Our Mission
Catalyst for Change operates as a nonprofit social enterprise, running revenue-generating businesses to fund programs benefiting society.
Unlike traditional charities relying on donations, our model provides sustainability through earned income. This financial self-sufficiency allows us to maintain autonomy in decision-making and social impact delivery.
We believe in breaking inequality barriers through human connection and inclusive access to transformative opportunities.
Our mission is to empower marginalized communities by building knowledge, skills, confidence and networks. We believe in breaking inequality barriers through human connection and inclusive access to transformative opportunities.
OUR MISSION
We envision a Vietnam where all people, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or geography, have access to education, skills, and resources needed to reach theirfull potential and uplift their communities.
OUR VISION
CHALLENGES
Women's Issues
Despite robust legal protections, women in Vietnam still face discrimination and limited economic and political opportunities. Over half of married women endure domestic violence, while bearing the majority of unpaid care and household responsibilities. Their voices often go unheard in decision-making processes, and female representation in politics remains low.
Similar to trends in the developing world, Vietnamese women are disproportionately affected by poverty, earning less and facing higher rates of unemployment and precarious work conditions compared to men. They are primarily employed in lower-paying sectors and informal roles such as migrant domestic workers and street vendors. Gender-based discrimination hampers their access to resources, education, and employment opportunities, perpetuating inequalities in the labor market. Socio-economic disparities persist as society assigns women lower status and expects them to shoulder unpaid care work alongside their participation in the workforce.
Education System
The link between education and poverty has become well known: higher poverty rates correlate with lower rates of secondary and tertiary education, while higher education increases the chance of escaping poverty. This is especially true for children forced to leave school to care for siblings or support their families, a common scenario in impoverished Vietnamese families. Common among impoverished Vietnamese families, this convention particularly affects young girls, whose education is considered less important than that of boys.
Financial constraints pose a significant barrier to education, with costs like tuition and supplies often out of reach for vulnerable families. This cycle perpetuates poverty, making it difficult for impoverished students to access or stay in school. In Vietnam, 80% of students from the wealthiest households are still in school by age 19, compared to only 20% from the poorest households. However, progress is also evident.