Plan International Vietnam Provides Emergency Relief of 1.5 billion VND to Tuyen Quang
	Plan International Vietnam Provides Emergency Assistance in Tuyen Quang

Le Quynh Lan, Country Director of Plan International Viet Nam. (Photo: Plan International)

According to Le Quynh Lan, most of Plan International’s project areas are located in remote and mountainous regions and areas inhabited by ethnic minority communities. This naturally comes with certain challenges, from geographical conditions and infrastructure to coordination in project implementation.

However, from the very first days of operation, we have always received strong support and close cooperation from VUFO and the People’s Aid Coordinating Committee (PACCOM). Whenever Plan International develops a strategy or introduces a new cooperation direction, VUFO and PACCOM are always the first to connect and introduce us to local authorities, helping build trust and a solid foundation for cooperation programs. When difficulties arise during implementation, we also report back to receive timely support.

In 2021, in Kon Tum province, when Plan International encountered several issues during the extension of its operation license, VUFO and PACCOM directly organized a working delegation with Plan International to visit and meet with provincial leaders. The delegation conducted field assessments of the projects, acknowledged the positive impacts on communities, and thereby strengthened local authorities’ trust and created favorable conditions for the program to continue.

Speaking about Plan International’s journey in Viet Nam, Le Quynh Lan said the organization first operated in Viet Nam between 1954 and 1975 through a child sponsorship program in the South, supporting disadvantaged children and families affected by the war. After a period of interruption, in 1993, we officially returned under the name Plan International Viet Nam, accompanying Viet Nam in promoting child rights and gender equality.

Plan International’s long-term commitment to Viet Nam stems from shared development orientations, as the programs consistently align with the priorities of the Government of Viet Nam in ensuring child rights and sustainable development.

Today, Plan International focuses on supporting children and young people in remote, mountainous, and ethnic minority areas - where access to education, healthcare, and reproductive health services remains limited, and where children are especially vulnerable to natural disasters and climate change. In urban areas such as Hanoi, Plan International implements programs targeting migrant children and youth, giving them opportunities for education, vocational training, and community integration.

Plan International prioritizes supporting children and young people in remote, mountainous, and ethnic minority areas. (Photo: Plan International)

For Plan International, Viet Nam is not only a destination for development programs but also a source of inspiration and valuable practical experience to share with more than 80 countries where Plan International operates.

- Over more than three decades accompanying Viet Nam, which areas has Plan International prioritized?

Le Quynh Lan: Plan International has implemented programs in nearly 100 communes (across 30 districts in almost 20 provinces and cities nationwide) with a total budget of approximately 273 million USD. Our programs focus on areas directly related to children, including education, health, child protection, livelihoods and vocational training, disaster prevention and climate change adaptation, and promoting child participation.

One of the outstanding models we are proud to support is the National Child Helpline 111. Since 2004, Plan International has cooperated with the Viet Nam Committee for Protection and Care of Children to build a counseling and child support hotline. When it officially launched on 19 May 2004, Viet Nam became the 52nd country in the world with a child counseling and support hotline, backed by strong State commitment. In 2016, when the Law on Children came into effect, this hotline was developed into the National Child Protection Hotline 111. This is a unique model that connects social organizations, state agencies, and the public, contributing to timely detection, intervention, and support for children facing violence or abuse.

Plan International has also implemented the model “Safe, friendly, and equal schools” for more than 10 years. This model helps students, teachers, and parents create a positive, violence-free learning environment that promotes gender equality and mutual respect. We collaborate with the Ministry of Education and Training and local authorities to integrate positive discipline, school violence prevention, and enhance student participation in school life. The model has been replicated in many provinces and cities, becoming an effective approach to building physically and emotionally safe schools.

