VDIC NEWSLETTER
April 2006

Vietnam Development Information Center

Ground floor, 63 Ly Thai To, Hanoi

Tel: (84-4) 934 6845

Fax: (84-4) 934 6847

Email: info@vdic.org.vn

Web site: www.vdic.org.vn

 

Opening hours:

Monday through Friday

8am12am

1pm6pm

CONTENTS

·        News

·        Library

·        Selected new publications for sale at VDIC (starting April 2006)

·         Distance learning center events in April 2006 (not exhaustive)

News

 

Pre-MBA course to be offered by Korea Development Institute (KDI), School of Public Policy Management

 

Purpose of the course (1) To investigate if one interested in pursuing a MBA (2) To learn the basics of four keys business analysis i.e. (i) accounting and evaluation, (ii) finance, (iii) marketing and (iv) strategy.

 

Duration of the course: 2 months with first course starting June  2006.

 

Method of delivery: Blended learning methodology with self study via internet and 4-6 session lectures via video conference.

 

Certification: Participant who meets 80% of course requirements will be given graduation certificate by KDI and World Bank.

 

Cost: VND 2,000,000 for the whole course.

 

Registration:  Interested participant can contact VDIC Development Learning Assistant for further information and registration at nnguyen2@worldbank.org, tel.: 934 6600, ext. 706.

 

Free e-Learning Program provided by IFPRI

 

The IFPRI Virtual Learning Room is now launching a Global e-Learning Program designed to provide free e-learning opportunities for professionals around the world.

 

The Global e-Learning Program will initially comprise two separate e-learning courses on ‘How to Write a Convincing Proposal’ and ‘How to Communicate Scientific Research’.  The methods and materials for both courses were developed by experienced international specialists and were tested extensively in two successful pilot e-learning programs carried out in 2005.

 

Both courses will be on-line for 4 months during 2006. Participants can choose to take either or both of the courses.

 

For further information and registration for the courses, please visit IFPRI Virtual Learning Room at http://learning.ifpri.org/

 

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UNDP Human Development Fellowships 2006

 

Academic Fellowships

 

The Objective of the UNDP Human Development Fellowships for Asia Pacific (Academic) is to encourage young Ph.D. students from the Asia Pacific region to analyse development issues from a human development perspective, contributing to theories, applications and policies.

 

This is intended for PhD students who are at an advanced dissertation stage working on a topic related to human

development – theoretical, applied or policy-oriented. The idea is to push the boundaries of the discipline by

encouraging creative, high quality academic work.

 

Selection will be based on an assessment of written proposals not exceeding 2,500 words. A review of eligibility and an assessment of proposals submitted will be the basis for shortlisting. Shortlisted candidates may be   required to participate in an interview.

 

Applications should be submitted by 30 April 2006.

http://www.undp.org.vn/undp/docs/2006/fellow/academic.htm

 

Media Fellowships

 

The objective of the UNDP Human Development Fellowships for Asia Pacific (Media) is to support policy advocacy and communication of research in order to bring people to the centre of development debates. The aim is to encourage dissemination and advocacy on issues of concern to countries of the Asia Pacific region from a human development perspective.

 

This is intended to support mid-career professionals to communicate on human development themes in mainstream media. The theme for this year’s fellowship is, “International Trade and Human Poverty in Asia and the Pacific.”

 

Selection will be based on an assessment of complete application with proposal not exceeding 2,000 words, including a proposed budget, an estimated project timeframe (preferably 12 months or less) and a brief but concrete dissemination plan for the end product. Short-listed candidates may be required to participate in an interview.

 

Applications should be submitted by 30 April 2006.

http://www.undp.org.vn/undp/docs/2006/fellow/media.htm

 

AIDS ASIA e FORUM - Call for expression of interest - National  e Correspondents (NeC)

 

Volunteer National  e Correspondents (NeC) for AIDS ASIA e FORUM

(http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/AIDS_ASIA/)

 

AIDS ASIA e FORUM is an electronic FORUM for information and communication on HIV and  AIDS related issues in Asia Pacific region.

 

As part of the ongoing support to HIV and AIDS-related discourse in Asia Pacific region, AIDS ASIA e FORUM is calling for Voluntary National e Correspondents to join AIDS ASIA e FORUM TEAM to cover relevant local events and emerging issues on HIV and AIDS related issues  in Asia Pacific region.

