Amos Tsang (4^th Year Speech Pathology student at University of Newcastle) reports on a recent visit to Vietnam on behalf of his colleagues (Joanne Henderson-Klabe, Darcy Rice-O’Connor, Madonna Mullins and Amylee Robertson)

 “In July 2018, as part the Speech Pathology Program at the University of Newcastle, my peers and I were provided with an amazing opportunity to engage with the community here in Vietnam. During our visit we participated in a range of community engagement programs such as volunteering at Hearing and Beyond, Kianh Foundation and Nippers at Da Nang. We also met with Sarah Day (an Australian volunteer with the Australian Aid program) and her colleague Dr Thuy at the Da Nang University of Medical Technology and Pharmacy.

Meeting with Sarah and Dr Thuy provided us with insight into the current state of Speech Pathology services in Vietnam and we were able to participate in one of the projects in partnership with the university. The five of us developed a brochure for warning signs in early childhood development with guidance and support from Sarah and colleagues. The brochure was separated into speech, language, motor and social-emotional aspects of development. This project presented some challenges regarding limited norms available for Vietnam, as well as insight into cultural understandings around disabilities, and cultural and environmental factors that impact families with children.

 It was interesting to gain an understanding of the current development of Speech Pathology services in Vietnam and the focus on increasing awareness of the role of speech pathology and the services they can provide families. We want to thank Trinh Foundation, Sarah Day, and the University of Da Nang for giving us a warm welcome and a wonderful opportunity to participate in speech pathology projects and learn more about Vietnam.”

See our Resources page for the brochure they developed.