Journey to become a young leader
The On Demand Youth Leadership Program (ODYLP) 2025: Celebrating 30 Years of U.S.-Vietnam Relations is an initiative of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) and implemented by Legacy International. The program brings together 30 inspiring young leaders, including 16 from Vietnam (14 youth, 2 adult mentors) and 14 youth from the United States, to participate in a 3-week program starting June 20. Selection criteria are based on the potential for impact and ability to advance the common good within each candidate’s sphere of influence.
Overcoming many interview profiles, two young people Nguyen Dinh Duc Manh and Bui Ngoc Bao Chau (grade 11 English 1, Ha Tinh High School for the Gifted) have excellently become 2 of 16 Vietnamese representatives participating in this program.
Talking about the opportunity to participate in the program, Duc Manh said that this was an interesting result because he submitted his application quite late, when there were only 2 hours left until the registration deadline. Although the school had informed him about the program since January 2025, Duc Manh was still a bit hesitant. However, after carefully researching and realizing the meaning that the program brought, Duc Manh researched and consulted with seniors to gain experience in completing the application essay.
“This is a youth leadership program, so I brought my experience as the President of Shine Club - a place where students who love art can exchange, learn and show their talents - into this essay. In addition to writing an essay that is not too academic but shares experiences and experiences in the process of leading a club or group, I also focused on answering the questions correctly,” Duc Manh said.
In contrast to Duc Manh, Bui Ngoc Bao Chau was extremely excited about this program and she registered early. With her experience as the President of the CHT MUNC Club - the first and only United Nations Model Club in Ha Tinh, Bao Chau brought interesting colors to her essay.
Bao Chau confided: “Through research, I learned that the program will help us learn leadership skills to identify and find solutions to urgent problems in our country, learn how organizations solve community problems and promote community participation... Therefore, I chose the issue of gender equality to include in my essay to find appropriate directions for this issue.”
Spread national pride to international friends
Sharing about the special features of this year's program, Duc Manh and Bao Chau said that both will become young leaders representing Vietnam in a unique cultural exchange; develop intercultural dialogue skills through interacting with new friends in the United States; explore and solve global challenges, such as resource management, disaster preparedness and community resilience; design and implement community projects focusing on volunteering; dialogue and exchange with experts and famous speakers to discuss the leadership model based on core values, build skills and create positive change together...
The two young people have focused on three factors: language, cross-cultural communication skills, and the spirit of always looking for opportunities to carry out community projects after returning home. Combining these three factors will help them build international relationships, learn, exchange cultures, and make positive contributions to the international community.
“This is a great opportunity for us to confidently affirm the leadership role of young people, so we are determined to bring to the program the spirit of creativity, innovation and daring to accept challenges. I also believe that future leaders are fully capable of finding appropriate solutions to complex problems in society,” Duc Manh expressed.
Meanwhile, Bui Ngoc Bao Chau believes that the diversity of Vietnamese and American languages and cultures has created a rich environment where young people play an important role in promoting cross-cultural solidarity.
“Coming on this trip, I am ready to spread the Vietnamese national spirit by bringing along the national flag, Vietnamese cultural stories through souvenirs, and delicious specialties of my hometown Ha Tinh. I want to bring the image of Vietnam as friendly, open, and a friend to every country in the world,” said Bao Chau.
Ms. Kieu Thi Na (homeroom teacher of English 11 class, Ha Tinh High School for the Gifted) expressed: “Although only 17 years old, Duc Manh and Bao Chau are two students with excellent qualities, learning ability, organizational ability, and leadership. We are very proud and hope that the 2025 Youth Leadership Program: Celebrating 30 years of US-Vietnam relations this time will be a great opportunity for the two students to demonstrate their young leadership ability, and at the same time share meaningful community projects with international friends.”
Source: https://baohatinh.vn/hai-hoc-sinh-ha-tinh-tham-gia-chuong-trinh-lanh-dao-thanh-nien-2025-tai-hoa-ky-post286124.html
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