On 6 August, a new chapter in inclusive education began in Can Tho City.
In the presence of representatives from the Can Tho Union of Friendship Organizations, the Department of Education and Training (DOET), the Department of Health, People’s Committees of 12 communes, local resource centres, and schools, DOET and Mission Alliance signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to launch a new five-year initiative: “Learn, Grow, Thrive: Safeguarding Children and Adolescents with Disabilities through Inclusive Education and Employment Opportunities in Can Tho City, Vietnam,” running from 2026 to 2030.
The signing ceremony was more than a formal milestone. It was a powerful statement of shared commitment: every child, regardless of ability, should have the opportunity to learn, participate, discover their strengths, and shape their own future.
Vietnam has made significant progress in advancing the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities through strong policies and continued investment in education and social development. Mission Alliance is honoured to be part of these ongoing efforts, working alongside the Government of Vietnam and the authorities of Can Tho City to promote greater inclusion and opportunity for all.
But inclusion means more than simply opening the school door. It means creating classrooms where children feel welcomed and valued. It means teachers having the skills and confidence to respond to different learning needs. It means families understanding the rights and potential of children with disabilities. And it means ensuring that young people are not left behind when they move from school into vocational training and employment.
These challenges require different sectors to work together, from education and health to families, communities, and employers.
Through the new project, Mission Alliance and its partners will work together to:
1. Identify and support children early and timely
Strengthen collaboration between health, education, and families to improve early identification and intervention.
2. Make inclusive education stronger
Equip teachers and schools with the knowledge and skills to meet the diverse learning needs of every student.
3. Create safer and more accessible schools
Support learning environments where children with and without disabilities can participate fully, safely, and equally.
4. Open pathways to a brighter future
Help young people with disabilities access vocational education, skills training, and employment opportunities—building greater independence and productive futures.
At the ceremony, Mr. Vo Hong Lam, Vice Director of the Can Tho Department of Education and Training, expressed his appreciation for Mission Alliance’s contribution to inclusive education and reaffirmed the department’s commitment to building a future where no child is left behind.
The event concluded with a call from Mrs. Tran Manh Thuy Trang, Head of the Division of Primary Education, for continued commitment and collaboration among participating schools and resource centres to turn the project’s vision into meaningful results for children and young people with disabilities.
The signing of the MoU marks the beginning of a new chapter—one built on partnership, inclusion, and a shared belief that every child has the right to learn, thrive, and realise their full potential.
