SCDI presents to readers the outstanding news of June 2026.

Celebrating Children's Day with children in the Breaking the Cycle program

In celebration of International Children’s Day, SCDI collaborated with our partners and volunteers to organize activities for children participating in the Breaking the Cycle program across Ha Noi, Hai Phong city, and Ho Chi Minh City.

Photo: Children in Ha Noi take part in the 2025 to 2026 school year-end celebration with volunteers from the Hyundai Jump School programme

Photo: Children in Ho Chi Minh City with gifts and letters mobilized by Goodera.

Photo: A joyful moment from the Children's Day celebration in Hai Phong

Children took part in games, performances, life skills activities, and end-of-school-year celebrations, while also receiving school supplies and gifts generously donated by our partners. These activities brought together children, families, volunteers, and partner organizations in warm and welcoming spaces where children could learn, play, and celebrate together.

Beyond marking International Children's Day, the celebrations strengthened connections among children, their families, volunteers, and our partners, fostering a supportive environment where every child is encouraged to grow and thrive.

Learning about trauma-informed care at SCDI

From June 1 to 3, SCDI welcomed professors from the Kent School of Social Work and Family Science at the University of Louisville to deliver a three-day training on trauma-informed care for our staff, volunteers, peer outreach workers, and representatives from partner organizations and social enterprises.

Participants explored trauma, adverse childhood experiences, resilience, and practical approaches that can support people experiencing vulnerability. The training also encouraged participants to reflect on their own wellbeing and explore strategies for preventing burnout while working alongside communities.

Photo: Dr. Andrew Winters introduces the concept of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs).

By strengthening knowledge and practical skills in trauma-informed care, the training supports more empathetic, respectful, and responsive community-based services across our programs.

SCDI reflects on the first half of 2026

On June 4 and 5, SCDI held our 2026 mid-year review meeting, bringing together colleagues from different teams and offices to reflect on progress made during the first six months of the year, discuss emerging challenges, and identify priorities for the remainder of 2026.

The meeting provided an opportunity to exchange updates across programs, reflect on lessons learned, and explore how we can continue adapting to a changing operating context while remaining grounded in our mission and the communities we work alongside. Team-building activities also created space for colleagues to reconnect and strengthen cross-team coordination.

Photo: SCDI staff share updates and reflections during the meeting.

Photo: SCDI team takes part in team-building activities.

The discussions and reflections will help guide our work during the second half of the year while reinforcing collaboration across the organization.

SCDI shares insights on building community networks at the Global Health Security Conference 2026

In June, SCDI participated in the 4th Global Health Security Conference in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where researchers, policymakers, practitioners, and organizations gathered to discuss approaches to strengthening global health security.

During the conference, we shared our community network's experience in Vietnam in a session on strengthening One Health surveillance through community engagement. We also exchanged experiences with partners from across the Greater Mekong region and beyond, while learning about innovative approaches such as the ALERT serious game, developed by CIRAD and PREZODE, which supports practical learning on disease surveillance and response through interactive, community-centered scenarios.

Photo: SCDI shares insights on building community networks at the Global Health Security Conference 2026 

These discussions reaffirmed the important role of community participation in strengthening local health systems and provided valuable insights that will continue to inform our work on community-centered approaches to health security and resilience.

Summer activities for children in the Breaking the Cycle program in Ha Noi

As children began their summer break, the Breaking the Cycle program in Ha Noi launched a series of club activities to provide opportunities for learning, recreation, and personal development during the school holiday.

Throughout June, children participated in the first sessions of the English Club and Music Club, with interactive games and group activities that fostered learning, confidence, and peer connections. Additional sports clubs, including football and badminton, are expected to begin in the coming weeks, offering more opportunities for children to stay active, develop their interests, and build friendships.

Photo: Kids in Hanoi participating in the summer English club

These activities help create safe and supportive spaces where children can continue learning, develop life skills, and connect with one another throughout the summer.

SCDI and partners strengthen coordination in implementing the VUSTA - Global Fund to Fight HIV/AIDS project

On June 23 and 25, SCDI worked with the project management unit of the VUSTA - Global Fund to Fight HIV/AIDS project and the Quang Ninh Center for Disease Control (Quang Ninh CDC) to hold a mid-year review meeting and working sessions with community-based organizations (CBOs) implementing project activities in the province.

The meetings provided an opportunity to review progress made during the first half of 2026, discuss implementation challenges, and identify priorities for the next phase of the project. SCDI and our partners also visited community-based organizations to better understand local implementation and explore practical solutions to strengthen community-led HIV interventions.

Photo: Mid-year review meeting of the VUSTA - Global Fund to Fight HIV/AIDS project

These exchanges helped reinforce coordination among project partners and community organizations, supporting the continued implementation of effective, community-based HIV responses in Quang Ninh.

Community donation campaign supports children and families in the Breaking the Cycle program

On June 27, SCDI partnered with Les Enfants du Dragon and the Mega Market, Tops Market, and GO! supermarket systems in Ha Noi and Hai Phong to organize a one-day community donation campaign for children and families participating in the Breaking the Cycle program.

Photo: Our charity booth at GO! Hai Phong

With strong community support, the campaign collected 840 essential items, including food, beverages, and household supplies. These donations will be distributed to participating families in Ha Noi and Hai Phong to help reduce daily financial pressures and support their everyday needs.

The campaign highlighted the value of community participation in creating practical support for children and families while strengthening collaboration between community members and partner organizations.