SCDI presents to readers the outstanding news of August 2026

Strengthening coordination on drug-resistant TB in Nghe An

On August 6 and 7, SCDI, together with local partners, organized a training that brought together healthcare workers, representatives from health facilities, and members of the Community System to End TB (CSET) to share updates on drug-resistant tuberculosis.

Alongside updates on treatment and management of adverse effects, CSET members shared challenges faced by people undergoing treatment, including difficulties related to distance, documentation, and access to healthcare. The exchange helped connect clinical knowledge with community experiences, supporting more responsive and accessible care for people affected by drug-resistant TB.

Photo: Members of the Community System to End TB (CSET) participating in the training session on MDR-TB.

SCDI learns about environmental pollution and the One Health approach

On August 21, SCDI staff joined a workshop on environmental pollution and the One Health approach with experts from the University of Malaya, Malaysia.

The session strengthened SCDI’s understanding of how environmental conditions can affect the health and wellbeing of different communities, particularly those already facing multiple challenges. These insights will support SCDI in considering environmental factors more systematically when developing and implementing programs, while exploring practical approaches that connect human health, animal health, and the environment.

Photo: Workshop on One Health and environmental pollutions delivered by Dr. Sumitra Ropini Karuthan, PhD Researcher in Public Health at the University of Malaya (Malaysia).

Breaking the Cycle news

Supporting children’s development and future pathways

Children and caregivers in Hai Phong learn about emotions and child development

The Breaking the Cycle program in Hai Phong organized sessions for children and caregivers on emotional wellbeing and children’s development. Children learned to recognize and respond to difficult emotions, while caregivers explored children’s psychological needs and ways to listen to and support them.

By bringing children and caregivers into the conversation together, the sessions helped strengthen understanding and communication within families. This contributes to the program’s efforts to create safer and more supportive environments where children can grow.

Photo: Children learned to identify and deal with difficult emotions through creative activities

Children in Ha Noi explore hospitality careers at Sheraton Hanoi West

Children participating in Breaking the Cycle program in Ha Noi visited Sheraton Hanoi West through a connection facilitated by KOTO. They explored different areas of the hotel, learned about the working environment, and heard about career opportunities and skills needed in the hospitality sector.

The experience gave children a clearer picture of possible career pathways and helped them see different options for their future. It also complemented SCDI’s ongoing collaboration with KOTO, which connects children with vocational training, career guidance, and opportunities to learn from real workplaces.

Photo: Children learned about working in the hospitality sector at Sheraton Hanoi West and explored possible career pathways

Children in Ho Chi Minh City explore identity and self-understanding

Children in Breaking the Cycle program in Ho Chi Minh City began a four-session series on self-understanding with the theme “I Understand Myself.” The first session, “Who Am I?”, encouraged children to explore their interests, strengths, aspirations, and other aspects of their identity.

For younger children, the activities focused on getting to know themselves and connecting with peers. Older children also reflected on their strengths and areas for growth, while learning to distinguish who they are from the circumstances around them. The sessions create space for children to develop greater self-awareness and build connections with others.

Photo: One of the interactive activities for the children during the session  

Children in Ho Chi Minh City explore vocational training with IECD Vietnam

Children participating in Breaking the Cycle program in Ho Chi Minh City visited IECD Vietnam’s vocational training facilities for French bakery and automotive maintenance and service. They explored the facilities, learned about training programs, met current trainees, and took part in practical activities.

The experience helped children gain a clearer understanding of different occupations and vocational pathways. For some, seeing the training environment firsthand also opened up new possibilities for their future, giving them more information to consider as they explore their interests and career options.

Photo: Children in HCMC visited ICED's training facility for automotive maintenance and service

Accompanying children and families as they prepare for the new school year

Providing school supplies to children in Breaking the Cycle in Ho Chi Minh City

Ahead of the new school year, the Breaking the Cycle program in Ho Chi Minh City provided school supplies to children participating in the program. The support helps children prepare for the new school year while easing some of the financial pressure families face during the back-to-school period.

Contributions from individuals and organizations in the community make these practical forms of support possible, helping SCDI continue responding to the everyday needs of children and families across program locations.

Photo: Breaking the Cycle team in HCMC delivered school supply packages to children

130 textbook sets donated to children in Breaking the Cycle in Gia Lai

Ahead of the new school year, SCDI received 130 textbook sets from the Fund for Supporting People in Difficult Circumstances (Quỹ Ủng Hộ Các Hoàn Cảnh Khó Khăn) for children participating in Breaking the Cycle program in Gia Lai.

The books will be sent to Gia Lai and distributed to children before the school year begins. Alongside providing essential learning materials, the contribution helps ease some of the costs families face when preparing children to return to school.

Photo: SCDI received 130 textbook sets for children participating in Breaking the Cycle in Gia Lai.

Pullman Hai Phong Grand Hotel donates books, school supplies, and toys to children in the Breaking the Cycle program

Ahead of the new school year, SCDI received books, school supplies, and toys from Pullman Hai Phong Grand Hotel for children participating in Breaking the Cycle program in Hai Phong.

The donated items will provide children with additional learning and recreational resources while helping families reduce some of the costs of preparing for the new school year. The contribution also reflects how continued collaboration with community partners can translate into practical support for children and families.

Photo: SCDI received the donations of Pullman Hai Phong Grand Hotel to children in Breaking the Cycle program.