Youth-Led Energy Audit in Hue (YEAH! project): Small Changes for Big Gains to the Environment

The Center for Knowledge Co-creation and Development Research believes action at a grassroots level will build climate action, resilience and adaptation.

In Vietnam the demand for power has increased by 10 per cent per year over the past decade, which is higher than the rest of the region. The Vietnamese Government has committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2050, while aligning with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals.

This project will build capacity and awareness for students and teachers in Hue city to reduce energy use in schools and form new energy-saving behaviours.

With the support of the Australian Volunteers Program Impact Fund, this project will:

• teach 45 students and 15 teachers about the impact of high energy usage on the environment;
• encourage the participating students and teachers to learn, apply and present ways to reduce energy within their classrooms; and
• encourage 3,000 lower secondary school students and teachers from participating schools – and their families – to understand the impact of high energy usage and ways to reduce their impact.

Promoting the role of women in wildlife conservation in the Tuyen Hoa district, Quang Binh Province 

The Centre for Highland Natural Resource Governance Research (CEGRON) aims to support ethnic minorities, women and people living in rural areas to promote their culture and access land and natural resources.  

In Tuyon Hoa district, a group of 14 farmers have formed a conservation group to monitor and protect an endangered primate species, the Hatinh Langur. The farmers want to protect the Hanith Langurs for the future, as they recognise the benefit of biodiversity for their local environment and want to ensure species are still present for future generations.

In Vietnam, women do not have the same access to resources as men, so CEGORN hopes to support the three female farmers involved in the group by providing them with the resources to undertake monitoring activities and raising awareness of the impotence of including women in conservation.

With the support of the Australian Volunteers Program Impact Fund, this project will:

• deliver a training course for men and women on gender mainstreaming in conservation activities 
• deliver a training course for men and women on gender mainstreaming in conservation activities 
• purchase resources to support the inclusion of women to be able to undertake wildlife conservation activities, including three smart phones, insurance, one set of binoculars, one camera, one tent and three uniforms
• develop and print material about the importance of women’s role in conservation activities. 

Inclusive World Without Communication Barriers for People with Hearing Loss 

The Center for Research and Education of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (CED) supports people living with hearing loss in Vietnam.   

People with hearing loss face communication barriers to education, employment, communication and social inclusion. Educating the community in sign language and lipreading will build a more inclusive world for people with hearing loss. CED research has found that parents, teachers, supporters and medical staff for people living with hearing loss want to learn skills to better communicate with them.   

With the support of the Australian Volunteers Program Impact Fund, this project will: 

• design a program to educate participants in sign language and lipreading
• market the training course to potential participants
• offer five free online training courses of Vietnamese sign language and lipreading for up to 150 people, including parents of children with hearing loss and their teachers, supporters and medical staff
• design printed materials, videos and web content to encourage people to learn skills to support people with hearing loss. 

Capacity Building for Women Informal Waste Workers 

The Centre for Supporting Green Development (also known as GreenHub) has been supporting leaders in Phu Yen Province with the implementation of a provincial action plan on solid waste management.  

Vietnam is one of five countries responsible for 60 per cent of the plastic emitted into oceans every year. Plastic waste destroys marine ecosystems, penetrates the food chain, and negatively impacts economic activities, particularly fishing and tourism.   

Around 510 tonnes of waste are produced daily in Phu Yen, and only 76 per cent of it is collected and 10-15 per centis reused or recycled. Most of the waste collected and recycled is done so by informal waste collectors – 98 per cent of whom are women – however most of them lack specific waste management knowledge, are poorly equipped, are exposed to poor hygiene conditions, and operate without State support.   

This project will develop the capacity of women working as informal waste collectors in Phu Yen Province by providing them with the knowledge and skills required to improve their socioeconomic status, contribute to improved waste collection and recycling rates, and reduce the amount of plastic in the ocean.   

With the support of the Australian Volunteers Program Impact Fund, this project will:

• deliver a two-day training workshop for 35 women waste collectors in topics such as: gender and human rights in waste management relevant laws, regulations, and policies recyclable material types and source segregation techniques occupational health and safety access to finance, health insurance and other social security schemes
• deliver a four-day learning tour to Ho Chi Minh City for eight women waste collectors, who will be identified as leaders during the training workshop. 

