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Bringing Day Camp to children with neurodiversity in the Mekong Delta for the first time

date_range2026-09-30

In September, saigonchildren’s Special Needs Education Programme (SNEP) organised Mảnh Ghép Đa Sắc (A Mosaic of Colours), a Day Camp event in Cần Thơ City that combined volunteer training with outing activities for local children with special needs and their caregivers.

This was the first time such an event for children had been held by us in Cần Thơ, but saigonchildren’s work in the city began earlier to create opportunities for children with special needs and their families to access support similar to what is available in Hồ Chí Minh City.

Supporting children and families in Cần Thơ

In Cần Thơ, saigonchildren trains and supports partner centres to implement the Early Intervention model used in HCMC for children with developmental differences. Teachers and practitioners at the centres receive training in science-based early intervention approaches, including the use of play as part of children’s learning and development. They then apply these approaches in their day-to-day work with children.

This support also extends to parents and caregivers. They are guided on ways to support and provide interventions for their children at home, and have opportunities to join group mental support sessions. These gatherings offer a space to share experiences, connect with other families and learn more about supporting children in everyday life.

Alongside training, saigonchildren provides partner centres with equipment and other resources needed for children’s intervention and learning. This ongoing support also extends into spaces for children and families to play and connect, including this Day Camp.

From training to hands-on experience

Before the Day Camp, SNEP volunteers took part in training on how to organise activities and work alongside children with neurodiveristy, with a focus on safety, communication, appropriate interaction and ways to provide support during play-based activities.

The volunteers also took part in some of the Day Camp activities themselves. This gave them time to get to know one another, practise working together and prepare for their role alongside the children the following day.

The on-site day brought together children from saigonchildren’s Early Intervention Project in Cần Thơ, their caregivers, SNEP volunteers and volunteers from LEGO Manufacturing Vietnam.

A space where every child can participate in their own way

The Day Camp featured a range of activity stations focused on movement, creativity, exploration, interaction and LEGO, giving children different ways to play and experience the day. For children, play is also a way to explore, learn and develop skills. Also, a quiet corner was available for those who needed a break or a calmer space.

One distinctive feature of the event was the separate time and spaces for children and their caregivers. While the children listened to the “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” story, played musical instruments and made their own little caterpillar crafts with volunteers, caregivers had time to connect and chat while decorating photo frames with pictures of their children and adding heartfelt messages to take home.

While their caregivers were not beside them, most of the children explored the activities with support from the volunteers. Some joined in enthusiastically, while others needed more time to observe. A few chose to stay at a distance, watching what was happening and gradually becoming familiar with the space around them. Each child found their own pace and their own way to feel comfortable taking part.

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Mảnh Ghép Đa Sắc was a new experience for SNEP in Cần Thơ. The event created another opportunity for children to play in ways that suited them, while giving volunteers a chance to put their training into practice.

The Day Camp is also part of saigonchildren’s longer-term efforts to build a supportive environment for children with special needs and their families in Cần Thơ. Partner-centre staff continue to strengthen their professional skills, caregivers gain knowledge to support their children at home, and children have more opportunities to play, explore and connect. Together, these efforts help build a network of support that children and families can draw on at centres, at home and in the wider community.

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