Ethnic minority students change positively from the "Leaders of Change" activity

Equipped with knowledge and skills from the "Leaders of Change" club activities, students will be pioneers in changing perceptions, eliminating gender stereotypes, and spreading positive messages to friends, family, and the community.

Students in disadvantaged areas gradually change themselves

The "Leaders of Change" Club in Lam Dong was established in schools in extremely disadvantaged communes as one of the four basic models of Project 8 "Implementing gender equality and solving urgent issues for women and children".

At the end of 2022, Lam Dong Provincial Women's Union established a pilot model of the "Leaders of Change" Club at Gia Bac Primary and Secondary School (Di Linh district) with 30 members who are ethnic minority children from grades 6 to 9.

As the host of the club in the school, teacher Jo Nor Long Nhung said: in the early days of its establishment, the implementation of the club's activities encountered many difficulties. When first joining the club, many students were still shy, timid, and lacked the ability to present in front of a crowd; their knowledge of gender equality and self-protection skills were limited; the source of propaganda materials was not really rich, and the form of club activities was not diverse and attractive. However, thanks to the attention and facilitation of the school's Board of Directors and the Commune Women's Union, and the determination of teachers and students, the club has gradually gotten on track and is operating more and more effectively.

After 2 years, from a pilot model, the provincial Women's Unions have established 26 "Leaders of Change" Clubs in schools in particularly disadvantaged communes of 7 districts implementing Project 8, including Lac Duong, Duc Trong, Don Duong, Lam Ha, Di Linh, Dam Rong, Bao Lam, completing the targets of Phase I of the Project. With the support of the Lam Dong Women's Union at all levels, all clubs in schools are operating smoothly and effectively, attracting the attention and response of a large number of students and the community.

Communication on gender equality for members of the "Leaders of Change" Club at Dung K' No Secondary School, Lac Duong District, Lam Dong

Through research, it is known that at Chau Son Secondary School (Lac Xuan Commune, Don Duong District), in order for the "Leader of Change" Club activities to be exciting, attractive, and increase interaction, club members are also guided to participate in group discussions, play games related to specific topics, etc. After that, the club members themselves will be propagandists, transmitting the acquired knowledge to other students in the school. For some shy and reserved members, the club organizes some additional activities such as: self-introduction, storytelling or hosting programs according to topics, creating opportunities for students to express themselves, be more confident in communication, and actively participate in school activities.

Through activities, the Club has attracted pioneering students to change themselves, speak up and communicate about children's rights and responsibilities.

Each club member is the nucleus that spreads change.

Touneh Nai Khuyen - one of the 5 members of the Executive Committee of the "Leader of Change" Club of Chau Son Secondary School - shared: Before joining the Club, I was quite shy and did not dare to share my thoughts with friends and teachers. Since becoming a member of the Club, with the guidance of my teacher who is a presenter, Khuyen has become more confident in front of a crowd. He and his friends at school have boldly expressed their views and thoughts on social issues. In particular, thanks to improved knowledge and skills, I know how to respond properly to teenage issues such as: signs of puberty, the harmful effects of teenage pregnancy, skills to prevent abuse, life skills, the problem of early marriage and incestuous marriage, gender imbalance , etc.

"From the knowledge I have acquired at the club, outside of class, I also participate in promoting it to other students in the school. Although the work of the Board of Directors is very hard, I feel very happy and excited because I see the daily changes of my peers," said Touneh Nai Khuyen Khuyen.

"Leaders of Change" Club, Tan Van Secondary School, Lam Ha District, Lam Dong

From the actual activities, it is shown that the "Leader of Change" Club is both a useful playground and a place to share information, helping students in disadvantaged areas and ethnic minority areas gain more knowledge about age psychology, gender, and communication skills in family and school. Thereby, they will be pioneers in changing perceptions, eliminating gender stereotypes, spreading positive information and messages to friends, family, and the community, contributing to promoting gender equality and responding to gender-based violence in the locality.

Evaluating the activities of the "Leaders of Change" Club in the locality, Chairwoman of the Lam Dong Provincial Women's Union Pham Thi Anh Tuyet affirmed: "With rich and diverse activities, the "Leaders of Change" Club has contributed to the effective implementation of programs and policies related to children in Lam Dong province. Thanks to this model, ethnic minority students are equipped with a lot of useful knowledge and skills in life. The effectiveness of the Club's activities has, is and will help them profoundly change their way of thinking, learning, and working, gradually eliminating backward habits and customs in remote areas and ethnic minority areas".

Source: https://phunuvietnam.vn/lam-dong-hoc-sinh-dan-toc-thieu-so-thay-doi-tich-cuc-tu-hoat-dong-thu-linh-cua-su-thay-doi-20241031074846697.htm