Currently, there are over 12 million workers and over 10 million trade union members in Vietnam, with more than 50% of whom are women. There are nearly 300 industrial zones, export processing zones, economic zones, and high-tech zones attracting almost 4 million workers. In industries such as textiles, footwear, electronics, etc., the female labor force participation rates account for over 70%. Most of them are migrant workers from rural to urban areas, who are young, in the reproductive age and having small children. They have difficulties finding affordable budget accommodation and kindergartens. They also lack knowledge and skills about health care and reproductive health for themselves and their families, especially knowledge and skills to take care of children.
Supported by the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor (VGCL) and the Hanoi City Confederation of Labor and financially supported by the Porticus, the Early Life Journey positive parenting skill education model has been piloted in 5 factories:
- Nippon Paint Hanoi (Vietnam) Co., Ltd. – Quang Minh Industrial Park
- Yamaha Motor Vietnam Parts Manufacturing Co., Ltd – Thang Long Industrial Park
- Yamaha Motor Vietnam Co., Ltd – Noi Bai Industrial Park
- TOTO Vietnam Co., Ltd – Thang Long Industrial Park
- Cheewah Toys Vietnam Co., Ltd – Phu Nghia Industrial Park
Workers are excited to enroll. There are 3 modules in the current program: Module 1 – Pregnancy, Module 2 – Promoting Child Development 0 – 1 year, Module 3 – Promoting Child Development 1 – 2 years. Learners are expected to complete the learning of each module in 90 days. Learners only need the internet and smart mobile phones to be able to access the modules to learn in their own pace and own time. Contents are designed to be engaging with video clips and infographic pictures, along with short messages. 260 workers enrolled in the first 2 weeks and after 3 days, 25 workers completed the course and gave excellent feedback.
In 2014, the Vietnam Prime Minister approved Decision No. 404 on the National Program “Supporting and developing private child care groups/centers in industrial and export processing zones to 2020,” which was currently in progress to extend for the next phase. In Decision 404, it is clearly stated that “95% of mothers in industrial zones and export processing zones are informed about child care and development”. The Early Journey of Life e-learning program will support VGCL to achieve the above-mentioned goal.
 [1] |
 [2] |
 [3] |
 [4] |
 [5] |
 [6] |
To learn more about the program, please refer to https://ejol.vn
Translation: Nguyen Le Minh Anh