The establishment of an association for training social workers stands a good chance of helping Vietnam widen its cooperation with both regional and international societies for a better social welfare system.

The association’s first congress was held in Hanoi on May 26, where they heard that the Vietnamese Party and State have exerted every effort to improve the sector. However, they were told that a number of social matters, including inequality, remain.

Chairwoman of Vocational Training and Social Activities Association Nguyen Thi Hang revealed the latest statistics, which show that more than 30 percent of the population has a demand for social services. She said this requires a master strategy of integrating sustainable economic growth with social welfare.

She also underlined the need to provide professional training for social workers.

As many as 37 units and 170 trainers nationwide have registered to join the association.

Under the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs, the association is responsible for protecting the legitimate interests of its members, building training courses, and proposing policies to deal with restrictions in the field.

Vietnam is home to over 40 social work training centres. The country looks to reduce the rate of poor households by nearly 2 percent each year and grant assistance to 95 percent of needy children between 2014 and 2020.-VNA