Awareness Raising of Gender-Based Violence Issues and Support Available  

HopeBox raises awareness of gender-based violence and provides survivors with job training skills development education promotes women’s economic security.  

There are a lack of resources highlighting gender-based violence issues and interventions to assist in changing traditional gender norms for men and women in Vietnam. The objective of this project is to teach and model positive social attitudes, personal resilience and wellbeing and assist in the prevention of gender-based violence. HopeBox’s e-learning platforms give all people – including marginalised rural and minority communities – the opportunities to equip themselves with knowledge and skills to overcome gender-based violence.  

With the support of the Australian Volunteers Program Impact Fund, this project will:

• develop an online knowledge base and e-learning platform
• develop an awareness-raising campaign, including four events over the next 12 months. 

Integration Window for Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Vietnam: Parent Education e-Learning

The Research and Training Centre for Community Development (RTCCD) serves as a technical resource centre of information and tools to create sustainable links, collaboration and support for vulnerable groups in Vietnam.   Around 4 per cent of people in Vietnam – including one million children under the age of 18 – suffer from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Children with ADHD who have limited access to clinics and specialists suffer from stress, discrimination and difficulty in schooling.

This project will develop an e-learning module to instruct parents with ADHD children on how to provide therapy at home. RTCCD has previously launched an e-learning platform on early childhood development, and this ADHD module will be integrated into the platform to be used by parents in 109 communes of Ha Nam province. 

With the support of the Australian Volunteers Program Impact Fund, this project will: 

• develop an e-learning module on caregiving for people with ADHD, which will include text, video clips and infographics 
• pilot the e-learning module 
• conduct an online workshop with health workers and parents in Ha Nam about the ADHD module 
• provide around 400 parents and carers of children diagnosed or screened with ADHD with access the e-learning module.  

RTCCD is in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Vietnam General Confederation of Labour to introduce this e-learning platform across the country

Swim Stars Disability Swim Program  

Swim Vietnam teaches swimming and water safety skills in Vietnam.   

Drowning is a major risk for all children in Vietnam, but particularly for children living with disability.   

Swim Stars Disability Swim Program will provide one-hour swimming and water safety lessons each week for children living with disabilities. Children from three NGOs (Children's Hope in Action, Hearing and Beyond and KIANH Foundation) will be involved in the program, and staff from these organisations will assist in the lessons and receive guidance in delivering swimming and water safety lessons in the future.    

With the support of the Australian Volunteers Program Impact Fund, this project will: 

• train swim teachers to effectively teach children living with disability 
• teach children living with disability about swimming and water safety
• educate staff from partner NGOs on how to teach children living with disability to swim.  

Enhancing Women’s Rights in the Rural Communities of Ham Thuan Nam and Tanh Linh   

Thien Chi works at a grassroots level to improve the lives of families living in poverty in Binh Thuan Province, Vietnam.  Gender inequality impacts the rural communities of Ham Thuan Ham and Tanh Linh. Often, sons are given priority for education and daughters are withdrawn from school to perform household chores.  

An Ethnic Minority Boarding School in Tanh Linh has been identified as having particularly vulnerable students who lack knowledge about gender equality, sexual abuse and how to protect themselves. Teachers also lack experience and training in approaching these topics.  

With the support of the Australian Volunteers Program Impact Fund, this project will: 

• deliver community training workshops to 500 participants across 10 communities in gender equality topics 
• recruit lawyers to provide legal aid seminars to vulnerable women and community leaders in four communities
• identify girls who have dropped out of school, or who are at risk of dropping out of school, and ascertain if they are suitable to receive a school scholarship
• deliver training workshops for teachers at the Ethnic Minority Boarding School in Tanh Linh in topics such as gender equality knowing your rights knowing your body early marriage. 

Enhancing Women’s Rights in the Rural Communities of Ham Thuan Nam and Tanh Linh 

Thien Chi works at a grassroots level to improve the lives of families living in poverty in Binh Thuan Province, Vietnam.  

Gender inequality impacts the rural communities of Ham Thuan Ham and Tanh Linh. Often, sons are given priority for education and daughters are withdrawn from school to perform household chores. 

