HCA Danang learning product going forward Youth On! Hackathon Case Study

Through the organization of three seasons of the YOH in 2021, 2023, and 2024, in collaboration with the Danang Business Incubator (DNES) and VNUK, we have gained valuable insights into both successes and challenges. These lessons are crucial for adapting and improving future competitions. To capture and share these learnings, this case study was conducted from June to September 2024, serving as the first learning product. It involved not only UNICEF Vietnam as the lead partner, but also VNUK as the implementing partner.

Introduction

The Healthy Cities for Adolescents (HCA) Project, part of Da Nang’s Child Friendly City Initiative (CFCI), aims to transform Da Nang into a healthy, dynamic and child, adolescent and youthfriendly city with a strong focus on youth well-being and meaningful participation. While phase I focused on the overall health and well-being of adolescents, phase II emphasizes meaningful children and adolescents’ participation, aligning with the key principle of the global HCA program. This will be achieved through various approaches, including empowering young people to engage in decision-making via innovative and digital platforms. The project will be implemented by a consortium led by UNICEF Vietnam, in collaboration with the Da Nang City Authority and the VNUK Institute for Research and Executive Education (VNUK). Sponsored by Fondation Botnar and managed by Ecorys UK, HCA-II Da Nang aims to promote practical innovation, support technological advancements, and invest in digital transformation. 

Aligned with the Global HCA Strategic Goal 3: Harnessing digital transformation to support adolescent health and well-being—Youth On! Hackathon (YOH) was held in Phase I (2021) and Phase II (2023 and 2024) of the project. It also supports Da Nang’s CFCI Objective 3: By 2026, children and adolescents in Da Nang, especially vulnerable children, have equitable access to inclusive, quality learning, digital and transferrable skills development and opportunities for participation in a clean, green and safe environment. Aimed at fostering self-learning and creative research in Information and Technology (IT), YOH aims to provide a dynamic environment where young people could engage in programming, tackle creative challenges, and connect with likeminded peers. Through specialized training sessions and an intensive three-week programming contest, the event sought to nurture the skills needed to meet the growing demand for human resources in digital transformation.

VNUK, part of Da Nang University, was chosen as a consortium member for its expertise in youth training, events, and partnerships. Founded in 2013, the Institute’s focus on innovation, resilience, and compassion aligns with HCA Phase II’s goal of promoting youth participation in solving the city’s problems. They play a key role in delivering the YOH and U-Invents competitions for adolescents