Program background

The Urban Area Development Program (UADP) is located in District 8, a southeastern district of Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC). It covers an area of 18 square kilometers with a population of 350,293 people, including Cham ethnic minority people. Most people come to District 8 as economic migrants, seeking employment opportunities. Because of the transient and poor populations, social problems such as child exploitation, abuse, unemployment, drugs and HIV/AIDS are widespread. Additional challenges of urban living, such as polluted drinking water, inadequate sanitation, and limited access to medical and credit services are widespread.

Program description

UADP is an integrated, long-term program working closely with local partners to directly support more than 54,000 people combat the effects of poverty and improve their standard of living. Income generation, education, health-care, community- based communication, childcare and protection, economic assistance and capacity building are tailored specifically to the communities needs.  This holistic approach encourages community participation and ownership, builds a firm foundation for the program’s sustainability and addresses the root causes of poverty.

Program development

Human trafficking prevention

• As part of the Mekong Delta Regional Trafficking Project (MDRT), awareness-raising activities on trafficking prevention are implemented at the community level. Activities focus on building capacity of local organizations and community members in combating trafficking of women and children.

Health

• Community members attend workshops and training seminars to improve their knowledge relating to preventable diseases.
• Commune health staff receive training to improve their professional knowledge and communication skills.
• Construction of household and school latrines and the provision of rubbish bins have improved hygiene and sanitation practices among community members.
• Installation of household and school water filters has increased the community’s access to safe drinking water.
• Children receive annual health check-ups to monitor their health and overall development.
• Financial assistance is provided to community members needing emergency treatment. Travel and treatment costs are often covered.
• Basic equipment is provided to ward health stations, increasing the quality of services available at the local level.

Education

• Teachers receive training on new teaching methodologies, which has helped to improve the quality of teaching being taught at kindergartens, and primary and secondary schools. Children now have the opportunity to learn and develop in an interactive way.
• Construction of kindergarten classrooms, playgrounds, sanitation systems and libraries improve learning environments for school children.
• School equipment and resources such as textbooks, furniture, provision of school fees and uniforms give children in especially difficult circumstances (CEDC) the opportunity to gain a valuable education.
• Child rights awareness activities are being implemented to promote the importance of child safety and protection.

Disability

• Training is provided to community members, building their capacity to recognize and respond to the specific needs of children living with a disability (CLWD).
• A children’s club and other social activities have been introduced, enabling CLWD to integrate with other children in their community.
• Rehabilitation services are provided to CLWD, improving their living conditions and enabling them to be more independent.