 

The AIDS ASIA e FORUM Volunteer National e Correspondents will contribute to the FORUM by developing local perspectives from their own areas of work, based on their own local knowledge, experience and local language ability. This helps to encourage other FORUM members to contribute their own views and integrate local priorities and perspectives into national and international discussions.

 

How to apply to become  an AIDS ASIA e FORUM NeC?

Please contact Dr. Joe Thomas the FORUM moderator for a copy of the AIDS ASIA e FORUM National e Corespondents Job description.

 

If you are interested in becoming a Voluntary, National eCorrespondent (NeC) and working as part of AIDS ASIA e FORUM, then please send your brief CV  (not more than two pages)  and a brief note on why you want to become a VeC and what you can contribute to the HIV and AIDS discourse in Asia Pacific by email to: correspondents@iche.org.au

 

For more information, please go to http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/AIDS_ASIA/message/444

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Library

 

Display theme for April 2006 “Disadvantaged children and youth in Vietnam

 

In recent years, Vietnam has experienced rapid development, however some children and youth have not benefited from these recent developments and find themselves excluded, unqualified and/or disenfranchised from society. The result is disaffected children and youth with insecure futures.

 

To be disadvantaged creates the risk of children and youth not having access to, for example, housing, health care, and education. This may result in an individual feeling excluded from the community they live in, increasing urban migration and inability to participate or take social responsibility for their actions.

 

The display topic for April 2006 is Disadvantaged Children and Youth in Vietnam’’. It provides a glance at some essential issues disadvantaged children and youth facing such as lack of quality education, unemployment, and their participation in decision making. Selected materials relating to this topic were also exhibited for more information.

 

World Bank project in Vietnam “Primary education for disadvantaged children” – brief introduction

 

Over the last ten years Vietnam has successfully met its initial Universal Primary Education (UPE) goals. However, the country still has an unfinished primary education agenda in the provision of access to education for un-reached children and the improvement of education quality in the overall system. This unfinished agenda involves ensuring that all children have the opportunity to attend a school that meets minimum standards in terms of space, curriculum, materials and personnel qualifications.

 

With the approval of the World Bank funded project, it is expected that access to primary school and the quality of education for disadvantaged girls and boys will be improved. The project implementation period will be from late 2003 to the end of 2009. The project will be implemented in 195 educationally disadvantaged districts in 38 provinces.

 

Beneficiaries of the project include:

1. Children who learn at schools and campuses that do not have sufficient basic conditions or resources to provide children with quality primary education

2. Children who are from families that are not able to afford their children’s education for who are not able to complete primary education, generally including: a. Children in ethnic minority and isolated/remote areas; b. Children from poor families and localities; c. Children with disabilities; d. Street children. e.Working children.

 

Expected outcomes:

·          4,272 primary school sites and 14,902 satellite campuses will have achieved fundamental school quality level (FSQL).

·          Primary net enrollment will have improved from 81% in 1999 to 96%

·          Primary student completion (as measured by the grade 5/grade 1 ratio) will have increased from 72% in 1999 to 86%

·          Primary repetition rates will have fallen from 8% in 1999 to less than 3%

·          Primary school dropout will have been reduced from 12% in 1999 to less than 4%

·          Satellite campus teachers have a full set of texts for grades taught

·          Satellite campus students have textbooks for the appropriate grades

·          School – community linkages are strengthened.

 

More information about the project can be found at VDIC, or by visiting

http://web.worldbank.org/external/default/main?pagePK=64027221&piPK=64027220&theSitePK=387565&menuPK=387597&Projectid=P044803 

or www.pedc.org.vn.

 

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Selected resources on disadvantaged children and youth in Vietnam from VDIC library

 

#304.64 WAG. Wagstaff, Adam. Poverty and survival prospects of Vietnamese children under Doi Moi. Washington, DC: World Bank, 2002-04.

 

#305.23 DUO. Duong, Kim Hong. Street children in Vietnam: interactions of old and new causes in a growing economy. Hanoi, Vietnam: 2005.

 

#305.23 NGU. Nguyen Van Buom. Survey on the situation of street children in Hanoi. Youth Research Institute, 1996.

 

#305.23 STU. Terre des hommes Foundation. A study on street children in Ho Chi Minh City. Hanoi: National Political Publisher, 2004.

