Thiện Chí (i.e. “Good Will”), Centre for Community Support and Development, is a Vietnamese non-profit non-government organization for training and social development. It was established in 2004 and was registered by VUSTA (Vietnam Union of Scientific and Training Association) in 2005 and now has its own charter. Today, Thiện Chí operates in 3 districts; Đức Linh, Tánh Linh and Hàm Thuận Nam, in the Bình Thuận province in southern Viet Nam. While Vietnam has made great progress to reduce poverty there is still about 9% of the population in these districts of Bình Thuậnprovince who live in extreme poverty (less than US$0.58c per person, per day).

Thiên Chí is now working with approx. 2,580 (January 2021) extremely poor households. On average, 40 households “graduate out” of the list of the extremely poor each month. The process for one given household usually takes between 2 and 4 years. On average, the assisted households normally increase their income by 25% per year.

Thiện Chí has a dedicated, experienced and enthusiastic staff of over 23 employees delivering innovative support services in the areas of education, health, agriculture, employment creation to families who are living in extreme poverty. Working closely with community representatives and listening to the needs of local people, Thien Chi assesses local concerns and needs first hand. 69 village workers are employed part time and are a unique concept to Thiện Chí – they live and work in the villages and closely monitor the progress of all programs.

It is imperative that families receiving support are empowered to contribute to their own well-being and with this philosophy in mind, Thiện Chí aims to support, rather than merely provide.