Children Voice at provincial forum in Thanh Hoa

Nearly 60 children took part in a provincial forum under the theme Listen to Children’s Voice held in the northern Thanh Hoa province from 8-10 July.

The young participants actively discussed their rights related to four main topics, namely the protection of children in especially difficult circumstances, solutions to ensure children’s right to participation, children’s education, and the provision of health care, safe playgrounds and injury prevention for children. 

The children conducted many activities in creative forms such as role-plays, presentations using drawings, camp decoration, and culture exchange to deliver their messages during the first two days.

“My friends and I feel mature when joining the forum as it gives us a chance to learn and interact with others. We learn a lot of necessary life skills and social knowledge. The event promotes our right to participation. We have gained more confidence and will try to learn better,” says Ngan, a girl from Yen Dinh.

Nearly 60 children took part in the forum. Many came from World Vision's working areas in Thanh Hoa province.

At the dialogue held at the end of the forum, the children raised their concerns to local leaders who responded openly and clearly.

Mr Pham Dang Quyen, Vice Chairman of provincial People’s Committee, spoke at the forum, “We need to listen to children when we are involved in planning children-related programmes. Leaders of all localities should prioritise lands for children’s welfare constructions. We need to allocate our budgets for child care, education and protection. Among those, funding should be focused on children living in remote and poor ethnic minorities, in families under preferential treatment policy, in poor families and  in especially difficult circumstances.”   

World Vision and local authorities jointly organised the event. The children came from Thanh Hoa city, Yen Dinh district and World Vision’s working districts including Nhu Xuan, Thuong Xuan, Quan Hoa, Quan Son, Lang Chanh, Cam Thuy and Ba Thuoc.

The children’s messages were submitted to higher leaders at a national forum, which took place on 5-8 August in Hanoi.

Vietnamese text and photos: Le Thi Ngan, Tran Pham Hien.