Many opportunities for students to work at NGOs

Many opportunities for students majoring in social work to work at non- governmental organizations - Photo: USSH

On March 25, many social organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and domestic and foreign universities were present at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities (Ho Chi Minh City National University), presenting many perspectives on building young human resources in the social work sector.

Since 2016, March 25 has been designated by the Prime Minister as Vietnam Social Work Day.

Mr. Nguyen Thanh Nha - executive director of the Christina Noble Children's Foundation (CNCF) project office, a non-governmental organization operating in many countries with programs to support children - said that in the past, social work tasks were often not focused on.

People in this position are often not specialized and are often assigned to work in a different field. For example, the head of the social work department of hospitals is often a part-time doctor.

However, currently, agencies and units have begun to prioritize recruiting specialized personnel for social work departments.

Many companies and businesses with CSR departments also recruit young people with the right major to carry out social activities for the business more professionally.

Mr. Nha added that in addition to domestic jobs, there are also non-governmental organizations that more and more young Vietnamese people choose to work for.

"To work for international social projects, first of all you need to have a big enough passion to contribute to the community. Some projects go to remote and difficult areas in poor countries, only when you are truly passionate can you pursue them," said Mr. Nha.

Professor Tamir Chultemsuren, vice-rector of the College of Sciences and Arts, National University of Mongolia, said that in Mongolia, there is still a shortage of human resources in the social work sector.

Young people are quite hesitant about this field of study, mostly because the salary is not high and the work is very stressful, from contacting people in need of help, finding funding sources to coordinating with other government agencies and non-governmental organizations.

"I see this as a common trend in many developing countries. However, as economic life improves, there will be more financial resources and investment in social activities. Human resources working in this industry will be treated better," said Professor Tamir Chultemsuren.

According to Professor Tamir Chultemsuren, a notable feature of many Vietnamese students that he has noticed is that they are always proactive in participating in social projects from a very young age.

Many students boldly create very creative projects to support children, the elderly, the poor, the disabled, etc. while still in school.

Continuously update the program

Associate Professor Dr. Huynh Van Chan, head of the Faculty of Social Work, University of Social Sciences and Humanities (Ho Chi Minh City National University), said that many universities at home and abroad are currently offering scholarship programs for young people to study social work. Many businesses and social funds also participate in providing scholarships, attracting more students to study this field.

In addition, according to Mr. Chan, social work programs at Vietnamese universities are undergoing positive changes.

The program is always updated based on practical needs, supplementing necessary skills for modern social work such as communication skills, situation handling skills, and project management.

"If students want to open up more opportunities, perhaps work for international non-governmental organizations, foreign languages ​​are indispensable tools," said Mr. Chan.

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/nhieu-co-hoi-cho-sinh-vien-lam-viec-tai-to-chuc-phi-chinh-phu-20240325145647366.htm