Growing Up in Cities: Empowering Early Childhood Services in Da Nang, Viet Nam to Deal With Urban Barriers to Learning

This article, published in ARNEC Connections Issue 13 (2020), explores how rapid urbanisation affects early childhood development in Vietnam through the lens of the 'Communities of Practice Inspiring Teaching Innovations in the Early Education System' (CITIES) project, implemented by VVOB in collaboration with local education authorities. The project aimed to better understand the needs of young children growing up in urban settings such as Da Nang City and to strengthen early learning environments that support their well-being and inclusion.

The publication highlights participatory research findings on the challenges faced by families and teachers in urban preschools, including limited green spaces, environmental stress, and reduced child–parent interaction. It also showcases innovative pedagogical approaches — such as arts-based and experiential learning — that promote children’s resilience, creativity, and connection to their environment. The study contributes to policy dialogue on sustainable urban development and child-friendly cities in Southeast Asia.