An Ethnic Minority Boarding School in Tanh Linh has been identified as having particularly vulnerable students who lack knowledge about gender equality, sexual abuse and how to protect themselves. Teachers also lack experience and training in approaching these topics.  

With the support of the Australian Volunteers Program Impact Fund, this project will:

• deliver community training workshops to 500 participants across 10 communities in gender equality topics
• recruit lawyers to provide legal aid seminars to vulnerable women and community leaders in four communities 
• identify girls who have dropped out of school, or who are at risk of dropping out of school, and ascertain if they are suitable to receive a school scholarship 
• deliver training workshops for teachers at the Ethnic Minority Boarding School in Tanh Linh in topics such as gender equality knowing your rights knowing your body early marriage. 

Strengthening Education Resources for Nature Protection of the Central Highlands   

GreenViet aims to improve biodiversity conservation in the Central and Central Highlands regions of Vietnam. GreenViet’s education program provides an opportunity for students to explore nature and encourages them to safeguard the environment.   

A digital data library would allow GreenViet to consolidate research materials, data, pictures, video and audio into one central location to share with researchers, teachers, students, government and non-government agencies.  

With the support of the Australian Volunteers Program Impact Fund, this project will:

• purchase and install a new digital data library
• develop protocols regarding storing, sharing and backup of data
• deliver a workshop and coaching sessions for 20 GreenViet staff on how to use the new digital library 
•  purchase 10 pairs of binoculars and 20 magnification glasses for students to use in the Nature Experiential Learning Program
• conduct six field trips to Son Tra Nature Reserve for 72 school children of Danang City, where students will use the new binoculars to observe the redshanked douc langurs and the new magnification glasses to study insects and plants of Son Tra Nature Reserve. 

Sewing For Our Future: A Collaborative Project with the Local Community to Build Employment Skillsets for Hearing Impaired Young Women. 

Hearing and Beyond supports people living with a hearing impairment to become integral members of their community in Vietnam. 

This project aims to increase the inclusion of young deaf and hearing-impaired women in Hoi An’s tailoring industry. A local business will help with building sewing proficiency and provide a safe space for young women to practice their new skills in a real working environment.  

With the support of the Australian Volunteers Program Impact Fund, this project will: 

• purchase equipment, hire a project teacher and train volunteers from the partner tailor business 
• deliver weekly sewing lessons as part of the school curriculum for six students 
• support two senior students to participate in work experience sessions at a local business.  

Organisational Strengthening - Strengthening Online Capabilities and Product Development  

HopeBox is a social enterprise supporting survivors of gender-based violence and the eradication of gender-based violence in Vietnam.  This project will develop an e-commerce website to sell a range of hand-baked products and kitchen merchandise to provide income earning opportunities and business experience for survivors of gender-based violence.   

With the support of the Australian Volunteers Program Impact Fund, this project will: 

• build, test and launch an eCommerce website
• hire a consultant to design and advise on sustainable products to sell on the eCommerce site.  

Gender-sensitive storytelling: A new approach for teachers to promote gender equality in primary education

In Vietnam, gender norms are unchallenged within the education system, leading to gender disparities in students’ learning and well-being. According to UN Women Vietnam (2021), the absence or lack of a comprehensive gender mainstreaming approach within the education system limits initiatives that promote gender equality.
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Storytelling is a unique teaching method for primary pupils to develop an understanding, respect and appreciation for gender identities. CKC aims to empower teachers in practising gender-sensitive storytelling to raise gender equality awareness in primary schools.

With the support of the Australian Volunteers Program Impact Fund, this project will:

• deliver two-day workshops for 50 primary teachers in Hue city on breaking gender stereotypes in teaching practices and promoting gender equality through gender-sensitive stories
• run a gender equality storytelling challenge for the 50 participating teachers to write children’s gender-sensitive stories
• create and print 100 copies of a book featuring stories written by the competition finalists and promotional posters to share these messages. 

These activities will raise awareness about gender equality within the education sector and will help start conversations about harmful gender stereotypes within primary schools and families.

The books and posters will be an informal educational tool that can be used in schools and homes, and will have a positive impact on approximately 2,000 primary teachers, pupils and parents.

Capacity building for survivors of gender-based violence
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HopeBox is a social enterprise in Hanoi that provides employment skills, business engagement opportunities and work-based therapy for survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) over a six-month program. Accommodation is provided to program participants and their dependents and a social enterprise kitchen gives participants professional experience selling products.

