Linking Buddhism-based charity and philanthropy to social work in the Vietnamese context
Social work development in the collectivist culture of Vietnam The development of Vietnamese social work is deeply rooted in the specific culture of Vietnamese people (K. C. Dang, 2011). Vietnamese people have maintained their cultural norms of collectivism and familism traditions (Nguyen M. D., 1985; Truong, 2015). The core values of the Vietnam’s traditional society can be listed as humanity, mercy, and community orientation (Dang, 2011; H. Nguyen, 2013; O. T. Nguyen, 2002). Different from the individualism of American culture (McGerr, 2005; Ross, 1992), community-oriented characteristics have contributed to social network and social support of Vietnamese …show more content…
This model is adapted from the original model for service delivery in mental health proposed by H. Nguyen (2013). In the proposed model, two main units provide social services, including Buddhism-based charitable and philanthropic organizations (informal social service units) and social work centers (formal social service units). Buddhism-based charitable and philanthropic organizations refer to Buddhist temples and charitable service centers which are undertaken by Buddhist temples or VBS. The link between the two units is shown by the four main functions: (1) intake, referral, coordinate services; (2) direct services; (3) training, education, information; and (4) community development, policy advocacy (H.Nguyen, 2013). Currently, each unit has carried out these functions independently (MOLISA, 2013; H.Nguyen, 2013). In order to improve the efficacy and effectiveness of social service delivery, we suggest in the model a mutual, cooperative partnership between the two units for joint functions. One of the first forms of the joint functions is that service staff from Buddhism-based organizations (Buddhist monks) and social work centers (trained social workers) both can conduct the intake of new clients, and then refer them to the other if appropriate. Furthermore, both units may develop joint interventions, such as a counseling service and treatment at Buddhist temples, based on mutual training and communication between both units. For example, social workers from social work centers can train Buddhist monks to provide counseling and treatment to clients using unique Buddhism-based mindfulness techniques. Similarly, Buddhist monks can teach social workers meditation techniques which they may apply to their clients at social work centers. In addition, Buddhist monks and social workers can work together to advocate for
Social work development in the collectivist culture of Vietnam The development of Vietnamese social work is deeply rooted in the specific culture of Vietnamese people (K. C. Dang, 2011). Vietnamese people have maintained their cultural norms of collectivism and familism traditions (Nguyen M. D., 1985; Truong, 2015). The core values of the Vietnam’s traditional society can be listed as humanity, mercy, and community orientation (Dang, 2011; H. Nguyen, 2013; O. T. Nguyen, 2002). Different from the individualism of American culture (McGerr, 2005; Ross, 1992), community-oriented characteristics have contributed to social network and social support of Vietnamese …show more content…
This model is adapted from the original model for service delivery in mental health proposed by H. Nguyen (2013). In the proposed model, two main units provide social services, including Buddhism-based charitable and philanthropic organizations (informal social service units) and social work centers (formal social service units). Buddhism-based charitable and philanthropic organizations refer to Buddhist temples and charitable service centers which are undertaken by Buddhist temples or VBS. The link between the two units is shown by the four main functions: (1) intake, referral, coordinate services; (2) direct services; (3) training, education, information; and (4) community development, policy advocacy (H.Nguyen, 2013). Currently, each unit has carried out these functions independently (MOLISA, 2013; H.Nguyen, 2013). In order to improve the efficacy and effectiveness of social service delivery, we suggest in the model a mutual, cooperative partnership between the two units for joint functions. One of the first forms of the joint functions is that service staff from Buddhism-based organizations (Buddhist monks) and social work centers (trained social workers) both can conduct the intake of new clients, and then refer them to the other if appropriate. Furthermore, both units may develop joint interventions, such as a counseling service and treatment at Buddhist temples, based on mutual training and communication between both units. For example, social workers from social work centers can train Buddhist monks to provide counseling and treatment to clients using unique Buddhism-based mindfulness techniques. Similarly, Buddhist monks can teach social workers meditation techniques which they may apply to their clients at social work centers. In addition, Buddhist monks and social workers can work together to advocate for