From Uncertainty to Purpose: Kongmee's Journey of Hope and Leadership
"Before joining the Dare to Discover (D2D) activity, I had no dreams, no goals, and no idea what my future would look like. Today, I know who I am, what I want to become, and how I can contribute to my community."– Kongmee, 18, D2D Youth Participant
At just 18 years old, Kongmee, from Nakham Village, Xaybouathong District, Khammouane Province, has experienced a transformation that many young people dream of.
Born into a farming family with six members, Kongmee grew up facing the realities of poverty. After completing Grade 7 in June 2026, she found herself at a crossroads. Like many young people in her village, she was uncertain about what came next.
"In those days, I stayed home without any plans for my future," she recalls. "I did not know what I wanted to do or who I wanted to become."
Her story reflects the reality of many rural youths. Limited economic opportunities, financial hardship, and a lack of guidance often leave young people feeling trapped between unemployment and uncertain futures. Some leave their villages to seek work elsewhere, while others simply drift through life without a clear direction.
For Kongmee, everything began to change when she was invited by a community volunteer to join the Dare to Discover (D2D) Youth Activity.
Discovering Her True Potential
Initially, Kongmee joined simply because the activity sounded interesting and different from anything she had experienced before. What she did not expect was that it would completely change the way she saw herself and her future.
Through the D2D sessions, supported by the World Vision team, Kongmee explored topics such as self-awareness, personal strengths, dreams, purpose, and life planning.
"I learned that my life has value," she says. "I discovered my abilities and began to believe that I could achieve something meaningful."
One activity left a particularly lasting impression. During a session on dreams and aspirations, participants were asked to draw their future goals while listening to an inspirational song.
"That moment helped me imagine my future clearly for the first time," Kongmee recalls. "The music gave me hope and energy. It made me believe that my dreams were possible."
A Dream Worth Pursuing
Today, Kongmee has a clear vision for her future.
She dreams of becoming a professional beautician and opening her own beauty salon. More importantly, she dreams of creating a better life for her parents.
"My dream is to build a house and buy a car for my parents so they can live comfortably and happily," she says. "I know I can achieve this if I work hard."
What once seemed impossible now feels achievable because she has learned how to set goals and create a pathway toward them.
From Participant to Youth Leader
Dare to Discover (D2D) did more than help Kongmee discover her dreams. It gave her the confidence to step into leadership.
Soon after completing the program, she began volunteering at community events. During the International Children's Day celebration in her village, she helped organize activities and prepare meals for children.
Her confidence continued to grow.
In July 2026, she participated in training on nutrition, dengue fever prevention, and climate change awareness. Only days later, she took on an even greater challenge: leading a youth-led learning activity for 37 children in her community.
Standing in front of a group with a microphone for the first time was nerve-wracking.
"I felt excited and nervous at the same time," she says. "But after leading the activity, I felt proud. I realized that I have something valuable to contribute."
Through the experience, she gained confidence in public speaking, leadership, communication, and responsibility.
"Leading the activity made me feel that I have value and an important role in my community. It helped me become braver and more confident."
Creating Change Beyond Herself
The impact of D2D has reached far beyond Kongmee's personal growth.
She now shares what she has learned with her family and friends, openly discussing her dreams and encouraging other young people to think about their futures.
She actively supports community volunteers during children's activities and continues to serve as a positive role model for younger children in her village.
Most importantly, she demonstrates that change is possible.
A young woman who once lacked hope is now inspiring others to dream, plan, and act.
Looking Ahead
Today, Kongmee is focused on turning her dreams into reality. She plans to continue her education in beauty and cosmetology, build her professional skills, and eventually establish her own business.
Her journey is proof that when young people are given opportunities to discover their strengths and envision a better future, they can become powerful agents of change for themselves, their families, and their communities.
When asked to describe D2D in just one phrase, Kongmee smiles and answers: "Dream big and keep moving forward until you reach your destination."