 

#305.23 STU. Terre des hommes Foundation. Nghien cuu ve tre em duong pho o Thanh pho Ho Chi Minh. Hanoi: NXB Chinh tri Quoc gia, 2004.

 

#305.23 UNI. United Nations Children's Fund Viet Nam. The children of Viet Nam 2000 - 2001: stories about Vietnamese children, the struggles they face, and what UNICEF is doing to help them.  UNICEF Viet Nam, [2001].

 

#305.235 SUR. United Nations Children's Fund. Survey assessment of Vietnamese youth / Ministry of Health and General Statistics Office; with technical and financial support from the World Health Organisation and United Nations Children's Fund. Hanoi: Ministry of Health, 2005.

 

#305.235 SUR. Viet Nam. Bo y te. Viet Nam. Tong cuc thong ke. To chuc y te the gioi. Quy nhi dong Lien hop quoc. Dieu tra quoc gia ve vi thanh nien va thanh nien Viet Nam / Bo Y te va Tong cuc thong ke; voi su ho tro tai chinh va ky thuat cua To chuc Y te the gioi va Quy nhi dong Lien hop quoc. Ha Noi: Bo y te, 2005.

 

#306.740597 CHI. Le, Bach Duong. International Labour Organization. Children in Prostitution in Hanoi, Hai Phong, Ho Chi Minh City and Can Tho: A Rapid Assessment. Geneva, Switzerland: International Labour Organization, 2002-07.

 

#331.31 ODO O'Donnell, Owen. Health effects of child work: evidence from rural Vietnam. CEIS Tor Vergata, 2004.

 

#339.46 WHI. White, Howard. Child poverty in Vietnam: using adult equivalence scales to estimate income-poverty for different age groups. S.l. Young Lives, 2003.

 

#342.087 ANA. Ministry of Labour, invalids and social affairs. UNICEF. Analyse and evaluation of legislation and policies on care and protection of children in especially difficult circumstances. Hanoi; Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs, UNICEF, 2000.

 

#362.1969792 HUN. Hunter, Susan S. The situation of families and children affected by HIV/AIDS in Viet Nam : a national overview. S.l.: UNICEF, 2003-08-30.

 

#362.709597 HUM. Salazar-Volkman, Christian. Nhung diem mo va thach thuc co ban voi phuong thuc lam chuong trinh dua tren co so quyen con nguoi cho phu nu va tre em o Viet Nam. Hanoi: Chinh tri quoc gia, 2004-08.

 

#362.76 MIC. Michaelson, Reina. Child abuse in Vietnam : summary report of the concept, nature and extent of child abuse in Vietnam. S.l.: UNICEF, 2004-01-31.

 

#362.76 MIC. Michaelson, Reina. Lam dung tre em o Viet Nam : bao cao tom tat ve khai niem, ban chat va pham vi cua lam dung tre em o Viet Nam. S.l.: UNICEF, 2004-01-31.

 

Upcoming display  for May 2006 “World No-Tobacco Day” – call for materials for display

 

VDIC is preparing for the May display on “World No-Tobacco Day”. If you have any resources on this topic (books, posters, URLs, seminars/workshop information etc.) or any ideas relating to this topic, please share with us.

Vietnam Development Information Center

Ground floor, 63 Ly Thai To, Hanoi

Tel: (84-4) 934 6845

Fax: (84-4) 934 6847

Email: info@vdic.org.vn

 

We are grateful for your cooperation and support.

 

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Highlights from the new additions to VDIC library in March 2006

 

#174 FRI. Friedman, Benjamin M. The moral consequences of economic growth / Benjamin M. Friedman. New York : Knopf, 2005.

 

#300.723 IAR. Iarossi, Giuseppe. The power of survey design : a user's guide for managing surveys, interpreting results, and influencing respondents / Giuseppe Iarossi. Washington, DC : World Bank, 2005.

