Along with raising awareness for people, the Women's Union (Women's Union) of Quang Tri province pays special attention to children, especially girls in ethnic minority and mountainous areas.
One of the models being implemented to create a safe environment and promote children's participation is the "Lover of Change" Club. This is an important intervention model of Project 8 "Implementing Gender Equality and Solving Urgent Issues for Women and Children".
Through the club's activities, children access knowledge about gender equality, skills to prevent violence and abuse, communication skills, express opinions and protect themselves.
The Quang Tri Provincial Women's Union has organized training classes to guide the establishment and operation of clubs; improve capacity for union officials, teachers, in-charge staff and related forces.
From the initial pilot model, to date, the whole province has established 29 "Lover of Change" Clubs in primary and secondary schools in Huong Hoa, Dakrong, Vinh Linh, Gio Linh and old Cam Lo districts.
The Provincial Women's Union alone established 14 clubs with hundreds of members participating. Many localities continue to replicate the model in many schools, creating playgrounds for students to exchange, learn and improve their skills.
At clubs, children not only receive knowledge but are also encouraged to participate in exchanging and expressing opinions on issues that directly affect them such as school violence, early marriage, the right to education, play and development.
The Provincial Women's Union has organized communication campaigns at clubs and training classes to improve gender equality knowledge for students. Many activities have been implemented with the participation of students, teachers and the community.
The noteworthy point of the model is that instead of just propagating to children, Project 8 aims to create "changing nuclei" right in the young generation. When children understand their rights, know how to speak out against inappropriate behaviors, they have more ability to protect themselves and support their friends.
In addition to activities in schools, many clubs also organize exchanges, thematic activities, and communication on violence prevention, drug prevention, and early marriage prevention.
According to the assessment of the Quang Tri Provincial Women's Union, the "Leader of Change" Club model has created a useful playground, helping children to be more confident and proactive in sharing their thoughts with teachers, parents and friends.
From small changes in children's awareness, the model is contributing to building a safer educational environment, where girls in mountainous areas have more opportunities to develop, be listened to and respected.
