From Village to Lecture Hall to Learn “Code”

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On the day Xuc received her university admission letter and prepared to leave for Da Nang to study programming, the entire village was astonished. Relatives and neighbors could not understand why the petite young girl had chosen a field that seemed to be reserved for boys, instead of more familiar options for girls such as early childhood education or factory work.

Xuc is a sponsored child of Plan International Vietnam in Quang Tri. Her father passed away when she was just 13 years old. Since then, she gradually grew accustomed to the role of eldest sister, helping her mother manage the household and care for her three younger siblings. During her secondary school years, Xuc and her younger sister joined the Champions of Change (CoC) Club. The club’s activities, meetings, public speaking opportunities, and discussions about girls’ rights helped her become stronger and more confident in making life choices.

“I was deeply inspired by women working in scientific research and programming,” Xuc shared.

Xuc and the computer provided by Plan International Vietnam to support her studies. (Photo: Plan International Vietnam)

Through the “Girls in Tech” project implemented locally by Plan International Vietnam, Xuc was introduced to a scholarship opportunity in Programming. After passing the selection process, she is now studying in Da Nang. Each month, she receives a scholarship of 1,000,000 VND, along with 840,000 VND for dormitory meal expenses.

“Sometimes I skip breakfast before class, but I tell myself that not being too full helps me concentrate better,” she said honestly, then smiled, as if it were only a small effort along a much longer journey ahead.

Xúc’s choice once caused concern for both her family and the wider community. Yet she remained resolute: “This is my dream and the path I have chosen, so I will not give up.”

After participating in a parents’ club for families with 18-year-old children and engaging in activities designed to accompany and support their children, Xuc’s mother gradually overcame her initial worries. The family also received livelihood support through goat and pig farming models. On the first day Xuc left home for university, her mother pressed 1,300,000 VND, money earned from selling a goat, into her hand and told her to study diligently and strive for excellence.

Alongside her studies, the “Girls in Tech” project has connected Xuc with information technology professionals, provided learning materials, and offered career guidance to help her feel more confident on her chosen path. Now, the once timid young girl is nurturing plans to build a social media channel to share knowledge about programming and STEM education for girls, continuing to spread the inspiration she once received.

For Plan International, empowering girls is not only about opening access to education, but also about accompanying them so they have the confidence to choose and the determination to pursue their dreams to the very end.

Because when one girl dares to step onto a new path, not only does her future change - the entire community begins to transform as well.

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