In Vietnam, 62.9% of women have experienced domestic violence, with 87% of cases unreported at the time. COVID-19 increased the incidence of GBV, and 15 additional women were recruited to the HopeBox program in 2022. HopeBox must become more efficient in order to meet the increased demand for its services and the return of consumer demand for its social enterprise following lockdown.

With the support of the Australian Volunteers Program Impact Fund, this project will:

• purchase additional kitchen equipment for the social enterprise business
• arrange concept development, design and packaging for a new product to be sold in the social enterprise kitchen
• deliver training on the new product to program participants.

Women’s economic empowerment is an important factor in achieving gender equality in Vietnam. These activities will help provide a safe and welcoming working environment for women who have experienced GBV, while improving their livelihood. This project will become part of the day-to-day operations of HopeBox when completed.

Promoting women’s economic empowerment in the context of COVID-19  

The Vietnam Women’s Academy will assist female small business owners to adapt to COVID-19 by developing training on digital platforms and solutions. It will also provide scholarships for female students who are struggling financially due to COVID-19. 

COVID-19 has significantly impacted Vietnamese businesses across hospitality, education and training, employment, tourism and real estate sectors. Faced with the unpredictable nature of the COVID-19 epidemic, small businesses including women-owned enterprises need to adapt to the digital marketplace to survive.  

With the support of the Australian Volunteers Program Impact Fund, this project will: 

• develop training materials on the digital transformation of women-owned business 
• organise training courses for female managers and leaders of small businesses in Hanoi 
• offer scholarships for female students suffering financial difficulties due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Participants will learn how to use digital platforms to improve sales, marketing, administration and delivery services. They will apply this knowledge to comprehensively change the way their businesses operate in the short to medium term across sourcing, manufacturing, collaboration and customer relations. This project will ultimately improve the long-term resilience and sustainability of participants’ businesses. 

Scholarships for female students will allow them to continue their studies, empowering them to access further education and employment opportunities in the future. 

Building the adaptive capacity of chicken farmers in Huong Van 

The Hearts for Hue project will increase Huong Van chicken farmers’ awareness of options to address climate change impacts by offering practical demonstrations and training activities. It will empower chicken farmers to improve the sustainability and resilience of their businesses and communities. 

Huong Van is a poor rural community in Thua Thien Hue province. It has suffered severe weather events that have significantly impacted local chicken production. The sustainable development and uptake of family chicken farming will improve the livelihoods of the province’s poor and disadvantaged people. Family poultry creates income, which empowers women financially and improves the educational and nutritional status of children. 

‍‍With the support of the Australian Volunteers Program Impact Fund, this project will:‍ 

• create a chicken raising club for disadvantaged women  
• construct and display chicken coops that show how the impacts of climate change can be reduced (for example, heat and cold extremes) 
• provide training on sustainable poultry husbandry practices  
• provide training on improving marketing and sales 
• ‍demonstrate the advantages of new poultry breeds that are better adapted to local conditions‍ and poultry vaccines. 

Resilient communities are more likely to remain viable in the face of climate change. This project will provide participants with the skills and resources needed to operate chicken farms that are more resilient to the impacts of climate change and produce more stable income. Increased poultry production will also keep local food prices lower and will enhance food security. 

Gathering ethnic minority stories (GEMS) in Vietnam

In partnership with the Vietnamese Writers Association, Action on Poverty Vietnam will run a creative writing camp in Doi Village, Moc Chau District, Son La Province, bringing together amateur and professional Vietnamese authors to produce works of creative writing inspired by local stories, landscape, culture and people, with a focus on stories about gender and development challenges. 

PROTECtion capacity building

The AIP Foundation will improve their database platform and build staff capacity to analyse their range of programs, in particular their N95 mask production that was established during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Improved hand sanitation and clean water project

Hearing and Beyond in Vietnam will share COVID-19 public health messages and increase access to hand washing and clean drinking water for children that attend their services.

Developing an international accreditation program at REACH

REACH will continue their work to support Vietnam’s disadvantaged youth through vocational training, by working remotely with their Australian volunteer to upgrade their food and beverage training course.