Brighter Path program organizes the national Annual Empowerment Meeting for ethnic minority female students in Hanoi

From August 15 to 18, 2023, VinaCapital Foundation (VCF) and Vu A Dinh Scholarship Fund convene Brighter Path ethnic minority female students for the Annual Empowerment Meeting in Hanoi City. This is an annual event for the scholarship students of the Brighter Path program, which supports disadvantaged ethnic minority girls who excel academically. The program provides full scholarship support for 7 years (3 years of high school and 4 years of university) ensuring opportunities for the girls to continue their studies and pursue their dreams.

In the academic year of 2022 – 2023, the Brighter Path students finished their third year of university successfully and enthusiastically participated in social activities. As university graduation comes next year, this summer all the girls are actively participating in internships and different graduation preparation projects to get ready for the new chapter in their lives.

With the aim of celebrating a successful school year and to provide the girls with the best preparation for reaching the upcoming milestones, the Empowerment Meeting this year with the theme of “Proud to Shine” gathers the 49 scholars from all over Vietnam to attend a comprehensive 4-day program in the capital city of Hanoi. A series of workshops and cultural activities held over four days will give the girls opportunities to explore and appreciate the history of Vietnam, meet and learn from inspiring leaders and experts, and gain essential skills to prepare for career development and personal growth.

The workshop sessions covered the following topics soft skills needed for the 21^th century, career orientation, and how to avoid financial traps. The girls will visit historical locations including Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, Hoa Lo Prison Relic, Hai Ba Trung Temple, and Bat Trang Pottery Village to understand the thousand-year history of Hanoi’s heritage. At this year’s Empowerment Meeting, the girls will visit the Presidential Palace and meet with Madam Vo Thi Anh Xuan – Vice President of Vietnam to learn more about her journey, her commitment to Vietnam, and learn more about the government of Vietnam. With a strong belief in the young generation of the country, Madam Anh Xuan encourages all the girls to support the government in their endeavors, excel in individually and overcome adversity to contribute to their country.

A special Gala Dinner celebrating the students’ achievements marks the highlight of the Empowerment Meeting 2023 with exciting performances by the girls and “scholarship-awarding” for the next school year. The Gala Dinner is honored to welcome Madam Truong My Hoa – Former Vice President of Vietnam, Chairwoman of Vu A Dinh Scholarship Fund, Mr. Don Lam – CEO and Founding Partner of VinaCapital, Chairman of the Board of VinaCapital Foundation, Mr. Rad Kivette – CEO of VinaCapital Foundation together with many government officials, dedicated partners, and donors.

The goal of the Brighter Path program is to reduce poverty in ethnic Vietnam through education and training programs. The program began in 2010 and has provided 2,351 scholarships for disadvantaged ethnic minority students including fully-funded school scholarships, informal education, and essential skills training. The first group of scholars have graduated from university and college and are actively contributing to sustainable improvements in their local communities. The Brighter Path program affirms Vu A Dinh Scholarship Fund and VinaCapital Foundation’s commitments to build a more resilient Vietnam, a Vietnam where our bright ethnic female students are motivated to become strong and confident proponents of Vietnamese culture and economic growth in their communities, transforming their lives and the lives of others.