Developing social work in Vietnam

Abstract

English There has been a growing recognition in Vietnam (since the 1986 economic reforms) that professional social work is required to respond effectively to social problems. This article presents findings from a government and UNICEF-sponsored study undertaken to examine developments in social work. These are considered in relation to the profession globally. French Au Vietnam, on reconnaît de plus en plus, depuis les réformes é conomiques de 1986, que le travail social professionnel est né cessaire pour ré pondre adé quatement aux problèmes sociaux. Cet article pré sente les ré sultats d'une é tude commandité e par le gouvernement et l'UNICEF sur l'é volution du travail social. Les ré sultats sont mis en perspective par rapport à la profession dans son ensemble. Spanish Ha habido un reconocimiento creciente en Vietnam (a partir de las reformas económicas de 1986) en el sentido de que el trabajo social profesional es necesario para responder efectivamente a los problemas sociales. Este artículo presenta los hallazgos de un estudio patrocinado por el gobierno y la UNICEF, realizado para examinar los desarrollos en trabajo social. Estos son considerados en relación con la profesión en una perspectiva global.

Improving Social Work Education in Vietnam Through International Cooperation: The ‘Social Work Education Enhancement Program’

“…This is also in line with the concept of 'indigenous' social work-the development of professional identity and standards that are congruent with the local culture while also consistent with international standards (Lan, Hugman, & Briscoe, 2010). There are signs that during the involvement of international universities and experts, Vietnam has been thoughtfully adapting Western models to fit the country's context (Hugman et al, 2007). Unique to Vietnam is the pace by which social work professionalization is occurring-quite rapidly compared to other developing countries.…”

Potential for adolescent-focused group work in the Vietnam context

“…Hugman, Lan, and Hong (2007) describe processes of modernization and creation of a market economy that have brought several benefits, especially poverty reduction, to Vietnam. Rapid industrialization has also led to social problems.…”

The Development of Social Work in Vietnam: The Role of International Collaboration

“…While the development of social work as a profession is seen as necessary and urgent in order to address the current social problems (Nguyen, 2002;Hugman et al, 2007), professional social work in Vietnam is in its early stages. Social welfare services and associated policies are viewed as 'charitable' efforts rather than necessary as a human right, a view that lessens the professionalism of the work.…”

“…In 2005, a study was undertaken by MOLISA/MOET/UNICEF to assess human resource and training issues for social work as a foundation for developing a national strategy in creating a social work profession (Hugman et al, 2007). The project involved both quantitative and qualitative research methods.…”