability. Fourth, Habitat Vietnam organizes training programs on disaster-safe housing construction techniques and applies the Participatory Approach for Safe Shelter Awareness (PASSA). These programs not only help people improve their housing construction capacity but also spread skills and knowledge in the community. In response to the growing challenges posed by climate change, Habitat Vietnam has announced plans to expand its safe housing construction projects across the country. Borja emphasized that climate change not only poses an environmental challenge but also significantly affects social security, particularly for low-income families and vulnerable communities in Vietnam. She stated that Habitat Vietnam is dedicated to a long-term strategy aimed at improving housing, enhancing quality of life, and fostering more sustainable communities. The organization prioritizes building, repairing, and upgrading safe housing through the direct involvement of families via the "sweat equity" model and financial support through microloans. Additionally, Habitat Vietnam collaborates with the government and local communities to implement disaster risk reduction plans, apply the "Build Safer" solutions, and improve access to clean water and sanitation through initiatives such as rainwater harvesting, cisterns, and sanitation systems. One of the key activities of Habitat Vietnam is the implementation of the PASSA method to educate people on preserving their homes, increasing resilience to natural disasters, and managing risks. According to Borja, the organization conducts training sessions to guide communities on how to inspect, repair, and maintain their homes to minimize damage caused by natural disasters. It also helps communities develop specific response plans for each household and the entire community. Through the Social Learning Exchange Activity (SLEA), we provide opportunities for communities and partners to share experiences and learn from one another about building safe housing and managing disaster risks. These efforts not only enhance understanding of the importance of sustainable housing but also foster cooperation and promote practical solutions,” she added. She also shared that Habitat Vietnam’s long-term vision is to create a world where every family has the opportunity to live in a safe home. Such homes are not merely shelters but also a foundation for economic development, improved health, and resilience against the challenges posed by climate change. |
| VNT Writers |