By Ngan Kim Nguyen, WV Vietnam communications

Children from around the northern province of Hung Yen gathered at a forum entitled “Children and goals for children” in July 2009. The forum aimed to raise awareness of child participation among the various national and local agencies represented at the event.

Through the use of pantomimes and plays, songs and fashion shows, 60 children aged 10-16 years old delivered their messages on five major issues affecting children, namely, education, health and nutrition, water and sanitation, leisure activities for children, and protection for children living in difficult circumstances.

One short play was acted without a word. It told the story of a homeless orphan attacked by two bigger boys who took all his money. Luckily, a group of students saved the boy and gave him a new shirt before encouraging him to go to school.

“My group is named Aspiration. Our message for this forum is child protection, and that we wish street children could go to school,” said Pham Thi Huong, a student of Grade Eight in Kim Dong District.

“This is the first time I have participated in this forum. I’m so happy and excited that I couldn’t sleep last night!”

“There are no parks in our district, so our team will ask leaders how children can have spaces to play,” said Bui Thanh Hai, a student of Grade Nine from Phu Cu District.

“This forum creates a chance for children to openly talk about what they think and to call for the attention of local authority. I’m very impressed with the students when they remind us that children are not only our country’s future but also the present. We adults should listen to children’s current concerns if we want them to have a good future,” said Nguyen Hai Huu, Director of the Department of Child Protection and Care, which falls under Ministry of Labour, Invalid and Social Affairs.

Messages delivered by children at the provincial forums will be sent to the national forum, which is scheduled in Hanoi next month

The forum was jointly organized by Hung Yen’s Department of Labour, Invalid and Social Affairs (DOLISA) and World Vision. Similar events took place in Hai Phong, Thanh Hoa and Ho Chi Minh City in mid July. The national event is organised by the Department of Child Protection and Care, in cooperation with Plan, Save the Children, World Vision and UNICEF.