Activities celebrating the Vietnam Social Work Day on March 25 of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities

In Vietnam, social work is often confused with charitable activities or movements. Since social work has been recognized as a profession in Vietnam, social workers have significantly contributed to developing people's lives and society. Thus, to acknowledge the humanitarian value of social work and contribute to ensuring the realization of human rights, justice, social progress, and the people's happiness, on September 15, 2016, the Prime Minister decided to designate March 25 every year as the Vietnam Social Work Day.

Social work is a professional field, and social workers are individuals trained with deep professional expertise, solid theoretical knowledge, and proficient skills to support people in enhancing their capabilities, coping abilities, and problem-solving skills and connecting people to access support resources and social services to improve their quality of life, bringing about sustainable development. Therefore, the Social Work Department of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities (FSSH), Ton Duc Thang University (TDTU), takes pride in being one of the units contributing high-quality human resources to the development of the social work profession in Vietnam.

To celebrate the Vietnam Social Work Day on March 25, the Social Work Department of FSSH participated in and organized various celebratory activities during the recent commemoration period. Specifically, they actively participated in activities organized by the Department of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs of Ho Chi Minh City, such as sports tournaments for career organizations, social units, and schools offering social work training. Additionally, a ceremony celebrating the Vietnam Social Work Day was held on March 22, 2024, at the Department's headquarters.

Furthermore, aiming to enhance exchange opportunities and experiences for students, the Social Work Department mobilized over 20 students to participate in the Golden Bell Contest upon receiving an invitation from the Social Work Department of the University of Labour and Social Affair Campus 2 Social work students from FSSH - TDTU actively participated and won the Team Prize in the competition alongside teams from two other institutions: the University of Labour and Social Affairs Campus 2 and the Vietnam Women's Academy Branch.

Moreover, on the morning of March 25, the Social Work Department of FSSH - TDTU organized a seminar with the theme "Social Work: Development Journey" to celebrate Vietnam Social Work Day as well as the series of activities commemorating the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the social work profession at FSSH - TDTU. The seminar was attended by Dr. Le Hai Thanh, the first head of the Social Work Department, Scientific Advisor of FSSH - TDTU; Mr. Nguyen Trong Tinh - Director of the Trade Union Social Work Center, representing social organizations, and two alumni: Ms. Ha Thanh Thao - Social Worker at Children's Hospital 1, Ms. Hua Kim Huong - Organizer at Christina Noble.

The seminar took place in a warm and friendly atmosphere. Students had the opportunity to hear Dr. Le Hai Thanh share about the early days of establishing the Social Work Department at TDTU. Additionally, Mr. Nguyen Trong Tinh, representing social organizations, talked about career opportunities for those studying and working in the field of social work in the future. Alums also contributed by sharing their experiences, knowledge, and practical skills from learning and practising the profession.

In March 2024, the Social Work Department of FSSH - TDTU participated in and organized numerous practical activities to improve the social work profession's image and create more opportunities and platforms for students studying at the school named after Uncle Ho. It is hoped that social work in Vietnam will continue to develop as a pioneer, professional, and interconnected field, as the theme of the 8th-anniversary celebration in 2024 suggests.