News & Events

Lessons Learned from an Exchange Trip to Ireland by Pham Truong Son, Director of NPO Services

Earlier this summer, Irish Aid sponsored me and several other Vietnamese government and nonprofit delegates to participate in a workshop in Galway, Ireland, which focused on the disability law and the rights of people with disabilities. I also had an opportunity to visit two nonprofits in Dublin, which support people with disabilities: WALK and ActionAid.

The workshop included the sharing of experiences among three organizations addressing the needs of people with disabilities (one organization supported people with mental disability, one supported people with down syndrome, and the third was an association of people with disabilities). The workshop offered a chance to discuss with each other about activities and services, which are relevant to people with disabilities in Ireland.

In July, Mandala Night, provided an opportunity for skilled professionals to learn about opportunities to join a nonprofit's board of advisors. Five NPOs attended the event to introduce their organizations and an opportunity to become an advisor: Huynh Tan Phat Foundation, Ceporer Hoc Mon, SCD, CHANGE, and AWO.

The event was held in the Loft Café, which provided a cozy atmosphere for intimate sharing among nonprofits and volunteers
During the event, NPOs had an opportunity to meet, talk with, and obtain the contacts of potential candidates for their advisory boards. Meanwhile, professionals interested in joining a nonprofit board, had a chance to learn about five different nonprofits and learn about the requirements for becoming a Board member. Following Mandala Night, we received the following updates from the five participating nonprofits: