Children have the capacity for change

Hundreds of children in districts across the country celebrated International Children’s Day this week as World Vision, together with local governments, organized events in 17 districts.

Children took part in many activities, like question and answer sessions about child rights, singing, dancing,and performing a comedy about child rights. They also presented their own hopes and dreams for the future.

In northern Laos, World Vision’s programme in Pakxeng conducts celebrations every year.

Mr. Thongsing Xayyasouk, Deputy District Governor, District Implementation Management Committee said that,“Children’s Day is very important to children because they will be aware oftheir rights.The children in the community learnabout how to make life decisions. It shows that children are very active in participating in many activities in their community. They are not shy like before, but now like to share their ideas, especially the children from World Vision’s Child Club. And they have a chance to participate in meetings in the district, province, and in Vientiane.”

At the Pakxeng event, the governor, community members and children planted trees around Pakkang Primary School.

Lina, a 13-year-old girl shared, “I am very happy to have a chance to be part of the Children’s Day celebration because we want to show off our abilities after we participated in our Child Club. We dare to share our opinions in group discussions with adults. And we also know about child rights policies.”

“I am really proud of Lao children and their participation through the Children’s Club project that World Vision Lao started last year. Children are very active in all the activities. They are very creative. I feel encouraged that if we keep working with children, to build their capacity and provide them with an opportunity to raise their voices, they will be a very valuable resource for our country to develop and make Laos a better place for all,” said Vilasai Thommavaong, Child Protection and Participation Manager, World Vision Laos.

Mr. Thommavong said that everyone tells him – from community level to government level – that in just the past year, children have been improving in their capacity, confidence, and self-esteem.

One boy, Pamila, 12, represented his Children's Club, as well as other children in the community,to ask for help from adults to have a dialogue about protecting the environment. Another girl name Lina, 13, represented the group, presenting her hopes to have a computer and English teacher to help prepare them forthe future. Both Pamila and Lina are from Pakxeng.

These are just two examples of the strength of a child’s voice asking for a better community, a better future for children, and a better future for Lao PDR.

Mr. Thommavong concluded, “I strongly believe that if children participate more, they will be more protected and be inspired to do good for themselves, for their family, for their community, and for their country.”

World Vision Laos has a five-year road map that will establish and initiate Children's Clubs in all target villages. In 2019, there will be approximately 400 Children's Clubs in 25 districts.