Amazin LêThi, founder of the Amazin LêThi Foundation (centre), Phạm Thị Huệ, representative of the Community-based Care and Support Centre for Health and HIV/AIDS Hải Phòng (left); and Dr Trần Thị Thanh Thuỷ, director of the Community-based Care and Support Centre for Health and HIV/AIDS Hải Phòng (right). – VNS Photo Khánh Linh |
HÀ NỘI — A leadership sports and education programme, the first of its kind in Việt Nam to train lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender youth and children living and/or affected with HIV/AIDS in the lifelong skills of leadership, wellness, mentoring and teamwork, was launched today’s morning.
The programme, which was jointly organised by the Amazin LêThi Foundation and the Community-based Care and Support Centre for Health and HIV/AIDS Hải Phòng, will take place in Hà Nội and Hải Phòng between July 24 and 30.
As many as 30 participants aging between eight and 20 will be selected to join the programme. Following seven days of participation, they will be expected to gain sustainable skills and confidence to benefit them on a personal and professional level, and be able to apply these skills in a community environment with young people.
Younger youths will be trained on what it means to be good and responsible citizens, to work with other groups and become fully integrated into society.
Amazin LêThi, founder of the Amazin LêThi Foundation, said as an orphan, she experienced homelessness, poverty and depression, which made her even contemplate suicide.
“I don’t want any youngster to experience what I’ve gone through. Via the Amazin LêThi Foundation, I want to inspire and help as many Vietnamese youths as possible to achieve their full potential in life,” she said.
Phạm Thị Huệ, representative of the Community-based Care and Support Centre for Health and HIV/AIDS Hải Phòng, said she has been living with HIV for the past 16 years and has experienced difficulties which many young people affected with HIV/AIDS face.
“I strongly believe in activities that can help these young people find their voice and equip them with skills to gain confidence, leadership, mentorship and teamwork.”
As scheduled, the programme will include two parts. One is focusing on educating LGBTQ youth develop skills through activities such as sports, workshops, lectures, forums, discussions, and motivated talks from businesses and leaders. The second is to help older youths mentor younger ones to develop skills they have learnt, mainly wellness, teamwork and to be good citizens. — VNS