Provincial Training of Trainers Workshop – EM-THRIVE Project in Can Tho

From September 10–12, 2025, the Research and Training Center for Community Development (RTCCD), in collaboration with the Department of Health and the Center for Disease Control (CDC) of Can Tho City, organized a training workshop for provincial-level trainers. This activity marked an important kick-off within the framework of the EM-THRIVE Project (2025–2027): Enabling Mountainous and Rural Children From Five Provinces in Vietnam to Grow and Thrive in Can Tho.

The workshop was opened with remarks by leaders from the Department of Health and CDC Can Tho:

• Dr. Trần Văn Dũng, Deputy Director, Department of Health Can Tho

• Dr. Hà Tấn Vinh, Deputy Director, CDC Cần Thơ

• Dr. Võ Quang Hà, Former Deputy Director, CDC Sóc Trăng\

1. Workshop Objectives and Focus

The 3-day workshop was designed to equip provincial healthcare staff with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills to serve as trainers and supervisors for commune/ward health workers, as well as for staff at hospitals and vaccination facilities (both public and private) across the province.

In his address, Dr. Hà Tấn Vinh emphasized the importance of pre- and post-assessments (as previously applied in Hà Nam) and affirmed CDC Cần Thơ’s commitment to ensuring that after the provincial-level training, commune/ward health workers would be able to implement the program in communities. He also expressed his expectation to extend interventions to children over 5 years old.

2. Participants and Training Approach

Participants included healthcare workers from provincial hospitals, public and private vaccination units, and the CDC. All had completed an online prerequisite course before attending.

The in-person sessions focused primarily on:

• Facilitation skills

• Group discussion management

• Supervision techniques for commune-level implementation

The EM-THRIVE intervention on early childhood development during the first 2,000 days of life was highlighted as a comprehensive approach, with a strong emphasis on maternal and child mental health—an issue of growing concern in Cần Thơ. This topic received particular interest from participants.

3. Active Participation and Practical Tools

Beyond classroom learning, participants actively practiced using EM-THRIVE’s exclusive training toolkit, engaging with enthusiasm and energy. The interactive approach created a dynamic and motivating learning environment.

At the close of the workshop, participants were awarded certificates of completion and took commemorative photos with the RTCCD training team.

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