Youth Voices from Vietnam

Reflections from Huỳnh Kim Phụng

Yesterday, August 16th, 2024, I had the pleasure of joining a group of enthusiastic students from the Community Engagement Center at the University of Economics and Finance, Ho Chi Minh City. The workshop aimed to foster connections and build self-belief among the participants while introducing them to the core principles of Play for Peace®.

Twenty students, each involved in various community projects, gathered to learn and share. These students work directly with a diverse range of individuals, including other students, children, and caretakers at social organizations.

Their feedback was truly inspiring. For instance, Truong Quoc Huynh shared, "I believe these activities can be applied to strengthen team cohesion. I'm eager to explore ways to make our new members feel welcome and valued from the very beginning".

Le Hong Anh added, "The trust-building games are particularly useful for welcoming new members to our team after our upcoming recruitment. It's a great way to foster a sense of belonging and mutual trust"

Huynh Minh Thu, a volunteer tutor and life skills trainer for disadvantaged children, expressed, "This workshop has brought us closer together. I've gained new perspectives on trust, both self-trust and trust in others. It's not just about having fun; it's about learning to spread love and joy to those around us."

Dang Thi Van Dung, who works on the Sketchnote For Good project, shared, "I've previously participated in a Play for Peace workshop (hosted by

Swati Bhatt and Agyatmitra Sifar in June 2023 and have successfully applied the games in my projects with disadvantaged children in Cau Kho Ward. Each time, I learn something new, such as the trust-building game. I've also learned how to adapt games to suit the needs and context of different groups"

Mai Thi Thuy Nga added, "I believe these games can be adapted for people of all ages, depending on the specific goals. The creativity involved in designing games and incorporating specific messages is truly inspiring. It helps us to see issues from different perspectives and make more informed decisions".