 

#333.7932 GEV. Sargsyan, Gevorg. From crisis to stability in the Armenian power sector: lessons learned from Armenia's energy reform experience. Washington D.C.: The World Bank, 2006-01-01. Full text http://www-wds.worldbank.org/servlet/WDS_IBank_Servlet?pcont=details&eid=000090341_20060306130517

 

#363.739 ANH. Institute of Social Sciences of Vietnam. Anh huong cua o nhiem moi truong o mot so khu cong nghiep phia Bac toi suc khoe cong dong = Effects of environmental pollution in Northern industrial zones to community health. Hanoi, Vietnam: Nha xuat ban khoa hoc xa hoi, 2005

 

#338.04 WEE. Weeks, Julie. Women business owners in Vietnam: a national survey = Doanh nhan nu o Viet Nam: mot khao sat toan quoc. Hanoi: MPDF, 2006

 

#338.9579 WB. Ngan hang the gioi. Thuc day cong cuoc phat trien nong thon o Viet Nam: tang truong, cong bang va da dang hoa. = Accelerating Vietnam's Rural Development: growth, equity and diversification. [4 volumes]

Hanoi, Vietnam: Ngan hang the gioi, 2006-02

 

#361.61 BAO. Social Protection for the most needy in Vietnam = Bao tro xa hoi cho nhung nhom thiet thoi o Viet Nam. Hanoi: The Gioi, 2005

 

#364.1509597 WAN. Wang, Yi. Trafficking in women and children from Vietnam to China: legal framework and government responses. Quebec: Oxfam Quebec, 2005. Full text http://www.humantrafficking.org/countries/eap/vietnam/resources/pubs/2005/antitrafficking_program_vietnam.pdf

 

#382.92 NGU  Nguyen, Ba Ngoc. WTO: thuan loi va thach thuc cho cac doanh nghiep Viet Nam = WTO: advantages and challenges of Vietnam's enterprises. Hanoi, Vietnam: Nha xuat ban lao dong xa hoi, 2005

 

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Selected new publications for sale at VDIC (starting April 2006)

 

Globalization for Development: Trade, Finance, Aid, Migration, and Policy

by Ian Goldin , Kenneth Reinert [English] ; Published January 2006 ; ISBN:  0-8213-6274-7

VDIC Price: $10

 

?This book is essential reading for anyone interested in globalization and development. It provides important new insights and perspectives...and advances the debate by identifying urgently needed policy changes for a more inclusive globalization.?  

- Joseph Stiglitz, Nobel Prize for Economics, and Professor of Economics, Columbia University

 

Expanding Opportunities and Building Competencies for Young People: A New Agenda for Secondary Education

[English] ; Published June 2005 ; ISBN:  0-8213-6170-8

VDIC Price: $9

In a global development community where gains and successes are always hard-won, providing youngsters with a dynamic education that takes them from primary through secondary to tertiary education and beyond and that helps spur economic growth is surely one of the best investments a country can make, especially when it applies equally to girls and boys. The challenges facing developing countries and transition economies are twofold: to increase access to secondary schooling for all young people and, at the same time, to improve the quality and relevance of secondary education. These challenges must be met in the complicating but also potentially enabling environment of globalization and the technology-based knowledge society.

 

This book explores the key issues facing secondary education in the 21st century. Based on surveys of education specialists around the world, the ?tries and true? elements of the policy framework presented here will assist decisionmakers in developing countries and transition economies as they make plans to expand, reform, and transform their secondary education systems.

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Distance learning center events in April 2006 (not exhaustive)

 

April 20: The Corporate Sector and Disaster Management  - Discussion Session for Pilot Distance Learning Program

This session is organized in order to enlarge the circle of knowledge providers and practitioners in community-based disaster management in close collaboration with the corporate sector and to agree on a pilot distance learning program in this field.

 

April 24: The Second Learning Programme on Understanding Poverty from A Holistic View  - Session 2: Generating and Interpreting Data and Information on Poverty 

ASEAN member countries will, via this session, share experiences and learn from each other on what methodologies work and what don’t in generating accurate data and information on poverty and in interpreting the available data and what are the lessons learnt they obtained from the process.

 

For further information and updates on distance learning activities in April, please contact the Development Learning Assistant at nnguyen2@worldbank.org, tel.: 934 6600, ext. 706.

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Thank you for reading this edition of the VDIC Newsletter.

As always, we're here to serve your development and distance learning needs. Please visit us!

 

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please send an email to info@vdic.org.vn.

Vietnam Development Information Center
Ground Floor, 63 Ly Thai To Street, Hanoi, Vietnam
Tel: (84-4) 934-6845 | Fax: (84-4) 934-6847
Web site: http://www.vdic.org.vn/
Email: info@vdic.org.vn

We appreciate any comments or suggestions.