In early October 2024, CKC, along with nearly 10 partner organisations, had the opportunity to participate in a transformative training course conducted by the Australian Volunteers Program in Hanoi. This training was specifically designed to enhance the capacity of managerial staff in implementing sustainable governance and development practices, with a particular focus on updating and strengthening the Preventing Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment (PSEAH) Policy. The training program covered two primary phases:
- Identifying risks related to sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment, and
- Developing a tailored PSEAH Policy.
Following the training, CKC is committed to integrating the PSEAH Policy as part of a comprehensive set of protection and welfare policies in the workplace. Continuously reviewing and enhancing these policies is CKC’s responsibility in minimizing risks and fostering a safe, healthy, and sustainable work environment that meets current international standards.
At CKC, we are dedicated to implementing policies on Child Protection, Health and Safety, Environmental Sustainability (Green), and Quality Control.
For more information about CKC’s policies and initiatives, please reach them here.
Photo: Australian Volunteers Program
In celebration of World Vegan Day on 1st November, CKC is excited to announce that our project – ‘Beyond Veganism as an Environmental Responsibility and Sustainable Way of Living’ – has successfully secured funding from The Vegan Society. This Project aims to raise awareness about the connection between veganism, healthy living, and environmental protection while simultaneously supporting local vegan businesses. One of the exciting activities we will be undertaking is co-working with vegan businesses and local environmental organizations to create a digital map that showcases vegetarian cuisine in relation to environmental protection and sustainable lifestyles.
Exciting vegan activities are on the horizon! Get ready for a series of engaging events and initiatives designed to promote sustainability and environmental awareness in our community. Stay tuned for details!
Fuel Your Body with Plant!
Gatekeepers are typically people who hold authority or control over access to a specific group or population. They can be categorized into two types: formal and informal. Formal gatekeepers have an official role or position that grants them control, while informal gatekeepers possess influence through personal connections or social status. In social studies, the role of gatekeepers significantly impacts the accessibility of research within a community. Therefore, ethnographers may need to make a concerted effort to develop transparent and positive relationships with any gatekeeper associated with the study participants.
In our social research projects, local representatives such as village heads or group heads are gatekeepers who play a decisive role in the success of the research. Therefore, CKC prioritises contacting the local representatives directly once on site. In this process, CKC focuses on discussing the goals and requirements of the survey, including the sampling process and survey content as well as understanding the local context. Then, the local representative will assist the researcher in the following tasks:
- Selecting and mobilising individuals or groups that are representative of the population. With their deep understanding of the local characteristics, they are able to reach the right people and encourage active community participation.
- Supporting the research process by giving clear guidance and building the rapport between researcher and local participants. This is a vital task, as the trust of participants lies not only in their involvement but also in their confidence that the information they provide will be used correctly and confidentially.
- Verifying and clarifying the information provided by participants, ensuring the data collected is accurate and reliable.
In special research contexts, such as studies involving ethnic minority communities, local representatives often serve not only as gatekeepers but also as interpreters for focus group discussions and individual interviews. Their dual role helps facilitate effective communication and ensures that the research process is culturally sensitive and accurate.
The close collaboration between the research team and local representatives ensures the accuracy of the data and contributes to building long-term trust between the community and the authorities. As a result, the research outcomes not only accurately reflect the community’s needs and aspirations but also lay the foundation for the sustainable development of the locality.
(Vu Ngo)