Promoting Rights of Disadvantaged Children and Adolescents in Vietnam

	Save the Children Enhances Education for 27,000 Children in Hai Phong and Dong Thap
	Save the Children's Project Brings Equal Learning Opportunities to All Children

From Self-Doubt to Self-Confidence

In August 2023, Nhu Phuong, a 15-year-old visually impaired student in Da Nang, was honored to be one of 188 children from across the country participating in the 7th National Children’s Forum in Hanoi under the theme: “Children participate in building a safe, friendly, and healthy living environment for children.”

It was the first time Phuong had attended a major event in the presence of government leaders, representatives of social organizations, and peers from all regions of the country.

“I was very touched and proud to express my opinion at the Forum. We directly asked the leaders about Braille books and reading programs for blind children. I was happy that my voice was heard,” Phuong shared.

Award ceremony of the “Our Voice” drawing contest in Da Nang, September 2023. (Photo: Save the Children)

Phuong and her friends also founded a small club where children with disabilities can meet, share experiences, and organize communication activities about children’s rights. “I want friends like me to understand that they have the right to speak up, to be respected, and to be able to do what they want,” Phuong affirmed.

Looking at Phuong’s confidence now, few would know she was once a shy child afraid of interaction. “When teachers lectured on the board and classmates read books, I couldn’t keep up because I couldn’t see. I had to learn Braille and memorize lessons through listening. The only way I could integrate with friends was through very simple things,” she recounted.

A profound transformation came when Phuong joined the project “Prevention of Physical and Mental Violence and Discrimination Against Children, including Children with Disabilities” (AVAC), implemented by Save the Children and local partners. Initially driven by curiosity, she gradually became engaged in creative activities such as the “Our Voice” camp, sports, and performing arts.

“Before, I only had a vague understanding of children’s rights, but the staff explained everything clearly and encouraged me to share my thoughts,” Phuong said. Not only did she change herself, but she also inspired other children with disabilities, helping them find their voice and believe in themselves.

Innovative Models Advancing Children's Rights in Vietnam

Nhu Phuong is not the only child benefiting from Save the Children’s initiatives. In 2022–2023, more than 400 children and 500 parents in Hanoi and Da Nang participated in training sessions and workshops on children’s rights. Through these efforts, awareness and action surrounding children's rights have continued to spread.

The organization has also collaborated with the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs and local Departments of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs to support the organization of children's forums at various levels and to implement effective dialogue models in schools. Notably, the District-level Children’s Council in Ho Chi Minh City has become the first of its kind in Vietnam, providing children with a platform to directly engage in dialogue on issues that affect them.

Save the Children has also extended its support to gender-diverse youth in Vietnam. Since 2019, with funding from the Norwegian Organization for Sexual and Gender Diversity (FRI), Save the Children has implemented the project “Gender-Diverse Youth Accessing Education, Healthcare, and Social Services” in Ho Chi Minh City, Can Tho, and An Giang. Over four years of implementation, the project has generated significant positive impacts in the community, empowering more than 1,112 gender-diverse youth and enhancing the capacity of 1,523 professionals, including social workers, healthcare providers, Women’s Union members, Youth Union officials, and government staff. The project has fostered shifts in perceptions of gender, expanded support networks, and promoted effective coordination and collaboration toward positive change for children and adolescents.

Launch ceremony of the Generation Hope application, December 2024. (Photo: Save the Children)

Meanwhile, the SHIFT model implemented by Save the Children encourages young people aged 15–25 to initiate and carry out campaigns for positive change. Based on this model, the Generation Hope app, a platform for youth education and creativity, was launched in December 2024. According to Le Duy Hung Thinh, Acting Director of the Center for Youth Communication (Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union Central Committee), “Generation Hope is a place where young people can bring their ideas and projects to life, connecting with organizations ready to provide support. This is not just a learning platform but also a creative marketplace where youth can unlock their potential and contribute to society.”

During the app's development and trial phases, the organizing team hosted nearly 50 discussion sessions and collected over 1,000 suggestions from experts, teachers, and students. The platform recorded nearly 102,000 visits and received 32 promising project submissions.

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