Thiện Chí Centre for Community Support and Development
Thiện Chí is a registered Vietnamese non-profit non-government organization for training and social development. It was established in 2004 and was registered by VUSTA (Vietnam Union of Scientific and Training Association) in 2005.
Today, Thiện Chí operates in 3 rural districts; Đức Linh, Tánh Linh and Hàm Thuận Nam in the Bình Thuận province of southern Viet Nam. The Hàm Thuận Nam office is located on the outskirts of Phan Thiet, approx. 200 km from Ho Chi Minh City.
With an experienced and dedicated local staff, Thiện Chí currently delivers support programs aimed at increasing the capacity of those still living in poverty to earn a sustainable income, raising their standard of living and offering hope for a better future.
The close relationship between local village workers and Thiện Chí ensures those in need are identified and appropriate support provided. They listen to the needs of the community and implement relevant programs very economically.
Support programs include:
Education: As it is vital ALL children complete their education to break the cycle of poverty, Special Education Scholarships (A$250 per year) are provided to keep children from poor households at school. Working with schools & kindergartens Thiện Chí provides computers for primary schools, training for teachers in Inclusive Education and support for children with disabilities.
Microloans: interest free loans are provided together with technique training (mainly for women) to supplement the family income. Chicken, duck and pig raising is very popular with a high rate of success. Over 3,000 families participate in this program.
Health & Hygiene: Dental hygiene, eye screening, community training in health issues (incl. malaria, dengue fever, cancer awareness, etc). Installation of latrines, water treatment systems and housing are all supported to provide a more hygienic standard of living..
Other Programs include: Environment, Agriculture & Livestock, Gender quality and Women's Rights
Thiện Chí supports the activities for community development, based on the precept of Lao Tseu – Chinese philosopher
We encourage the poor communities to improve their capacity in solving their own problems
