After the "doi moi" policies in Vietnam, the country has certainly developed economically in significant ways, during the last 8 years. Now, the gap between urban centers and rural areas is quite distinct and evident. On the other hand, serious social problems have a definite impact on the poor in urban centers. Slums, big numbers of street children and lately increasing numbers of drug addicts have become a serious matter of concern. At the same time, groups of young Vietnamese volunteers are doing a wonderful work, with much difficulty, especially in the city of Ho Chi Minh.

Since 1992, Japa Vietnam cooperates and provides assistance to some "Volunteer Groups", and through them assists "Street Children", "HIV patients" and "Slum Leaders".