Training for Commune Health Workers under the EM-THRIVE Program in Can Tho City (Soc Trang Area)

Immediately after completing the Provincial/City-level Training of Trainers (TOT) course from January 28–30, 2026, six selected instructors conducted a three-day training course for commune/ward-level health workers from February 2–4, 2026 in Can Tho City (Soc Trang area).

The activity was implemented as part of the EM-THRIVE project, “Enabling Ethnic Minority (EM) and Rural Children From Five Provinces in Viet Nam to Grow and Thrive.”

The training course brought together 40 participants, all of whom were healthcare workers from 20 Commune Health Stations. These included heads and deputy heads of stations, staff in charge of the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI), and nutrition officers from communes with large Khmer populations.

The course provided a wide range of knowledge and skills related to Early Childhood Development, including:

• First aid and emergency response
• Prenatal education and maternal nutrition
• Early learning and stimulation
• Positive communication with parents
• Responsive care practices
• Child safety

In addition to theoretical sessions, trainees practiced organizing parent guidance activities and integrating key content into routine monthly Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) sessions at Commune Health Stations.

Throughout the course, provincial-level trainers directly delivered the sessions, with close supervision and technical support from the Research and Training Centre for Community Development (RTCCD). This ensured both the quality of training and consistency in program implementation.

At the end of the training, each Commune Health Station received a set of practical materials and tools, including:

• A handbook for Commune Health Workers
• Instructional and illustrative videos
• Simulation dolls (boys and girls)
• Educational comic books
• Child development toys

These resources are designed to support more engaging, practical, and accessible parent guidance sessions in the community.

All participants expressed enthusiasm and readiness to apply the knowledge and skills gained to their daily work—particularly in parent counseling sessions at vaccination sites and maternal and child health care services. By strengthening the capacity of Commune Health Workers, the program contributes to improving caregiving practices and promoting Early Childhood Development, helping children grow up healthy, confident, and able to reach their full potential.