Hanoi: the communication event "Our voices"

The song "Living Like Flowers" was performed by youngsters from SEED CENTER

The event is organised to raise the knowledge and awareness of children, families, and communities about children's rights, especially the right to participate and the right to be protected. Additionally, this is a chance for children with disabilities to demonstrate their abilities and a playground that connects children with different types of disabilities with their parents. The event attracted the participation of more than 150 people, including nearly 100 children with disabilities and their parents, representatives of groups, special education centres, vocational training institutions for children with disabilities, and several Associations of Children with disabilities in Hanoi. Furthermore, attending the event were Mr Dang Van Thanh, Standing Vice President, Vietnam Federation on Disability (VFD); Ms Dam Viet Ha, Deputy Director of the Action to the Community Development Institute (ACDC); Ms Mac Thi Thanh Tuyen, Project Manager of Save the Children Vietnam.

Ms Dam Viet Ha, Deputy Director of ACDC delivered the opening speech

In the opening speech, Ms Dam Viet Ha, Deputy Director of ACDC, shared: “Through the project, ACDC expects children with disabilities to be supported by competent social organisations and related associations to participate meaningfully in decision making and to be protected from any form of violence”. She also emphasised the need for the collective participation of organisations, society, government bodies, and other responsible individuals to achieve the goal of providing every child with a fair and advantageous environment in which to exercise their right to be heard, to express their abilities and interests, and to be outspoken.

Mr Dang Van Thanh, Standing Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Federation Disabilities (VFD) in his welcome speech for the event

In the welcome speech, Mr Dang Van Thanh, Standing Vice Chairman of VFD, highly appreciated the efforts and enthusiasm of all staff in raising awareness about children's rights. This activity will raise awareness of the community in implementing policies toward children in general and children with disabilities in particular so that they can express their rights and voice, demonstrate their abilities, and contribute to society. He stated that laws and policies have relatively adequate provisions to ensure children's fundamental rights, including those with disabilities. The provisions are recorded in Article 23 of the International Convention on the Rights of the Child, Article 35 of the Law on Children 2016, the Law on Persons with Disabilities 2010, etc. However, in practice, there are still certain shortcomings and limitations, especially for children with disabilities and disadvantaged groups who suffer numerous impacts from children's problems and disability or poverty. Therefore, he expects similar activities to be spread and replicated, through which children with disabilities can participate equally and fully in the community and society so that children are not left behind like the adage "Today children, tomorrow the world”.

The performance "We All Love Each Other" is performed in the Sign Language

At the event, children with disabilities can experience exciting activities such as cultural performances, quiz games with prizes, etc. Four amusement booths with their exciting features are managed by the Vietnam Autism Network (VAN); Vietnam Association of Parents of Deaf and Deaf Children; S.E.E.D Center; and Hanoi Medical University Student Volunteer Team. In particular, these areas are led mainly by children with disabilities and their parents' participation and support. Multiple movement and interactive games were organised to attract the enthusiastic participation of children. In addition, children with disabilities also participated in presentations and introduced their handcrafted products. Through this activity, the project expects the children to become bolder and more confident in expressing their voices and practising necessary skills when facing societal problems.

Fashion show performed by deaf children with the support of the Vietnam Association of Parents of Deaf and Deaf Children

N.H.A, a deaf child, shared: “I am extremely delighted to participate in this activity. I can perform the Ao Dai performance and have fun with friends. For me, the right to be protected is the most important.”

H.D, a child with intellectual disabilities, also shared the same thought: “I am happy to participate in activities. I believe the right to ensure physical and mental health is the most important. I want to participate in more activities like this.”

Ms Chu Thi Thanh Huong, President of the Vietnam Association of Parents of Deaf and Deaf Children, shared: “What impressed me most about the event was the appropriate activities, encouraging children's participation. At the moment, children's rights matters still do not have the full participation of children; thus, if similar events are held in the future, I would love to have more children participate so they can comprehend their rights.”

The event "Our Voice" is one of many activities AVAC project is expected to carry out from 2022 to 2024 in Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City. It is likely that in the coming time, the project will continue to implement plans to contribute to the State and relevant at all levels to enforce children's rights effectively, ensuring children's rights are fully implemented as committed, especially the rights of children with disabilities.