Embassy of Japan and Plan International Japan support gender equality education for children in mountainous areas

On March 25 in Hanoi, the Embassy of Japan in Vietnam held a signing ceremony of a non-refundable aid contract for a joint project with the non-governmental organization Plan International Japan. The project is called “Improving the learning environment from a gender equality perspective in primary and secondary schools in Ha Giang and Lai Chau provinces”.

The project will be implemented over 3 years (from March 2025 to February 2028), aiming to improve learning conditions for children in Meo Vac and Yen Minh districts (Ha Giang province) and Sin Ho district (Lai Chau province). These are mountainous areas with a large number of ethnic minority students, with many limitations in educational facilities and gender awareness.

Signing ceremony of the non-refundable aid contract between the Embassy of Japan in Vietnam and the non-governmental organization Plan International Japan. (Photo: Mai Anh)

With a total budget of over 250 million Japanese yen (about 42.4 billion VND), the project is expected to provide children with a learning environment that is consistent with a gender equality perspective and reinforces correct knowledge about reproductive health and rights. In the first year (from March 2025 to February 2026), the project will be implemented with a budget of about 15.7 billion VND.

The project’s key activities include: improving facilities such as building and repairing dormitories, counseling rooms, and medical corners; enhancing the capacity of teachers and school health workers on comprehensive sex education; organizing training courses and communication activities to raise awareness among students, parents, and the community about gender equality, reproductive health, and preventing harmful practices such as child marriage and early pregnancy.

Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam Ito Naoki. (Photo: Mai Anh)

Speaking at the ceremony, Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam Ito Naoki said that Plan International has implemented many projects in Vietnam, bringing practical results to children in ethnic minority areas. This project focuses on gender equality, helping children protect themselves and escape from long-standing bad customs. "In the context of students in mountainous areas still facing many difficulties, I believe that this will be an effective intervention model of a Japanese non-governmental organization to meet the practical needs of the community. I hope the project will be implemented smoothly, creating good results for children," said Ambassador Ito Naoki.

The Ambassador also said that, up to now, Japan has supported a total of 97 non-refundable aid projects through NGOs, with a total aid value of up to 45.2 billion yen. The Ambassador affirmed that the Japanese Government will continue to support Vietnam in areas such as economic development, infrastructure investment, human resource development, care for vulnerable groups in society, etc.

Ms. Yurie Mizukami, Program Manager of Plan International Japan. (Photo: Mai Anh)

Ms. Yurie Mizukami, Program Manager of Plan International Japan, said that this is the fourth project that Plan International Japan has coordinated with the Embassy of Japan in Vietnam to implement in Vietnam. This project will be implemented in 26 primary and secondary schools, with the goal of reaching and sharing knowledge with about 10,000 students, teachers, 3,680 parents and about 100 local officials.

The project’s unique feature is to encourage the active participation of students, especially ethnic minority students, in learning activities, communication and policy proposals. Children will not only be beneficiaries but also become the creators of a better learning environment, contributing to the promotion of comprehensive sex education in the locality.

"We are committed to making every effort to effectively implement the Project and hope to continue receiving support, sharing and guidance from the Embassy of Japan to complete the task in the best way possible," said Ms. Yurie Mizukami.

Source: https://thoidai.com.vn/dai-su-quan-nhat-ban-va-plan-international-japan-ho-tro-giao-duc-binh-dang-gioi-cho-tre-em-vung-cao-211689.html