The aim of the project is to modernize nursing and social work curricula, teaching and facilities in four higher education institutions in Vietnam and Nepal. Improving the situation of disadvantageous communities requires a multidisciplinary approach and proper tools for service provision. There is a demonstrated lack of human and material resources to implement a modern competence-based curriculum in the four institutions. As indicated by IBE-UNESCO, the agency of teachers and students needs to increase to equip learners with 21st century competences.The project establishes a holistic learning network between Finland, Norway, Turkey, Vietnam and Nepal. A multidisciplinary study module on people-centered services will be designed, implemented and assessed. Relevant curricula will be revised to express learning outcomes relevant to the world of work, and the assessment system will be renewed for better agency of teachers and students. E-learning and library tools will be integrated into the process, and intensive courses will be platforms for participatory action research data, later turned into text books. The innovation potential of local students and staff will be enhanced by targeted expert facilitation. Similarly, the ability to operate in EU projects will be improved. A diversified mobility program will complement the sharing of good practices between and inside regions.The DVINE project enables local institutions to take ownership that makes the design of further competence-based curricula a standard. The joint module can be developed further, but the enhanced institutional capacity at all levels will be the most sustainable outcome. Pedagogical guides, academic publications and a new library service concept will underpin the improved capacity in processing global information. Improved educational quality will enable the institutions to promote the dignity of communities and individuals.