Embracing the Khmer Community in My Huong (Can Tho) – Listening, Understanding, and Supporting Early Childhood Development

On September 11, 2025, our project team carried out a meaningful field trip to Mỹ Hương commune, Cần Thơ (formerly Thuận Hưng commune – Sóc Trăng, now merged and renamed). This was not only an opportunity to exchange with local health officials but also a chance to immerse ourselves in the Khmer community, listening closely to their needs and aspirations.

1. Fieldwork to Understand and Walk Alongside the Khmer People

The visit to Mỹ Hương offered the team a more authentic view of life within the Khmer community – one of the ethnic minority groups in the Mekong Delta. Most families here rely on agriculture for their livelihoods, facing significant economic challenges, which makes supporting children’s growth all the more urgent.

During the trip, the team focused on:

• Exchanging with local health workers about implementing child health and development programs.

• Observing daily life among Khmer families, with special attention to women and young children.

• Engaging with the community to better understand their traditions and practices, ensuring that future programs are both culturally appropriate and sustainable.

2. Supporting Khmer Early Childhood Development

A highlight of the visit was listening directly to Khmer families share their experiences. These conversations revealed the real challenges they face in raising children—from providing proper nutrition in the first 2,000 days of life to ensuring access to early education and mental well-being.

By combining medical knowledge with cultural understanding, the program aims to truly integrate into daily community life. This approach is key to helping children grow not only physically but also emotionally and socially.

Looking Ahead: What We Hope to Achieve

Through close cooperation with local health workers, the program aspires to:

• Increase parents’ awareness of early childhood care.

• Strengthen the capacity of frontline healthcare providers.

• Create a positive ripple effect within the Khmer community, paving the way for a healthier, more confident, and well-rounded generation of children.

The field trip to Mỹ Hương was more than a professional activity—it was a journey of connection, understanding, and companionship. Our team believes that when families are empowered and supported in the right ways, Khmer children will have greater opportunities to thrive and achieve sustainable development.

Visit the Early Journey of Life website for more information: https://ejol.vn/