Students in the upland areas of Quang Tri perform a skit showcasing the results of the “Safe, Friendly, and Equal Schools” model. (Photo: Plan International)

The “Children’s Councils” initiative is another highlight, providing children with an official space to speak up and directly dialogue with local leaders about issues related to their lives. In Xin Man district (Ha Giang province), during a dialogue between the Children’s Council and district leaders, children proposed the need for playgrounds and safe swimming classes. Immediately after the meeting, district leaders allocated local budget to build playgrounds and support safe swimming programs for children.

Parallel to this is the model “Mock Session of the Children’s National Assembly” - a national-level initiative jointly implemented by Plan International and the Ho Chi Minh Young Pioneer Organization. Here, children sit in the Dien Hong Hall of the Viet Nam National Assembly building, taking roles such as President of the National Assembly, parliamentarians, or Government members, and conduct discussions, questioning, and voting just like in real sessions. The topics discussed stem from children’s concerns, such as online safety, digital welfare, or child protection in e-commerce.

The second Mock Children’s National Assembly session in 2024. (Photo: Plan International)

In 2023 and 2024, the recommendations made by children in these mock sessions were acknowledged and responded to by state management agencies. Viet Nam is one of the first countries in the region to successfully implement this model, with strong Government commitment in promoting child participation. Experiences from Viet Nam’s mock Children’s National Assembly have been shared by Plan International with 15 countries in Asia, becoming a model for listening to and empowering children’s voices in policymaking.

In addition, Plan International has implemented various livelihood models such as dried banana production, beekeeping for honey, passion fruit cultivation, and community-based tourism development. Each model is designed based on natural conditions, local resources, and actual needs of communities, reflecting Plan International’s long-term approach—respecting local knowledge and empowering communities to lead their own development.

A group of young women in Phong Tho district (former Lai Chau province) produces dried bananas — a livelihood model supported by Plan International that creates stable jobs and income. (Photo: Plan International)

- In the next 5–10 years, what are Plan International’s plans to continue accompanying children and communities in Viet Nam?

Le Quynh Lan: Currently, Plan International remains committed to promoting child rights and gender equality. In Viet Nam, we see new opportunities now that Viet Nam has become a middle-income country with increasing influence internationally. Viet Nam is no longer only an aid recipient but has become a development partner. This means that in addition to implementing domestic models, Viet Nam can fully share development experiences and knowledge with other countries at similar stages. Plan International hopes that Viet Nam will become a knowledge-sharing hub in the region on child rights, child participation, and gender equality.

Plan International will continue to uphold its mission of promoting children's rights and gender equality. (Photo: Plan International)

In the coming years, we also aim to strengthen cooperation with the private sector, particularly businesses, to jointly address social challenges with more innovative and sustainable solutions. Two priority areas for Plan International in the near future are digital transformation and climate change adaptation - major challenges requiring the involvement of government, businesses, civil society, and communities.

Thus, Plan International will continue its commitment to accompany the Government and partners in the journey for children, gender equality, and sustainable development - not only as a supporting organization but also as a long-term development partner. We believe that successful models and lessons learned in Viet Nam will become valuable experiences to share with other countries, contributing to equitable and sustainable global development.

- On the occasion of the 75th anniversary of VUFO’s traditional day, do you have any message you would like to send to the Union and those working in people-to-people diplomacy today?

Le Quynh Lan: Plan International is truly fortunate to have received profound support and close cooperation from VUFO and PACCOM throughout the past 30 years. On the occasion of the 75th anniversary of VUFO’s traditional day, we extend our warmest congratulations and heartfelt thanks to all those working in people-to-people diplomacy.

We always value VUFO’s role as an important bridge - connecting international organizations with Viet Nam, connecting cultures among peoples, and above all, connecting people. Thanks to this bridge, international cooperation programs, including child-focused programs of Plan International, have been effectively implemented, bringing positive and sustainable changes to communities in Viet Nam.

We believe that with its proud 75-year legacy, VUFO will continue to promote tradition, spread the spirit of peace, friendship, and cooperation, and help Viet Nam rise to a new position in the global development era, where friendship and human-centered cooperation remain core values.

- Thank you very much!

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