USSH Hosts Minister-President of the French-speaking Community of Belgium
On the morning of April 3, the University of Social Sciences and Humanities (USSH), Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City (VNU-HCM), welcomed the Minister-President of the French-speaking Community of Belgium and a Belgian delegation to attend the launch of the project “Enhancing Capacity for Mental Health Care for Children Victims of Domestic and Community Violence.” The event marks a significant milestone in international cooperation between Vietnam and Belgium and highlights the University's leadership in integrating academic work with social responsibility and sustainable human development.
In her remarks, USSH President Prof. Dr. Ngô Thị Phương Lan emphasized that this is not merely a diplomatic event, but a joint commitment by both nations to address the pressing issue of child abuse. She stated that the project embodies the convergence of knowledge, dedication, and the aspiration to build a safe and healthy environment for future generations. With over 65 years of development, USSH has consistently initiated projects with profound humanistic values, bridging academic research and real-life social needs. The project “Enhancing Mental Health Support for Children Victims of Domestic and External Violence” stands as a compelling demonstration of that commitment—a sustained effort to bridge social sciences with lived realities, particularly in supporting, protecting, and healing children, a vulnerable group often overlooked in public policy.
Prof. Dr. Ngô Thị Phương Lan, President of the University, emphasized that this event is not merely an annual diplomatic activity, but an opportunity for both countries to join hands in addressing pressing issue of child abuse. – Photo: LÝ NGUYÊN
Running from 2025 to 2027, the project is a result of a bilateral agreement between the Vietnamese government and the French-speaking Community of Belgium. It involves key organizations and experts from both countries, including Dynamo International, SOS Enfants ULB, and Université Libre de Bruxelles from Belgium; and from Vietnam: USSH’s Faculty of Psychology, CPAR (Center for Psychological Application and Research), the Center for Women and Children Empowerment, IPRTA Institute, and various child and community support centers. The project aims to develop a system for early detection, effective intervention, and sustainable therapy for abused children, while also enhancing the expertise of psychologists, social workers, and community healthcare providers through specialized training.
During the launch event, attendees were presented with detailed reports on the project’s objectives and implementation strategies by the team of specialists, notably Dr. Lê Thị Mai Liên, Head of the Faculty of Psychology and Project Director, along with experienced lecturers and practitioners. The presentations approached the topic of child mental health from multiple perspectives, including an overview of the project, mapping of existing support services, specialized therapeutic methods, and strategies for engaging children both in the community and school settings. These contributions reflected a comprehensive, interdisciplinary outlook that effectively bridges theoretical frameworks with practical social intervention.A notable feature of the event was the interactive session between the Belgian delegation and children currently receiving psychological support through the project. This exchange offered valuable insights into mental health care practices while amplifying the voices of the child beneficiaries, deepening mutual understanding and empathy across cultural and institutional contexts.
Dr. Lê Thị Mai Liên, Head of the Faculty of Psychology and Project Director, presented an overview of the project – Photo: LÝ NGUYÊN
Minister-President Elisabeth Degryse, in her remarks, expressed confidence in the potential for long-term collaboration between the two countries in the domains of mental health care and child protection. She underscored the universality of the issue of child abuse, which transcends national and cultural boundaries, and affirmed that joint efforts from educators, therapists, and the international community are essential in forging real paths to healing for affected children. Belgium’s participation in this initiative, she noted, is a concrete and meaningful manifestation of this shared responsibility.
Ms. Elisabeth DEGRYSE, Minister-President of the Government of the French-speaking Community of Belgium, expressed confidence in the potential for sustainable cooperation between the two countries in the field of mental health care and child protection – Photo: LÝ NGUYÊN
This initiative not only marks a new chapter in academic and practical cooperation between Vietnam and Belgium but also reinforces USSH’s central role in linking interdisciplinary research with pressing societal challenges. With its robust research capacity, seasoned faculty in psychology, and steadfast commitment to community engagement, the university continues to assert its position as a pioneer in the field of mental health care—especially for vulnerable populations such as children. More than an international cooperation effort, the project epitomizes the university’s core values: Creativity - Leadership - Responsibility.
Photos from the visit:
LÝ NGUYÊN - TUẤN VŨ - THU THẢO
TRANSLATED BY: TIÊN VŨ
