Oxfam Quebec completing its programme in Vietnam

Oxfam Quebec completing its programme in Vietnam

Oxfam-Quebec has celebrated its over 20 years of work in support of Vietnam as it ends its direct implementation of programmes in Vietnam.

Photo source Oxfam Quebec in Vietnam

Oxfam Quebec is a member of the Oxfam confederation and will continue to contribute to Oxfam’s programmes in Vietnam via funding and expertise from regional and global levels.

The plan, which will take effect from March 2014, is part of a change by Oxfam around the world to increase efficiency and impact in its structure.

“Even though Oxfam-Québec will no longer be present in the country, our partners, other Oxfam affiliates and all actors involved in the development journey will continue their excellent work and win many more battles against poverty,” said Jacques Langlois, Oxfam-Quebec associate country director.

Oxfam Quebec opened its first regional office in Hanoi in 1991 to oversee its activities in Vietnam and Cambodia.

Over the years, Oxfam-Quebec focused on several areas of work such as livelihood and food security for people living in rural areas, especially ethnic minorities and women; gender justice through enhancing women’s leadership and economic empowerment as well as working on gender-based violence issues; prevention and protection of migrant workers and fight against human trafficking and labor exploitation; environment and adaptation to climate change and finally access to basic services such as education and health.

Andy Baker, Oxfam in Vietnam country director, said: “Oxfam Quebec has made a significant contribution to the Vietnamese successes in reducing poverty. We are now changing our ways of working in Vietnam to bring more focus to our operations and Oxfam Quebec will continue to be a part of that story, continuing to bring their experience, expertise and funding, but doing so through other parts of the Oxfam confederation.”

In 2011, Oxfam in Vietnam became one of the first Oxfam offices in the world to inaugurate a single management structure.

This has meant that the seven Oxfam affiliates present in Vietnam have come together and align their programming and strategies under one joint country strategy.

The joint programming and efficiencies from operating as one entity rather than seven has allowed us to focus on Vietnam’s development goals in a more concerted and impactful way.

So far, Oxfam offices in 70 countries are now operating under the single management structure.

In Vietnam, Oxfam is one of the leading international non-governmental organisations.

Today Oxfam works in 26 provinces with people, governments and civil society to promote equality and well-being through social and economic change.

By Bich Ngoc

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