Innovating Youth Union and Youth Federation activities through workshops

In recent years, workshops have become an increasingly familiar activity among young people and within Youth Union and Youth Federation programs. According to Nguyen Tran Phuong Ha, Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Youth Union, workshops are no longer limited to one-way knowledge-sharing sessions; instead, they provide open spaces where young people can explore, engage in dialogue, and express themselves.

• In your view, what benefits does participation in workshops bring to Youth Union members and young people?

- Workshops offer numerous practical benefits for young people. Beyond equipping them with new knowledge and skills, they also provide opportunities for Youth Union members and young people to gain real-world experience, engage in two-way interaction, and strengthen critical thinking, teamwork, communication, and creativity. More importantly, through experiential activities, young participants can explore their own potential, define their personal interests and career directions, thereby nurturing passion and a lifelong learning mindset, which serve as key elements in a rapidly developing society that demands high-quality human resources.

• As for Youth Union and Youth Federation activities, do workshops serve as a “bridge” that brings the Youth Union organization closer to young people?

- Workshops can be considered an effective bridge. This format allows Youth Union and Youth Federation organizations to better connect with the needs, mindset, and trends of young people, shifting from an imposed approach to one of companionship, support, and guidance. When young people are given the opportunity to participate, express their voices, and demonstrate their abilities, they begin to see the Youth Union as truly their own organization, one that works for them, thereby fostering stronger bonds and trust in the organization.

• Recently, how have Youth Union and Youth Federation organizations across the province implemented workshops to create spaces for young people to experience and express themselves?

- In recent times, the Provincial Youth Union as well as Youth Union and Youth Federation bodies at all levels have proactively renewed their content and modes of operation through a wide range of practical workshops, such as scientific research workshops themed “Inspiring Inspiration - Sustaining Passion”, experiential booths at the “Uncle Ho’s Good Children” Congress, the “Career Stories” workshop, as well as grassroots creative activities including painting, pottery making, tree planting and handmade product creation. These models not only broaden knowledge and spark creativity but also provide an environment for children and young people to experience, contribute to, and grow, in line with the spirit of comprehensive education.

• Looking ahead, does the Provincial Youth Union have plans to organize similar platforms in the near future?

- In the coming period, the Provincial Youth Union will continue to identify workshops and creative experiential models as a key direction in Youth Union work and the youth and children movement. Efforts will be stepped up to organize platforms associated with innovative startups, digital transformation, soft skills, scientific research, career orientation, environmental protection, and sustainable development. At the same time, coordination will be strengthened with schools, businesses, experts, and social organizations to improve the quality, practicality, and reach of these activities.

All of these orientations are closely tied to the roles and responsibilities of Youth Union and Youth Federation organizations in youth development, aiming to foster a generation of young people with ideals, resilience, knowledge, skills, and a desire to contribute, meeting the demands of social development in the new stage.

•  Thank you for your insights!

By N.H – Translated by Dang Huyen, Minho