In the framework of international cooperation between Binh Dong National University of Science and Technology (NPUST) and Thai Nguyen University of Science (TNUS), a meaningful volunteer program has been launched in the Center of Social Protection in Thai Nguyen province, Viet Nam. Coming from Taiwan, Prof. Jang Li-ju, Director of the Center for Social Work, together with five students of International Volunteer Team students, came to Viet Nam to participate in this volunteer activity.
The participants of TNUS including of all faculties and students in Social work Division, and 13 students in Social work of Faculty of Law & Social Sciences. The volunteer program at the Thai Nguyen Center for Social Protection began from 2nd August to 12th August, 2016.
Volunteers activities for the elderly and children groups such as: making name framing, decorating the room, teaching children playing and dancing, drawing ... and some games help increase mobility of the elderly and develop thinking ability for young children. In particular, Taiwanese volunteers also participate in daily activities with the people at the center, which shows the willingness, concern and closeness to the individuals in the sponsoring center. For that reason, the delegation has left a deep impression and received the support and love of all staff, employees, elderly people and children here.
"Here, we have welcomed many volunteer groups, but this volunteer group left a strong impression on me by the enthusiasm and sincerity of the students" (Said by a man, 78 years old)
Although the Taiwan volunteer delegation is still struggling due to language restrictions in communication at the center, with the help of TNUS teachers and students, the programs were deployed efficiently and finished effectively. On the afternoon of 12th August, the delegation held a farewell party and summed up the activities.
Over 10 days of hard works at the Center, NPUST Volunteer Team has had interesting experiences about Viet Nam and the people. Dr. Jang said, "Every year, we organize international volunteer activities in countries like Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia ... and this time in Viet Nam, you are very friendly and hospitable. When working in the Thai Nguyen Center for Social Welfare, we find that the Center's operation model has many advantages in caring for the elderly and children, enhancing self-reliance for the people...".
After ending volunteer work at the Thai Nguyen Social Protection Center, in the morning of 13th August, the Disision of Social Work - Faculty of Law & Social Sciences held a workshop entitled "Social Work in the medical field" for social work students because this is a relatively new field in Viet Nam meanwhile this field has developed in Taiwan for a long time and became a model worth for several countries to learn.
Joining the workshop is Prof. Jang Li-ju and the students from the NTUST - Taiwan, Director and staff of the Thai Nguyen Social Protection Center and Thai Nguyen Center for Social Workers, and social work students K11, K13 of the TNUS. Dr. Jang Li-ju has shared two main contents: 1) Social work in hospital model - Experience from Taiwan and social work practice skills in hospital; 2) Basic knowledge about health care for people with disabilities and practical skills in the field of health care for disable people.
Prof. Dr. Le Thi Thanh Nhan, Rector of TNUS gives souvenirs to NPUST volunteer group