Championing Children’s Rights in Vietnam

Children’s rights are pivotal concerns in both international and Vietnamese law. Tran Minh Hai, a Master of Arts in Social Work, has dedicated the last 30 years to protecting these rights. His efforts have taken him across Vietnam and to 27 countries, implementing various initiatives designed to assist children.

Hai began his mission after high school. Having failed to gain admission to university, he relocated to HCM City to work, save money, and reapply for college. Despite his challenges, he wandered the streets to better understand the lives of others and developed a strong empathy for street children.

His journey took a new turn when he discovered a newspaper article advertising a position with a Swiss NGO seeking street educators. Seizing the opportunity, he applied for and secured the job, marking the start of his commitment to helping street children.

From 1993 to 1997, while leading a team of four social workers at the Cau Muoi Club (now Tre Xanh Home) in HCM City, Hai also pursued studies at HCM City Open University, focusing on women’s studies. During this time, he engaged deeply with neglected children in various local areas.

His friendly demeanor earned him the nickname ‘Hai CauMuoi’ among the street children. He would conversate with them, building trust by emphasizing their strengths rather than focusing on their challenging pasts. Through this relational approach, Hai gained insights into the children’s needs, which helped him and his team develop effective support strategies.

In 2000, Hai was awarded a scholarship for a three-month community development training course in the Philippines. After returning to Vietnam, he assumed leadership of Tre Xanh Home and initiated projects aimed at helping street children in HCM City, as well as conducting social skills training nationwide.

When asked how he engages children in steering away from street life and negative influences, Hai explained that he carefully observes their routines before approaching them, often meeting them casually at night. He builds rapport through these interactions, ultimately guiding them to supportive clubs and resources.

He invites children to participate in recreational activities at Tre Xanh Home, conveying the organization’s openness to assist and support them. By highlighting the benefits available, such as meals, bathing facilities, and educational resources, he encourages them to leave their destructive habits behind.

“We present various career options to the children through videos, allowing them to select paths that interest them,” Hai stated. “If they wish to pursue education, we facilitate their enrollment in classes.”

His work emphasizes providing job opportunities so these children can work and support themselves while reintegrating into society.

One success story is Phung Ngoc Phong, a former street child who, with Hai’s guidance, transformed his life. Once involved in criminal activities, Phong now owns a car garage in HCM City and actively runs a fund to support other street children.