Young people and self-discovery workshops

One late afternoon at the end of the year, in a small pottery workshop in Ho Nai ward, Dong Nai province, a group of young people focused intently on clay blocks and paintbrushes. There was no loud noise, no mobile phones, only quiet conversations and expressions of concentration on every face. This scene has become familiar at many workshops, increasingly attracting the attention of young people.

Nguyen Thi Kim Anh personally crafts a Christmas tree during a workshop. Photo: Nhat Ha

Behind this boom is more than just a trend. These workshops also reflect more profound shifts in young people’s desire for learning and hands-on experiences, and at times serve as a space for “healing” in modern society.

Experiential and creative space

The couple Ha and Nhung (born in 2002, residents of Long Binh ward, Dong Nai province) chose to join a handmade pottery workshop together to celebrate the anniversary of their relationship. Instead of going out for a meal or a walk, this year they decided to craft a ceramic cup together, making their anniversary more meaningful. “Previously, neither of us had ever attended a workshop, so this time we wanted a new experience. Not only were we guided through the pottery-making process, but the finished product can also be taken home and used, serving as a reminder of the time we spent together,” Ha shared.

Workshops are often held on weekends to cater to young people who want to create their own pottery pieces, pottery enthusiasts, or simply those seeking a space to reflect and connect with themselves. With fees ranging from a few dozen to several hundred thousand dong, young people can join workshops on a variety of topics, including soft skills, artistic creativity, entrepreneurship, digital media, mental health, and personal development. Among these, art workshops attract a large number of participants, as they not only offer hands-on creative experiences but also allow attendees to take home their finished pieces as keepsakes. In reality, most young people attending art workshops do not necessarily have a background in or aim to pursue a professional artistic career. Some come out of curiosity, while others seek a “change of pace” after long hours of study or work. Yet, in the process of painting, molding clay, taking a photo, or writing a few lines, many discover that they are slowing down and listening to themselves more deeply.

Nguyen Ngoc My Uyen (born in 2002) decided to start a business with pottery and mosaic (tile art) workshops five years ago, after recognizing the growing demand for such workshops among young people in Dong Nai. My Uyen shared that after graduating from Dong Nai College of Decorative Arts, she continued to study pottery in depth and opened a pottery workshop to connect with young people who share a passion for this traditional art form.

 “In today’s fast-paced life, young people are increasingly interested in nurturing their spiritual life and personal development. Beyond studying and working, many have turned to art workshops as spaces for creativity, hands-on experiences, and emotional connection. Participants don’t need prior skills or knowledge of pottery; we provide guidance and inspiration, and the rest is up to them to create and explore. Once completed, the pottery pieces are fired and returned to their creators,” My Uyen said.

Self-discovery and community connection

With the festive atmosphere of the year-end holiday season, many workshops related to Christmas are held on weekends, attracting large numbers of young participants. These include workshops for decorating Christmas trees, painting, sculpting figurines, and making Christmas cards.

Unlike formal classes, workshops often provide open-ended experiences, where participants are not bound by rigid frameworks or pressured by performance. Many young people attend simply to “do something with their hands,” taking a brief escape from the fast-paced life and the stress of work.

Nguyen Thi Kim Anh (resident of Trang Dai ward) spent a weekend afternoon participating in a Christmas tree-making workshop. According to Kim Anh, she usually buys a small fresh tree each year to decorate her home for Christmas. This year, she personally crafted a Christmas tree, both to gain the experience and to relieve stress and pressure after a week of work.

Observations in Dong Nai show that workshops are now quite diverse, ranging from short, a few-hour experiences to multi-day intensive programs. Most participants are students, university students, and young working professionals. Beyond personal benefits, workshops have also become spaces for community connection. Strangers from different professions and age groups can easily interact, share, and empathize with one another through collaborative creative activities.

According to Nguyen Ngoc Tuan, Master's degree holder, Director of Nai House Co., Ltd., and Member of the Dong Nai Provincial Innovation and Startup Council, for many young people, workshops are not only places to learn skills and gain knowledge but also spaces to network and connect with others who share the same passions. Through each experience, participants learn to listen, share, respect differences, and broaden their perspectives on life. These workshops also provide an environment for young people to develop patience, creative thinking, and teamwork skills. Such creative spaces not only meet individual needs but also contribute to cultivating a dynamic, innovative, and culturally enriched younger generation.

By Nhat Ha – Translated by Huyen Trang, Minho