Highlands's young leader: Ho Thi Tang inspires change through action

At the Forum for the Children’s Rights Club and the Club of Leaders for Change 2024 held in Dong Ha City, a young girl from the highlands caught the attention of many delegates with her bright smile and confident spirit. Every time she addressed the crowd, all eyes were drawn to her. That girl is Ho Thi Tang, a ninth-grade student from Xy Primary and Secondary School in Huong Hoa District.

Ho Thi Tang (far left) discusses with peers during a Communication Skills Contest on the topic of adolescent reproductive health - Photo: T.L

According to Nguyen Dang Quan, Head of Student Activities at Xy Primary and Secondary School, Tang is one of the standout members of the school’s Club of Leaders for Change. Recently, she and her team secured third place at the provincial-level forum. Previously, as part of the school’s team, Tang won first place in a Communication Skills Contest focusing on adolescent reproductive health.

Currently, Tang is preparing for the district-level Science and Technology competition. "Tang is truly a role model in the Club of Leaders for Change at Xy Primary and Secondary School. She has undergone a remarkable transformation since joining the club and has contributed significantly to its activities," Quan noted.

Speaking about the recognition from her teacher, Tang expressed her excitement. She recalled her earlier years as a shy and self-conscious girl, a personality shaped in part by the challenges of her upbringing. Born into a large family in Xy Commune, her parents’ farming income could not adequately support the education of their five children.

Faced with financial difficulties, Tang’s older brother dropped out of school to assist the family. Despite his sacrifice, hardship persisted, and many mornings, Tang went to school on an empty stomach, dreaming of meals with meat and fish.

Nevertheless, these adversities never diminished her love for learning. In her village, Tang saw many young girls drop out of school, marry early, and face a life of struggle. Determined to avoid the same fate, Tang developed a passion for education. Over the years, she brought home certificates of academic excellence, becoming a source of pride for her parents and a role model for other families in her village.

Despite her academic achievements, Tang initially lacked confidence in herself. She hesitated to voice her opinions or act on children’s welfare issues. This changed when she joined her school’s Club of Leaders for Change.

Encouraged by her teachers, Tang attended her first meeting two years ago, with little expectation beyond fulfilling a school activity. However, she soon found herself captivated by the club’s engaging programs. Tang acquired valuable knowledge and skills through her involvement, transforming into a well-respected emcee and communicator.

“I realized that to inspire others, I first needed to change myself. Overcoming my shyness and paying more attention to children’s issues were my first steps,” Tang shared.

Empowered by her personal growth, Tang has since dedicated herself to helping her peers create positive change. In her community, adolescent reproductive health is often treated as a taboo subject. Many adults avoid discussing it, and some even turn a blind eye to cases of child marriage.

Recognizing the importance of addressing these issues, Tang became an active advocate in programs promoting adolescent reproductive health organized by her school and related projects. She worked tirelessly to encourage her peers to say no to child marriage and consanguineous marriage. Beyond school activities, Tang visited her peers’ homes to understand their challenges and offer support.

Through her relentless efforts in learning and community service, Tang has grown into a more confident and capable individual. She hopes to inspire other young people, particularly those in remote areas, to overcome their limitations and strive for positive change. Tang firmly believes that anyone can become a capable leader and a source of inspiration by first transforming themselves.

Hoang Nam