Da Nang Scaling Up Effective Models and Practices for Children and Adolescents
Da Nang, 23 January 2026 – The workshop “Scaling Up Effective Models and Practices for Children and Adolescents” held under the Child-Friendly Cities Initiative (CFCI) and the Healthy Cities for Adolescents – Phase II (HCA-II) Project, funded by Fondation Botnar and managed by Ecorys, was successfully convened in Da Nang. The event was jointly organised by the Da Nang Department of Health and UNICEF Viet Nam.
The workshop brought together 40 representatives from central and local government agencies and civil society organisations from Hanoi, Quang Ninh, Hai Phong, Lam Dong, Can Tho, and Da Nang, alongside more than 30children and adolescents from the newly merged Da Nang city. Participants reflected on the key achievements of the CFCI/HCA-II Da Nang Project during 2023–2025, while sharing experiences and discussing directions for scaling up effective models in the context of rapid and expanding urbanisation.
From Policy to Action for Children
In her opening remarks, Ms. Doan Thi Hoai Nhi, Deputy Director of the Da Nang Department of Health, emphasised:
“Amidst institutional restructuring and task transitions, Da Nang remains firmly committed to a child-centred approach. The models implemented under CFCI and HCA-II go beyond policy frameworks and have translated into concrete actions, delivering tangible improvements for children and their families.”
During the workshop, participants shared an overview of the CFCI/HCA-II Da Nang Project and reviewed progress across its core components, including:
- Strengthening child protection systems and enhancing the capacity of child-focused professionals;
- Improving access to health, nutrition, clean water and school sanitation services;
- Expanding green education, innovation and digital skills models; and
- Promoting the meaningful participation of children and adolescents in local decision-making processes.
Children and Adolescents at the Heart of the Dialogue
A key highlight of the workshop was three youth-led sharing sessions involving more than 30 adolescents from the Da Nang Children’s Council, the Adolescent and Youth Advisory Group (AYAG) of the HCA-II Da Nang Project, and student representatives from schools in Hoi An and Tam Ky (formerly) participating in the Green Citizens – Healthy Cities initiative. Through real-life stories and reflections, the young participants clearly articulated the barriers and needs faced by children in urban settings.
A representative from the Hoa Vang District Children’s Council shared:
“Many children want to express their views but feel hesitant to speak in front of large audiences. When discussions are organised in small groups around topics close to our daily lives, we feel more confident and truly listened to.”
AYAG members also highlighted that participation in training on peer-to-peer communication, youth leadership, critical thinking and creativity had strengthened not only their personal skills, but also their ability to support peers in engaging meaningfully.
“Activities such as photography, media production and Youth On! Hackathon allow us to tell our stories creatively and help adults better understand what adolescents truly care about,” shared one AYAG member.
Partnering with Civil Society and Community-Led Initiatives
Alongside interventions in environment, health and innovation, the workshop recognised creative and youth-driven approaches, notably communication initiatives directly designed and implemented by adolescents from the HCA-II Da Nang Project. The event also highlighted initiatives under the Green Citizens – Healthy Cities Project that integrate local culture and history as effective tools to foster the meaningful participation of children and adolescents.
A youth representative from the Green Citizens – Healthy Cities Project noted:
“When children learn about village history, familiar landmarks and the stories of our grandparents and parents, participation no longer feels like an obligation—it becomes a source of pride. We are more motivated to ask questions, propose ideas and contribute to preserving these values.”
Creative outputs developed by children and adolescents brought a fresh and inspiring perspective to the workshop, reflecting a harmonious interplay between traditional values and modern thinking. These products demonstrate that innovations linked to technology, culture and history can serve as powerful catalysts for meaningful child participation when thoughtfully designed and implemented.
This approach was highly appreciated by participants, as it broadened the understanding of children’s right to participation—not only within policy forums, but also in preserving community memory and shaping inclusive, people-centred urban identities. Creative products showcased alongside the workshop—from drawings and posters to communication videos—clearly illustrated the principle that children are not only beneficiaries, but active partners in development.
🤝 Scaling Up Models – Strengthening Partnerships
Speaking at the workshop, Ms. Le Anh Lan, Education Specialist at UNICEF Viet Nam, commended the proactive engagement of children and adolescents in Da Nang:
“What stands out is not only the number of activities, but the quality of children’s participation. When adequately supported, children are confident, creative, and capable of making meaningful contributions to city-level issues.”
She reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to continue working with partners to document, integrate and scale up effective models in the next phase of cooperation.
Towards an Inclusive Future for Children and Adolescents
At the conclusion of the workshop, participants agreed that experience sharing, cross-sectoral collaboration, and placing children at the centre are critical to sustaining and expanding CFCI and HCA-II models—not only in Da Nang, but across other localities nationwide.
While the workshop came to a close, it opened new opportunities for collaboration—moving towards a future where every child and adolescent is heard, empowered, and supported to reach their full potential.
