On the morning of October 3rd, the Vietnam Women’s Museum organized the event “Sunlight of the Highlands” at Phan Boi Chau Secondary School in Ia Hru commune, Chu Puh district, Gia Lai province. The event is part of the communication activities for Project 8, titled “Promoting gender equality and solving urgent issues for women and children,” led by the Vietnam Women’s Union.

The event was attended by leaders of the Women’s Union at various levels, local authorities, media agencies, as well as the teachers and students of Phan Boi Chau Secondary School.

Overview of the “Sunlight on the Highlands” event space.

The “Leaders of Change” Club is one of the model initiatives of Project 8. Since the beginning of 2023, the Women’s Union of Chu Puh district, Gia Lai, has coordinated with the district Department of Education and Training to launch two “Leaders of Change” clubs at Phan Boi Chau Secondary School and Kpa Klong Primary and Secondary School (in Chu Don commune), with a total of 368 students participating. After a few years of implementation, the club has become a valuable playground, helping students change their mindset and become “nuclei” in the efforts to eliminate gender stereotypes and “plant seeds” for gender equality. The “Sunlight of the Highlands” event serves as a communication activity aimed at inspiring and encouraging students to overcome difficulties and pursue their dreams, while spreading the message: “Women from ethnic minorities, embrace your confidence and take charge of your lives.”.

Mr. Ngo Duy Ung, Deputy Director of the Vietnam Women’s Museum, delivered the opening speech for the event.

Mr. Siu Y Be, a member of the District Party Committee and Vice Chairman of the Chu Puh District People’s Committee, spoke at the event: “The Leaders of Change Club has provided students with knowledge about preventing child marriage, reproductive health, and combating school violence through various interactive activities such as group discussions and role-playing. This has allowed them to express their voices, leading to changes in their attitudes, awareness, and behavior.”.

Mr. Siu Y Be, a member of the District Party Committee and Vice Chairman of the Chu Puh District People’s Committee, Gia Lai.

With the participation of over 600 students and teachers, this event provided an opportunity for ethnic minority students to connect with inspiring role models through the discussion “Confidently shine.” Two young individuals, Sung Thi So and H’Nen Nie, shared their stories of overcoming social prejudices and achieving success, reaching for their dreams. These narratives not only reflect resilience but also inspire students to realize that starting points do not determine everything; rather, determination and effort are the key factors that lead to success. Sharing with the students of Phan Boi Chau Secondary School in Gia Lai, Sung Thi So conveyed: “I want to tell my friends that education is definitely the only, sure, and fastest path to success. I hope you all will strive to pursue your dreams, always be confident, and shine in your own way. No journey is easy, but I hope that no matter what, everyone will stay persistent with their goals.”.

Ms. Sung Thi So, an ethnic Hmong from Yen Bai province, shared at the event.

Students from Phan Boi Chau Secondary School, Ia Hru commune, Chu Puh district, Gia Lai province.

Also within the framework of the event, the exhibition “My Dream,” organized by the Vietnam Women’s Museum, was introduced to the public and students of Bac Ha Secondary and High School. The exhibition includes two themes: “Where I Live” and “Wings for Dreams,” painting a picture of the current situation, barriers, and the aspirations of students at Bac Ha Secondary and High School (Bac Ha district, Lao Cai) and Phan Boi Chau Secondary School (Chu Puh district, Gia Lai), two schools in the targeted areas of Project 8. Accompanying women and children from ethnic minority communities, Project 8, along with many practical activities implemented across various levels of the Women’s Union, has been a strong support, amplifying the aspirations for development.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony to inaugurate the “Sunlight of the Highlands” exhibition.

Delegates and students visiting the exhibition.

Sharing at the event, Siu H Echi from class 7A1 said: “I am very happy that the event is being held at our school; for us, it feels like a festival. The insights shared by the older sisters during the event have provided us with great motivation.”.

Siu H Echi, a student from class 7A1 at Phan Boi Chau Secondary School, Ia Hru commune, Chu Puh district, Gia Lai province.

Together for the development of women and children from ethnic minority communities.