Ethnic minority students experience positive change through the "Leaders of Change" program.

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

Students from disadvantaged areas are gradually changing themselves.

The "Leaders of Change" Club in Lam Dong , established in schools in particularly disadvantaged communes, is one of the four basic models of Project 8 "Implementing Gender Equality and Addressing Urgent Issues for Women and Children".

At the end of 2022, the 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 club's leader at the school, teacher Jơ Nơr Long Nhung shared that in the early days of its establishment, the club faced many difficulties. Many students were shy and timid when first joining, lacking the ability to present in front of a crowd; their knowledge of gender equality and self-protection skills was limited; the available materials for promotion were not abundant, and the club's activities lacked variety and appeal. However, thanks to the support and assistance from the school's administration and the Women's Union of the commune, and the determination of both teachers and students, the club has gradually become more effective.

After two years, starting from a pilot model, the Women's Union at all levels in the province has 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, and Bao Lam, completing the target of Phase I of the Project. With the support of the Lam Dong Provincial Women's Union, all school clubs are operating smoothly and effectively, attracting the attention and participation of a large number of students and the community.

Communicating about gender equality to members of the "Leaders of Change" club at Dung K' No Junior High School, Lac Duong district, Lam Dong province.

Upon investigation, it was found that at Chau Son Secondary School (Lac Xuan commune, Don Duong district), to make the "Leaders of Change" club activities lively, engaging, and interactive, club members are guided to participate in group discussions and games related to specific topics. Afterwards, the club members themselves act as communicators, conveying the knowledge they have acquired to other students in the school. For some members who are shy or hesitant, the club organizes additional activities such as self-introductions, storytelling, or hosting themed programs, creating opportunities for them to express themselves, become more confident in communication, and actively participate in school activities.

Through its activities, the club has attracted pioneering students who are willing to change themselves, speak out, and communicate about children's rights and responsibilities.

Each club member is a catalyst for spreading change.

Em Touneh Nai Khuyên – one of the five members of the "Leaders of Change" Club's steering committee at Chau Son Secondary School – shared: Before joining the club, she was quite shy and hesitant to share her thoughts with friends and teachers. Since becoming a member, under the guidance of her teacher who acts as the facilitator, Khuyên has become more confident in front of crowds. She and her classmates have boldly expressed their opinions and thoughts on social issues. In particular, thanks to improved knowledge and skills, they have learned how to appropriately address issues facing teenagers such as: signs of puberty, the harmful effects of teenage pregnancy, skills to prevent abuse, life skills, child marriage and consanguineous marriage, gender imbalance , etc.

"From the knowledge I gained at the club, outside of school hours, I also participate in spreading awareness to other students in the school. Although the work of the club's leadership team is very demanding, I feel very happy and enthusiastic because I see the daily changes in my peers," Touneh Nai Khuyen Khuyen expressed.

The "Leaders of Change" Club of Tan Van Junior High School, Lam Ha District, Lam Dong Province

From its practical experience, the "Leaders of Change" Club serves as both a valuable platform and a place for sharing information, helping students in disadvantaged areas and ethnic minority communities gain more knowledge about adolescent psychology, gender, and communication skills within the family and school. Through this, the students will become 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 their localities.

Evaluating the activities of the "Leaders of Change" Club in the locality, the Chairwoman of the Lam Dong Provincial Women's Union, Pham Thi Anh Tuyet, affirmed: "With its 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 much 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 doing, gradually eliminating outdated habits and customs in remote areas and ethnic minority communities."

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