"Practical training in social work: International experience and the Vietnamese reality"

Attend the workshop,

- Representing Vietnamese state agencies were Mr. Duong Van Ba ​​(Department of Student Affairs - Ministry of Education and Training) and Dr. Nguyen Van Hoi (Department of Social Protection, Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs).

- Among the international guests were Mr. Étienne Rolland-Piègue (Counselor for Cooperation and Cultural Activities, French Embassy in Vietnam); Prof. Dr. Tan Ngoh Tiong (National University of Social Sciences, Singapore); and Dr. Culas Christian (French National Centre for Scientific Research).

- Representing the University of Social Sciences and Humanities were Prof. Dr. Pham Quang Minh (Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities) and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Thanh Nam (Head of the Training Department).

In 2010, the Prime Minister approved the Project for the Development of Social Work Profession for the period 2011-2020, aiming to professionalize social work activities. Entrusted by the Government with managing the Project, the Department of Social Protection (Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs) has provided guidance and support for training in general and practical training in particular in Vietnam, including at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi.

Numerous workshops and proposed models have been held recently. However, the results still show a lack of effectiveness in social work practice training at many schools, institutes, and centers nationwide. This negatively impacts the quality of student training as well as the quality of future social work human resources.

Therefore, the International Scientific Conference "Training in Social Work Practice: International Experiences and the Vietnamese Reality" was organized to discuss issues such as training policies in Vietnam, the current state of social work training in Vietnam, and training models and experiences in social work practice in some typical countries around the world. Through this, the conference proposed solutions to improve effectiveness; and to build a network and cooperation mechanism among social work training institutions nationwide.

On behalf of the Department of Social Protection, Dr. Nguyen Van Hoi affirmed the remarkable development of social work since March 25, 2010, when the Prime Minister issued Decision No. 32 on the development of this sector. The Government also issued Decree 103 on standardizing the system of social work service providers. As a result, the number of staff in the social work field is estimated at 200,000, of which 30-40% are professionals. There are now 80 educational institutions with social work training programs; the enrollment target for this field reaches tens of millions of students. In addition, in January 2019, the Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs will submit to the Government and the National Assembly for consideration the Draft Law on Social Work, aiming to codify social work activities in education, health, security, and national defense.

Dr. Nguyen Van Hoi delivered the opening remarks at the workshop.

However, according to Dr. Nguyen Van Hoi, current social work practice has not kept pace with the rapid development of mechanisms and policies. The distinction and coordination between training institutions and social work practice are still not smooth. Meanwhile, in the training programs of universities around the world, such as in the US, Australia, and the UK, practice always accounts for 50% of the training standard. Therefore, this workshop is the first step for stakeholders to discuss and contribute ideas to the roadmap for improving practical training, thereby changing and enhancing the quality of the social work profession in the future.

On behalf of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Professor Pham Quang Minh emphasized the importance of social work to the social sciences and humanities. Over the past 10 years, the University of Social Sciences and Humanities has been one of the leading institutions in training in this field. On the other hand, the Rector also acknowledged that the biggest limitation of the University currently is its focus primarily on theoretical, macro-level issues, leaving gaps in professional practice.

Professor Pham Quang Minh delivered the opening remarks at the conference.

Therefore, this workshop is an opportunity for the University to find solutions to harmoniously combine fundamental theoretical research and skills training for social work students. The Rector also hopes that larger workshops will be organized at the national level, so that stakeholders can exchange and agree on practical social work training programs. Such events also help connect businesses, local agencies with training institutions to form a network to support student practice.

Delegates at the workshop pose for a commemorative photo.

Following the opening remarks, the workshop heard eight presentations:

• "An Overview of Current Training of Human Resources for Social Work and Some Recommendations" by Mr. Duong Van Ba ​​(Department of Student Affairs, Ministry of Education and Training)

• "Practical Training in Social Work in Vietnam Today" by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thi Kim Hoa (Faculty of Sociology, University of Social Sciences and Humanities)

• "Supervision and Training at Practical Training Facilities for Social Work Students" by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Hoi Loan (Faculty of Sociology, University of Social Sciences and Humanities)

• "The Future of Social Work: An Asian Perspective" by Prof. Dr. Tan Ngoh Tiong (National University of Social Sciences, Singapore)

• "Practical Training in Social Work: Current Situation, Challenges, and Suggestions from International Experience" by Dr. Nguyen Thi Thai Lan (University of Social Sciences and Humanities) and Ms. Nguyen Thi Thanh Huong (University of Labour and Social Affairs)

• "The Contribution of Social Sciences to Community Development Projects in Vietnam" by Dr. Culas Christian (French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS))

• "Experiences in Social Work Practice at the National Children's Hospital" by MSc. Dr. Duong Minh Thu (National Children's Hospital)

• "Theoretical Conditions for Balancing Human, Society, and Environment through an Analysis of the World Health Organization's Concept of 'Health' – The Level of Contribution of Several Social Sciences and Humanities Disciplines in the Training of Social Work Professionals" by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Trinh Van Tung, Ms. Nguyen Thi Thu Hoai (Faculty of Sociology, University of Social Sciences and Humanities), Dr. Bui Van Tuan (Institute of Vietnamese Studies and Development Science, Vietnam National University, Hanoi)