The scientific symposium “Parenting Together: Family, Community, and Kinship-Based Care for Orphans”
On the morning of September 7, 2024, the Faculty of Sociology at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities (USSH), Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City (VNU-HCM), in collaboration with the Compassionate Start Foundation, successfully organized the scientific symposium titled "Parenting Together: Family, Community, and Kinship-Based Care for Orphans." The event took place at the D201 Hall of USSH, VNU-HCM, and served as an important platform for discussing issues surrounding orphan care, aiming to strengthen the bonds between children, caregivers, families, and the community. The symposium provided an opportunity for scholars, experts, and policymakers to exchange academic perspectives, as well as for philanthropists and social organizations to present ideas and policy solutions for supporting orphaned children.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Lê Hoàng Dũng, Vice Rector of USSH, VNU-HCM, emphasized the pioneering role of the Faculty of Sociology in addressing social issues, particularly those concerning orphans and families. He also highlighted the university's efforts to foster creativity, responsibility, and holistic education in contributing to the community. This symposium marks a crucial step in finding practical solutions to support orphans in today’s society.
Dr. Lê Hoàng Dũng, Vice Rector of USSH, VNU-HCM, presented a token of appreciation to Mr. Nguyễn Phú Đức, representative of the Compassionate Start Foundation.
Photo credit: Lý Nguyên.
The symposium's panel included: Master Nguyễn Hữu Bình, Dr. Nguyễn Nữ Nguyệt Anh, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Lê Thanh Sang. Photo credit: Trà My.
The first session, titled "Caring for Orphans: From Family Strain to Social Welfare," opened with two notable presentations. Master Tống Thị Hương from the Ho Chi Minh City Cadre Academy presented her research on the challenges faced by families raising orphans, particularly those who lost loved ones due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The study pointed out the difficulties caregivers encounter, including financial pressure, mental health challenges, and the role of the community in helping them overcome these obstacles.
Master Tống Thị Hương discussing the challenges in raising orphans. Photo credit: Trà My.
Dr. Nguyễn Minh Nhựt, Deputy Head of the Culture and Society Committee of the HCMC People’s Council, delivered a presentation on social policies and welfare for orphans in Ho Chi Minh City. He emphasized that both the government and the HCMC People’s Council have implemented numerous social policies aimed at improving the lives of orphaned children. He also highlighted the growing number of orphans post-pandemic, calling for new solutions to ensure their access to healthcare, education, and social welfare.
Dr. Nguyễn Minh Nhựt, Deputy Head of the Culture and Society Committee of the HCMC People’s Council, spoke about policies and social welfare for orphans. Photo credit: Anh Thư.
In the discussion, Mr. Văn Bình expressed concerns regarding the general policies for orphans compared to those for children orphaned by COVID-19. Ms. Yến Tuyết emphasized the cases of child abuse in private social welfare centers or even within family-based care environments. Despite the existence of policies to support orphans and disadvantaged children, they have not fully reached all the children in need. Following a lively discussion, participants had the chance to network, take photos, and visit the "Parenting Together" exhibition, showcasing the results and solutions for orphan care.
In the second session, Master Phạm Thị Minh Nguyệt from the organization Planète Enfants & Développement (PE&D) shared practical experiences working with families in special circumstances. She emphasized that supporting children within family environments, rather than orphanages, helps them develop more holistically and minimizes emotional and psychological harm. PE&D's family-support approach has proven successful in aiding orphaned children in many regions worldwide.
Master Phạm Thị Minh Nguyệt from Planète Enfants & Développement (PE&D). Photo credit: Trà My.
Master Nguyễn Văn Bình, representing the Compassionate Start Foundation, introduced the foundation’s contributions to orphan care in Vietnam. He discussed how the foundation has supported families raising orphaned children, providing them with access to education and opportunities for growth in a loving, protective environment.
Master Nguyễn Văn Bình, representative of the Compassionate Start Foundation.
The symposium concluded with a summary and closing remarks from representatives of the Compassionate Start Foundation and USSH. The insights and proposals from the event not only contribute to policy development for orphan support but also lay the groundwork for future research on family and community roles in orphan care and development in Vietnam.
Additional photos from the event:
The symposium in progress. Photo credit: Trà My.
Attendees included lecturers, researchers, and graduate students with an interest in the symposium’s topic. Photo credit: Trà My.
Speakers participating in the symposium. Photo credit: Chí Cường.
News article: Communication Team, Faculty of Sociology
