On November 10, the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City (USSH VNUHCM), held a working session with a delegation from Wallonie–Brussels International (WBI) and the Wallonie–Brussels Delegation in Vietnam. The meeting marked an important milestone within the 2025–2027 cooperation framework between Vietnam and Wallonie–Brussels, which focuses on developing and strengthening mental health care capacity for children who are victims of violence within and outside the family.
The working session forms part of the 2025–2027 cooperation program between Vietnam and Wallonie–Brussels, aimed at enhancing mental health care for child victims of domestic and community violence
At the meeting, representatives from the University’s Faculty of Psychology, together with partner organizations, presented key outcomes achieved during the implementation of Project 1.5: Strengthening mental health care capacity for children who are victims of violence within and outside the family. The project is a flagship initiative in the field of mental health care, supported by Wallonie–Brussels under the intergovernmental cooperation program for the 2025–2027 period.
Dr. Le Thi Mai Lien, Head of the Faculty of Psychology, shares outcomes from the implementation of Project 1.5 on strengthening mental health care for child victims of violence
Throughout the project’s implementation, both sides have jointly carried out a wide range of activities, including training mental health professionals, organizing specialized workshops, and implementing intervention programs to support children in overcoming psychological trauma following abuse. These efforts have contributed to building a more supportive environment for children while raising community awareness of the importance of mental health care, particularly for vulnerable groups.
Notably, the Faculty of Psychology has played a central role in training and developing high-quality human resources, laying a solid foundation for the effective delivery of psychological interventions. Beyond immediate support for children, the project represents a meaningful step toward the sustainable development of Vietnam’s mental health care system.
Speaking at the session, Dr. Le Hoang Dung, Vice President of the University, expressed his sincere appreciation to the Wallonie–Brussels Delegation and reaffirmed the University’s strong commitment to continuing community-oriented initiatives, particularly those focused on the protection of children and women.
Dr. Le Hoang Dung reaffirms the University’s strong commitment to continued community support initiatives
From the partner side, Mr. Pierre Du Ville, Head Representative of the Wallonie–Brussels Delegation in Vietnam, expressed satisfaction with the cooperation outcomes. “We are pleased to see the positive results of the collaboration between Vietnam and Wallonie–Brussels. Continuing to support and implement projects such as Project 1.5 reflects our commitment to protecting children, especially victims of violence. We look forward to accompanying our partners in the years ahead,” he said.
Mr. Pierre Du Ville expresses his satisfaction with the cooperation outcomes between the two sides
Mr. Christian Saelens, Vietnam Cooperation Officer at the International Cooperation Department of Wallonie–Brussels International, also underscored the importance of international cooperation in child protection and mental health initiatives. “We hope to create more opportunities for collaboration with USSH, particularly in the field of child mental health care. Strengthening connections between international organizations and Vietnam will generate long-term value for the community,” he noted.
Mr. Christian Saelens highlights the importance of international cooperation in child protection and mental health projects
During the meeting, both sides agreed to further intensify efforts in training mental health professionals, organizing international conferences to share expertise, and developing intervention models for children affected by violence. Plans to expand cooperation with international partners are expected to enhance the quality of mental health services and contribute sustainable solutions to pressing social challenges.
Looking ahead, future activities will not only include training and direct intervention programs but also broader collaboration with domestic and international organizations. The goal is to build a resilient community support ecosystem, with particular attention to protecting and caring for vulnerable populations such as children and women.
The two sides pose for a group photo following the working session
Story & Photo by LÝ NGUYÊN
Translation by THÁI TƯỜNG
