A 1-day Emergency First Aid Training was organized for all CKC members by the Vietnam Swimming & Lifesaving Company (VSLC) last Saturday (19 June 2021). The training covered first aid basics (scene assessment, priorities of first aid, reporting and hygiene) and the management of unconscious breathing causalities, seizures, non-breathing causalities (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation – CPR and Automated External Defibrillator – AED use), choking, burns, critical bleeding control and minor injuries. The qualification adheres to the latest European Resuscitation Council Guidelines (March 2021). All CKC participants will receive a two-year valid certificate granted by the UK’s Swimming Teacher’s Association.
The training is compulsory to all CKC members in accordance with our health and safety policy. As social researchers who frequently engage with diverse groups in different areas, particularly remote areas where unforeseen circumstances may occur but lack timely support, necessitating our capacity to make fast and appropriate decisions is crucial. The knowledge provided by VSLC is of great aid and confidence boosting for our future field research as well as in our daily life. CKC highly recommends VSLC for its high-quality health and safety courses well-tailored with specific needs of organizations and individuals.
Photo source: VSLC
Writer: Chi DUong
A community-based research training was successfully conducted by Center for Knowledge Co-creation and Development Research (CKC) on 24 April 2021. Research approaches, methods, and tools were introduced and practiced by participants who were women from lagoon communes of Quang Loi, Dien Hai, Huong Phong, Phu An, and Loc Binh. Representatives from the Commune People’s Committees also participated and provided locally-contextualised perspectives into the discussions.
Facilitated by Dr. Nguyen Quy Hanh, Senior Researcher of CKC and Dr. Le Vu Truong Giang, Writer from Thua Thien Hue Union of Literature and Arts Associations, the training is structured into two sessions. The theoretical session introduced to the participants methods and contents to approach local culture; processes and requirements for collecting information; compelling storytelling methods; and principles for research ethics. The participants had the opportunity to present unique stories about Tam Giang-Cau Hai lagoon through various creative forms such as drawing, singing, poetry reading, or storytelling. These exercises also gave the residents in the lagoon a chance to share their obstacles, potentials and aspirations to improve the local ecotourism industry.
The practical session engaged participants in practising research skills through a field visit in the Phuoc Tich ancient village. The participating groups obtained hands-on experiences in research by conducting in-depth interviews with the villagers to explore local values and cultures. The participants quickly grasped the training contents and formed early ideas for their research tasks, including recording stories, legends, poems, and historical knowledge in the lagoon in May 2021.
The workshop is the first component of the Project “Sustainable Tourism through Cultural Heritage at Tam Giang – Cau Hai Lagoon” funded by PT Foundation (Australia). It is hoped that, with their spirit of zeal and enthusiasm for the Tam Giang-Cau Hai lagoon, the participants will contribute positively to the preservation of local culture as well as the development of local ecotourism.
On 29th, 30th and 31st of March 2021, the kick-off meetings with local authorities and field visits for the project “Sustainable Tourism through Cultural Heritage at the Tam Giang-Cau Hai Lagoon” funded by PT Foundation were successfully organised in five communes, including Quang Loi commune (Quang Dien district), Dien Hai commune (Phong Dien district), Huong Phong commune (Huong Tra town), Phu An commune (Phu Vang district), and Loc Binh commune (Phu Loc district).
The meetings took place with the participation of the Director and the Project Coordinator of the Center for Knowledge Co-creation and Development Research (CKC), the Vice-Presidents of the five communes, the representatives of the Culture Offices, the representatives of the Women’s Unions, and the local women selected for the project.
CKC had the opportunity to define with the local authorities the objectives and operational plan of the project so that we can better align and work in close collaboration with the key stakeholders to yield the best results for the project.
During the meetings, the local authorities highly appreciated the CKC’s initiative and considered it as a positive sign for their potential industry – ecotourism. They also devoted themselves to the planning of the project and expressed their willingness to support and involve in the upcoming activities. Mrs. Tran Thi Nhan – Chairwoman of Huong Phong Commune Women’s Union shared: “The project is very consistent with the direction of local development, as sustainable tourism development that brings value to the community is in line with the Party Committee’s policy.”
The five areas of the project belong to Tam Giang – Cau Hai Lagoon, the largest lagoon system in Southeast Asia that retains a valuable cultural heritage. The places hold great potential for ecotourism development, for example the primeval Ru Cha mangrove forest, the pristine Loc Binh beach, the attractive Chuon Lagoon tourist area, the charming Ngu My Thanh fresco village or Sao hamlet – a rare floating fishing village of Tam Giang Lagoon.
The project aims to promote sustainable tourism by empowering women, thereby contributing to preserving and popularising the culture values through research, recording and using local culture in Tam Giang – Cau Hai Lagoon. The project was funded by PT Foundation and approved by the Provincial People’s Committee in the Decision No. 2910/QĐ-UBND on 16 November of 2020.
Chi Duong