Bac Giang Programme Unit

Bac Giang Province

Area: 3,822 sq. km
Population: 1,500,000 inhabitants (2006)
Districts and communes: 3 districts, 12 communes
Sponsored children: 7,019

Bac Giang Province is located in the north eastern plains and midlands and is home to 8 ethnic minority communities. Nearly 90% of the population lives on agriculture and the average income is about VND 2,500,000 per person per year (about US$156).

Since 1997, Plan Vietnam has been working in Bac Giang together with the children, their families and communities to increase awareness of children's rights and ensure they receive the best possible care. All Plan Vietnam supported projects are carried out in partnership with the Commission for Population Family and Children (CPFC), Department of Education & Training (DoET), Department of Health, Department of Justice, Department of Agriculture & Rural Development, Youths' Union and Women's Union.

Programme highlights

Community health

Plan Vietnam has implemented a number of progressive health care measures including training in obstetrics care, HIV and AIDS support, Avian Influenza avoidance and safe motherhood practices. The infrastructure of health centres is being optimised with construction of the Pediatric - Obstetric Department at district health centres ensuring more mothers give birth in a safe environment and their children receive improved early childhood care.

Early childhood care and development

Plan Vietnam is teaching caregivers to prepare nutritious meals for young children using local ingredients. Competitions are being run to educate children and families in nutrition and pre-school teachers are receiving training in partnership with the DoET in more child-friendly teaching methods.

Quality basic education (primary and lower education)

Plan Vietnam is working to promote child-centred learning. Materials and facilities are provided to the communities and our school improvement programme is being implemented to safeguard child-friendly environments.

Sustainable livelihoods

Plan Vietnam is upgrading irrigation systems in Bac Giang, developing training programmes and designing new models for growing rice, fruit and vegetables. Plan Vietnam is also supporting the commune with non-agriculture models to secure a higher income between crops.

Child protection

Organisation representatives are being trained by Plan Vietnam on the rights of children and child injury prevention. Initiatives such as Plan Vietnam's Child Abuse Prevention and Universal Birth Registration campaigns are raising community awareness. The children enjoy activities including letter writing to sponsors and celebrations such as Sponsor Child Communications Day and International Children's Day.